Director of Preconstruction Services
Wright-Ryan Construction, Inc., Portland, ME, United States
Wright-Ryan has been at the heart of Maine’s construction landscape over the past four decades, crafting spaces that endure. Beyond the blueprint, our team of dedicated professionals sees each project as a partnership in realizing our clients’ goals. From the initial stages through project completion, we provide insightful guidance, innovative solutions, and steadfast assistance. Spanning Commercial, Institutional, and Residential sectors, our firm thrives on diverse and engaging projects. We prioritize a close-knit community and supportive environment, essential to our success as employee owners. At Wright-Ryan, we take pride in our reputation and our role in shaping Maine’s great spaces.
Job Overview We’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking Director of Preconstruction Services to lead estimating, planning, and preconstruction efforts for complex commercial construction projects. As a key leader on our Commercial Projects team, you’ll help shape and deliver some of Maine’s most recognizable buildings across housing, hospitality, higher education, healthcare, and other growing sectors.
In this high-impact leadership role, you’ll guide projects from concept through handoff to construction, ensuring alignment between design, budget, and schedule while delivering exceptional value to clients. You’ll also play a key role in business development, team leadership, and driving innovation in preconstruction practices.
Job Responsibilities
Drive the development of conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and value-engineering strategies that empower clients to make informed decisions.
Provide constructability reviews and technical guidance to ensure designs are practical, efficient, and aligned with project goals.
Partner with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams to create clarity and trust from day one.
Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to cost, schedule, constructability, and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate on preconstruction schedules, phasing plans, and procurement strategies that ensure seamless project execution.
Play a key role in proposals, RFP responses, and client presentations, helping position the firm as a trusted partner.
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing preconstruction team while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Partner with leadership to shape and execute initiatives that advance organizational goals and strengthen preconstruction practices.
Education, Experience, And Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (required).
Professional certification preferred (CPE, PMP, PE, or similar).
10+ years of experience in commercial construction, with increasing leadership in preconstruction and estimating.
Proven success delivering large, complex projects from concept through construction.
Expertise in conceptual estimating, cost analysis, and value engineering.
Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and delivery methods (Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, CMAR) plus familiarity with codes, permitting, and regulatory requirements.
Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and negotiation skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.
Proven client relationship management and business development skills.
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Project management experience is a plus.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction tools (Sage Estimating, Procore, scheduling software).
Pay And Benefits As a 100% employee‑owned company, each employee owner shares in our financial success by receiving shares of company stock at no cost through our ESOP!
In addition to the many benefits of employee‑ownership, we offer competitive pay and a strong benefits package, including an annual bonus, 401(k) with company match, comprehensive insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and accident), paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities.
Wright-Ryan Construction, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non‑merit‑based factors or other status protected by law.
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Job Overview We’re looking for a strategic, forward-thinking Director of Preconstruction Services to lead estimating, planning, and preconstruction efforts for complex commercial construction projects. As a key leader on our Commercial Projects team, you’ll help shape and deliver some of Maine’s most recognizable buildings across housing, hospitality, higher education, healthcare, and other growing sectors.
In this high-impact leadership role, you’ll guide projects from concept through handoff to construction, ensuring alignment between design, budget, and schedule while delivering exceptional value to clients. You’ll also play a key role in business development, team leadership, and driving innovation in preconstruction practices.
Job Responsibilities
Drive the development of conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and value-engineering strategies that empower clients to make informed decisions.
Provide constructability reviews and technical guidance to ensure designs are practical, efficient, and aligned with project goals.
Partner with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams to create clarity and trust from day one.
Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to cost, schedule, constructability, and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate on preconstruction schedules, phasing plans, and procurement strategies that ensure seamless project execution.
Play a key role in proposals, RFP responses, and client presentations, helping position the firm as a trusted partner.
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing preconstruction team while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Partner with leadership to shape and execute initiatives that advance organizational goals and strengthen preconstruction practices.
Education, Experience, And Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (required).
Professional certification preferred (CPE, PMP, PE, or similar).
10+ years of experience in commercial construction, with increasing leadership in preconstruction and estimating.
Proven success delivering large, complex projects from concept through construction.
Expertise in conceptual estimating, cost analysis, and value engineering.
Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and delivery methods (Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, CMAR) plus familiarity with codes, permitting, and regulatory requirements.
Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and negotiation skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.
Proven client relationship management and business development skills.
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Project management experience is a plus.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction tools (Sage Estimating, Procore, scheduling software).
Pay And Benefits As a 100% employee‑owned company, each employee owner shares in our financial success by receiving shares of company stock at no cost through our ESOP!
In addition to the many benefits of employee‑ownership, we offer competitive pay and a strong benefits package, including an annual bonus, 401(k) with company match, comprehensive insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and accident), paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities.
Wright-Ryan Construction, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non‑merit‑based factors or other status protected by law.
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