Sr. Preconstruction Manager

Working at Knobelsdorff

Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.

Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core values. Starting your career with Knobelsdorff means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work.

If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, Knobelsdorff (KE) is the place for you.

Purpose: The Portfolio Manager is responsible for managing the commercial relationships and overseeing the Preconstruction Teams’ advancement of projects. This role oversees the development of accurate estimates, proposals, planning and procurement activities, coordinating closely with operations, engineering, and project management teams. The Portfolio Manager oversees Preconstruction teams to ensure that the expectations of the developer for design and schedule are met while each project is optimally planned and poised for successful execution. This role requires strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of design and execution practices, and the ability to foster collaboration across teams. 

Portfolio Managers lead the preconstruction process, ensuring consistency with the company’s core values and project planning processes. This includes providing manpower forecasting, identifying and leveraging developer pipelines for volume opportunities with vendors and subcontractors and resolving specific project opportunities and challenges. Additionally, liasing with contractors, end users, and owners to ensure that project scopes and expectations are met before moving into construction.  

Responsibilities: 

• Supervise and lead the preconstruction team, including project managers, assistant project managers, procurement managers and other roles supporting the planning and execution of work. 
• Manage and support commercial relationships with existing and new customers. 
• Direct the hiring process and provide input on terminations for preconstruction team members. 
• Coach, train, and mentor preconstruction staff. 
• Stay informed of relevant regulations and codes, ensuring all preconstruction activities align with legal and safety standards. 
• Ownership of project pipelining activities for project portfolio(s)/developer(s) 
• Ensure precon team is driving project actions needed to keep critical path moving 
• Internal communication and visibility of long-term critical path plan/impacts 
• Customer engagement to drive continuous project flow and show capacity 
• Oversee full life-cycle preconstruction operations, including estimates, proposals, and project planning. 
• Ensure that design changes impacting budget are tracked through the preconstruction phase and properly managed. 
• Review and approve project estimates, budgets, and schedules to ensure accuracy and completeness. 
• Collaborate with the operations team to manage project handovers and ensure alignment between preconstruction planning and execution. 
• Oversee subcontractor/vendor negotiations and procurement to ensure best value. 
• Oversee project kick-off meetings to align project teams on scope, budget, and timeline. 
• Ensure preconstruction processes and best practices are consistently followed across projects. 
• Support resource planning efforts through project and portfolio forecasting and communication.  
• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals and presentations for new project pursuits. 

*This position will be based in our Goodhue location 5 days per week. 

• The requirements listed in job descriptions are guidelines, not fixed rules. You do not have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If you feel you are an excellent candidate, we encourage you to apply!
• Proven working experience in utility grade photovoltaic project management.
• Previous success with managing a team and providing direction.
• Ability to oversee and report progress daily to the leadership team, to ensure the projects are completed on time.
• Experience with Project Management and resource coordination, to include: estimating, planning, scheduling, cost management, materials/purchasing, operations and maintenance, and client-facing.
• Ability to develop comprehensive project plans to be shared with clients as well as the project team.
• Ability to meet with clients to take capture project details and clarify specific requirements of each project.
• Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.
• Experience with tracking project performance, analyzing the project upon completion with short- and long-term milestones.
• Ability to delegate project tasks to project team members, based on individual strengths, skill sets and experience.
• Ability to work on tight deadlines under pressure.
• Competency in Microsoft applications included Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Manage project files, drawings, documents & records in our project system.
• Exceptional verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Willing to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Willing to work on some out-of-town projects.
• Additional duties as assigned.

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.

 Pay Range: $100k - $140k per year with bonus potential.

Total Rewards Statement

As a full-time employee at Knobelsdorff, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future.

• 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Profit sharing and performance-based incentives
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

• Must be able to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, and walk for extended periods of time
• Must be physically capable of lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs

Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact Knobelsdorff Human Resources at 651-923-4970 or via email at [email protected].

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

• EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.