Director of PreConstruction | Custom Homes

About the role

Director, Preconstruction | Custom Luxury Homes | San Francisco Retained Search represented by Wentworth Executive Recruiting. This is an exclusive CAREER opportunity with our firm. We are seeking a Director of Preconstruction to lead the estimating department, drive consultative sales, and serve as the strategic bridge between early design concepts and production. Position Overview As the Director of Preconstruction, you will be a key executive leader in our firm. You will head a department backed by 2–3 dedicated support staff members who handle technical quantity takeoffs and database inputs. This frees up your time to focus on high-level relationship management, architectural collaboration, preconstruction agreements, and department leadership. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical construction knowledge. A mastery of value engineering, and the sophisticated communication skills necessary to guide high-net-worth clients through complex financial decisions. Key Responsibilities Strategic Preconstruction and Budgeting (40%) • Architectural Collaboration: Partner with local architects during early schematic and design development phases to provide real-time constructability reviews and cost feedback. • Conceptual Estimating: Develop accurate early-stage preliminary budgets based on minimal drawings, helping clients navigate the financial realities of their design early on. • Value Engineering: Innovate creative cost-saving solutions that lower project budgets without compromising the architect’s aesthetic vision or quality. • Risk and Logistics Planning: I dentify long-lead materials, structural complexities, and site logistics well ahead of the construction handoff. Consultative Sales and Marketing Support (30%) • Close Preconstruction Agreements: Lead initial client interviews and presentations, turning incoming leads into signed, paid preconstruction contracts. • Architect Relationship Management: Act as a primary brand ambassador to elite architecture firms, securing repeat project referrals through exceptional preconstruction service. • Client Advisory: Serve as the trusted guide for high-net-worth individuals, managing budget updates and presenting material options with a sophisticated, professional approach. • Marketing Support: Work with marketing staff and external marketing firms to guide company branding, social media presence, and targeted outreach to new potential architects and design professionals. Leadership and Department Operations (30%) • Team Management: Lead, mentor, and maximize the efficiency of 2-3 existing preconstruction support staff members. • Process Oversight: Direct your support staff in running digital takeoffs, managing bidding software, and building out the subcontractor pricing database. • Trade Partner Networking: Cultivate relationships with high-end, specialized craftsmen and subcontractors capable of executing luxury-tier finishes. • Operations Handoff: Lead the smooth transition of vetted budgets, scopes, and schedules to the Project Management and Field Operations teams. Qualifications & Skills Experience 8–10 years of estimating or preconstruction management experience required. BA/BS in Construction Management or Business a plus, but not required. Proven track record in high-end, custom residential construction ($2M+ project scale). • Preconstruction Expertise: Strong mastery of conceptual budgeting, value engineering, and architectural plan reading before drawings are fully finalized. • Sales Acumen: Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills. Comfortable pitching to luxury clients and collaborating with creative architects. • Leadership Ability : Experience managing or mentoring junior estimators or assistant staff. • Tech Savvy: Familiarity with modern estimating and takeoff software (PlanSwift) along with standard project management and scheduling tools (Autodesk, Smartsheet, Excel, Bluebeam). • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; absolute comfort presenting complex financial breakdowns to non-technical clients and elite architects. • Analytical Mindset: Laser-focused attention to detail with the ability to spot missing scopes or design conflicts in early architectural phases. What We Offer • Competitive base salary of $150,000 – $180,000 plus performance-based bonus potential ($10k – 40k+). Based on experience. • Comprehensive health and dental benefits. • 401(k) • Paid time off and holiday schedules. • A collaborative, professional company culture with a strong local reputation. Employment Type: Full Time Years Experience: 5 - 10 years Salary: $150,000 - $180,000 Annual Bonus/Commission: Yes