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Principal Preconstruction

Unispace Global Pty Ltd

Job Overview

Location

Chicago, United States

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• As a Principal Preconstruction professional based in Chicago, you will be a pivotal leader within Unispace's innovative design and build delivery model. Your primary focus will be driving the successful acquisition and meticulous initiation of complex, high-profile projects across the United States. You will be responsible for leading and managing the preconstruction activities across our key studios located in Chicago, Boston, San Diego, and Seattle, ensuring a consistent and high-quality approach to project planning and costing.
• This critical role demands a comprehensive understanding and hands-on management of all preconstruction phases. This includes everything from initial client engagement and conceptual development, through to detailed cost planning, rigorous risk assessment, and the seamless handover of a well-defined project to the delivery team. You will be instrumental in translating ambitious client visions into tangible, viable, cost-effective, and constructible solutions that align with Unispace's global standards and local market realities.
• Strategic Bid Leadership & Management: You will spearhead and oversee the entire preconstruction process for strategic and high-value opportunities. This involves developing comprehensive, winning bid strategies, meticulously managing tender submissions, and ensuring absolute alignment with client expectations, project scope, and Unispace's unique capabilities and value proposition. A key part of this will be driving proactive client engagement and cultivating strong, trust-based relationships during the crucial pursuit phase.
• Cost Management & Estimating Expertise: Prepare detailed, accurate cost estimates, comprehensive budgets, and insightful financial analyses for all project stages, from initial concept and schematic design through to detailed design development and construction documents. You will be adept at conducting thorough value engineering exercises, identifying opportunities to optimize costs and enhance project value without compromising design integrity, functionality, or long-term project performance.
• Risk & Opportunity Assessment: Proactively identify, thoroughly assess, and strategically mitigate preconstruction-specific risks. This includes evaluating potential challenges related to site conditions, constructability issues, long-lead procurement items, complex regulatory compliance (including local building codes and permitting), and volatile market fluctuations. Simultaneously, you will be tasked with identifying and capitalizing on opportunities to add significant value and enhance overall project delivery efficiency and success.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Integration: Foster and maintain extensive collaboration with a wide array of internal teams, including Design, Strategy, Project Management, Operations, and Procurement. You will also work closely with external partners such as clients, subcontractors, and consultants, ensuring seamless information flow, coordinated efforts, and the development of truly integrated solutions from the very inception of each project.
• Commercial & Contract Review: Meticulously review and analyze complex commercial terms, precise scope definitions, and contractual requirements within both client and subcontractor agreements. You will provide expert advice on commercial viability, strategic risk allocation, and the selection of optimal procurement strategies to best serve project objectives and mitigate financial exposure.
• Market Intelligence & Supply Chain Engagement: Maintain an in-depth, up-to-date understanding of local market conditions across key US regions, including labor costs, material pricing trends, and the capabilities and capacity of the subcontractor network. You will actively engage with the supply chain to secure competitive bids, foster innovative solutions, and ensure the availability of necessary resources.
• Process Improvement & Innovation: Continuously refine and optimize preconstruction processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency, improve accuracy, and bolster competitiveness. You will contribute significantly to the development and implementation of best practices within the global preconstruction team, driving a culture of continuous improvement.
• Mentorship & Team Development: Provide strong leadership, expert guidance, and dedicated mentorship to junior preconstruction team members. You will foster a collaborative environment that champions excellence, encourages continuous learning, and supports the professional growth and development of the entire team.
• Reporting & Performance Analysis: Prepare clear, concise, and compelling reports for both clients and senior management, detailing project costs, timelines, identified risks, and overall preconstruction progress. You will analyze bid performance and win rates to provide valuable insights that inform and refine future strategic planning and execution.

🎯 Requirements

• Proven experience (typically 10+ years) in a senior Preconstruction, Estimating, or Quantity Surveying role, with significant experience in the commercial real estate, design & build, or general contracting sector.
• Strong understanding of all phases of the design and construction process, with a focus on commercial fit-out projects.
• Exceptional ability in detailed cost estimating, budget management, and value engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying, assessing, and mitigating construction-related risks during the preconstruction phase.
• Expertise in reviewing and interpreting complex commercial contracts and technical specifications.
• Advanced proficiency in relevant estimating software and project management tools.
• Excellent negotiation, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical and financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical abilities and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple complex pursuits simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic international environment.
• Relevant professional qualification (e.g., RICS, or equivalent qualification) is highly desirable.

🏖️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and a generous benefits package.
• Pension scheme.
• Paid holiday leave.
• Travel opportunities across global offices.
• Extensive rewards and recognition programs.
• Career development opportunities.
• Strong focus on employee well-being (mental and physical).
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements supported (with travel requirements as needed).

Skills & Technologies

Senior

Remote

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Unispace Global Pty Ltd

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About Unispace Global Pty Ltd

Unispace is a global leader in workplace design and fit-out, specializing in creating innovative and functional office environments. They partner with businesses to understand their unique needs and deliver bespoke solutions that enhance productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being. Their expertise spans the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept and design development to construction and ongoing facilities management. Unispace focuses on delivering projects on time and within budget, utilizing a streamlined process that minimizes disruption. They are committed to sustainability and creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible and adaptable to future changes in work patterns.

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