Pre-Construction Manager

About Us

J. Benton Construction, LLC is more than a construction company—we are a team of builders committed to delivering exceptional project experiences while giving back to the Virgin Islands community where we live and work. Our mission is to be recognized as one of the leading construction companies in the Caribbean through an unwavering focus on customer service, quality, safety, and continuous improvement.   

Since 2019, J. Benton has been in a strategic partnership with Consigli Construction Co., Inc., one of the Northeast’s top general contractors. This collaboration allows us to leverage shared expertise, complementary strengths, and national-level resources to deliver best-in-class projects throughout the region.  

We are proud to call the U.S. Virgin Islands our home and to build projects that make a lasting impact on our community—while offering our employees meaningful careers with opportunities to grow. 

Position Description
 

The Pre-Construction Manager leads and manages all pre-construction activities from conceptual planning through project award and transition to construction. This role partners closely with executive leadership, project teams, clients, and design professionals to establish budgets, schedules, logistics plans, procurement strategies, and risk mitigation solutions. 

The Pre-Construction Manager plays a critical role in shaping project success, protecting profitability, and delivering a best-in-class client experience during the pursuit and planning phases. 

Key Responsibilities 

Lead all pre-construction efforts including estimating, budgeting, scheduling, logistics planning, and risk analysis 

Direct constructability, scope, and risk reviews to identify gaps, conflicts, and cost drivers 

Develop comprehensive project budgets, staffing plans, and execution strategies in collaboration with project leadership 

Manage subcontractor outreach, bid solicitation, evaluation, and buyout planning 

Lead value engineering and cost optimization initiatives while maintaining quality and performance standards 

Serve as the primary client representative during pre-construction and early project development phases 

Facilitate coordination meetings with owners, architects, engineers, and internal teams 

Support business development activities including proposals, presentations, and interviews 

Prepare and present project budgets, risk assessments, and recommendations to executive leadership 

Ensure accurate documentation and lead the transition from pre-construction to construction teams 

Essential Skills & Competencies 

Strong leadership, negotiation, and relationship management skills 

Excellent written, verbal, and presentation abilities 

High level of organizational and analytical capability 

Proven ability to manage complex, fast-paced pre-construction efforts 

Strategic thinking with strong financial and risk awareness 

Ability to influence multidisciplinary teams and external partners 

Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence 

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in high-stakes pursuit environments 

Required Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience 

Minimum of 7 years of experience in pre-construction, estimating, project management, or field supervision 

Demonstrated experience leading budgets, estimates, and procurement strategies 

Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and building systems 

Proficiency with pre-construction, estimating, and project management platforms 

Advanced knowledge of construction documents, contracts, and building codes 

Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting schedule and financial objectives 

Preferred Experience (includes, but is not limited to): 

10+ years of experience in pre-construction or construction leadership roles 

Experience leading complex commercial, institutional, hospitality, aviation, or public-sector projects 

Experience with CM-at-Risk, Design-Build, or Integrated Project Delivery 

Proficiency with Timberline, On-Screen Takeoff, Primavera P6, Procore, or similar platforms 

Experience supporting federal, territorial, or regulated projects 

BIM/VDC coordination experience during pre-construction phases 

Strong network of trade partners and market relationships 

Physical Demands & Work Environment 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

Ability to work in a combination of office and active construction site environments

Ability to walk and navigate active construction sites with uneven terrain, varying elevations, and changing ground conditions

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, and sun exposure

Ability to climb stairs and ladders as necessary to access work areas

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during site visits

Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)

Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods

Compensation & Benefits  

The base salary for this position is one component of J. Benton Construction’s total compensation package. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including a candidate’s skills, experience, education, relevant qualifications, internal equity, and business needs.

J. Benton Construction offers a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance:

Company paid Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (employee-only coverage)  

Paid Time Off 

Paid Holidays (12) 

401(k) retirement plan with company match  

Company paid Life Insurance 

Company paid Short-Term Disability 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

J. Benton Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer and federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We do not discriminate or retaliate against applicants or employees for discussing pay and provide reasonable accommodations as required.