Job Description

Pre-Design & Development Project Manager

Columbus, OH | Full-time, On-site | $140K–$170K Base Salary + Full Benefits

Our client — a growing, design-build focused construction firm — is actively seeking a Pre-Design & Development Project Manager to lead the early-phase strategy and coordination of industrial projects across the region.

This is a high-impact, strategic role that bridges the gap between business development, estimating, and preconstruction. You'll play a central role in evaluating sites, shaping project scope, and guiding early decisions that influence cost, feasibility, and constructability — well before the shovel hits the ground.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead site feasibility assessments, including zoning, permitting, utilities, and general buildability
• Coordinate early due diligence efforts such as drone flights, land use planning, and regulatory research
• Serve as the primary liaison between sales, estimating, and design consultants during preconstruction
• Lead and contribute to early-stage value engineering, design input, and conceptual scoping
• Develop and manage preconstruction schedules and coordinate RFP responses
• Guide internal collaboration across estimating, architecture, and engineering teams to ensure project alignment
• Facilitate a seamless turnover from preconstruction to construction delivery teams

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 7+ years of experience in construction, preconstruction, or development — ideally within industrial, warehouse, or manufacturing environments
• Proven ability to navigate early-stage project challenges including zoning, entitlements, and feasibility
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) strongly preferred ; Registered Architect also considered
• Strong communicator who can work cross-functionally and influence internal and external stakeholders
• Familiarity with design-build delivery models, early cost planning, and collaborative value engineering
• Proficiency in reading drawings, creating schedules, and contributing to strategic project planning
• Experience with tools like Procore or other preconstruction software is a plus

What’s Offered

• Base Salary: $140,000 – $170,000 , depending on experience and credentials
• Full benefits including health, dental, and vision
• 401(k) with employer match
• Company-paid life, disability, and AD&D coverage
• Generous PTO
• Direct visibility with leadership and long-term growth opportunities

Why This Role?

You’ll be stepping into a critical role that has long been under-supported — replacing a veteran who spent 30+ years shaping how the company evaluates and pursues projects. This is your opportunity to bring structure, strategy, and clarity to a seat that directly impacts which projects move forward — and how successfully they launch.

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