Industrial Design-Build Preconstruction Leader (Architecture & Estimating)

Industrial Design-Build Preconstruction Leader (Architecture & Estimating)

You’ll step into a lead role with a national, design-build general contractor focused on complex manufacturing work. From our Columbus, OH office, you’ll guide front-end planning, architecture, engineering coordination, and estimating for projects across Ohio and throughout the U.S. (with occasional work in Canada). Whether your background is industrial or commercial, if you love shaping projects before the first shovel hits the ground, you’ll feel right at home.

A day in the life

Your morning might start with a schematic site layout review for a new greenfield plant. By mid-day, you’re facilitating a value engineering workshop with internal estimators and outside MEP engineers. In the afternoon, you finalize a permitting plan, brief Business Development on milestones, and mentor a designer on improving a Revit model for takeoff accuracy. If requested by the General Manager, you may also step in to oversee smaller jobsite activities when a Project Manager isn’t continuously present.

Scope you will own

• Lead the full preconstruction lifecycle: schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration support.
• Meet with clients to understand objectives and translate them into pragmatic site and building concepts in partnership with the preconstruction team.
• Direct architectural progress and coordinate internal and external civil, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and specialty disciplines to produce estimating-ready documents.
• Prepare complete bid packages with internal design/estimating and outside engineers; drive alternative solutions and value engineering during the bid phase.
• Align preconstruction schedules with client expectations while coordinating closely with Business Development.
• Develop new subcontractor and vendor relationships; solicit and analyze multiple quotes to validate price reasonableness.
• Author and present budgets, scopes, project plans, and milestone schedules for leadership review.
• Review submittals from engineers and contractors; assess procurement data from Project Managers.
• Manage permit applications for sites and buildings; track reviews and secure approvals, including submitting Check Requests (Urgent Pay Requests) when needed.
• Provide on-site support for design changes after project start, including drawing updates, estimating, and government agency applications.
• Ensure consultant outputs (outside architects/engineers) are accurate and meet Hazama Ando standards.
• Convey critical information from preconstruction to operations—client requirements, quality expectations, budgets, and milestone dates.
• Stay current with safety codes and evolving industry standards; attend project meetings as necessary.
• Mentor, allocate work, and elevate the capabilities of the design and estimating team.
• When requested, supervise minor construction efforts when a PM is not continuously on site.

Reporting line, location, and travel

• Reports to: General Manager
• On-site in Columbus, OH
• Travel to project sites across the U.S. (and Canada when applicable)
• Projects primarily based in Ohio; paid mileage to job sites; per diem provided for out-of-state assignments

What you bring

• Deep knowledge of applicable building codes and regulatory agency guidelines and strong grasp of modern building practices.
• Proven ability to interpret client goals—balancing aesthetics, function, structure, and cost.
• Expertise reviewing and improving designs, plans, and specifications; sharp blueprint reading skills.
• Strength in orchestrating the work of internal and external technical professionals.
• Comfort executing complex written and verbal instructions; excellent written and oral communication with clients, contractors, and internal teams.
• Organized, analytical, and solutions-oriented; detail-focused with strong time management and the ability to multi-task.
• Leadership mindset with willingness to manage and mentor others; ability to travel as needed.
• Technical toolkit: Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, web-meeting tools; familiarity with PCs, plotters, scanners, and related office tech.
• Math competency: algebra, geometry, and basic arithmetic for takeoffs, estimates, and cost analyses.

Education & experience

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction, or a related field from an accredited institution, plus a minimum of 7 years in architectural planning and design and/or construction estimating.

Work environment & physical demands

• Mix of office and active construction site settings.
• Ability to walk sites end-to-end; climb roofs and stairs to gather design/estimating inputs.
• Bending, twisting, reaching; lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Sustained periods of sitting, standing, walking, climbing, stooping.
• Clear verbal communication and phone use; adherence to all safety instructions on site.

Proficiencies

• Leadership / People Management; Industrial Construction; Construction Management
• Plant Construction; Mechanical Design & Engineering
• Production Planning & Scheduling; Budgeting / Forecasting
• Blueprint Reading

Tools & platforms

• 3D Modeling: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360
• 2D Drawings: AutoCAD, SolidWorks

Compensation & benefits

• Salary: $120,000–$150,000 per year
• Health, Dental, Vision
• Up to 3% retirement contribution
• Paid vacation and sick time

Important employment notices

Full-time, exempt role.

Eligibility to work in the United States required including a valid driver’s license. Sponsorship unavailable.