When you join Sunrise Senior Living, you will be able to use your unique skills to empower residents to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Not only will you build meaningful relationships with residents, their families, and team members alike, you will also gain joy in serving others and deep fulfillment in your work. Explore how you can follow your passions and shed light on meaningful ways to serve, grow, and shine together.
Sunrise Senior Living was again certified as a Great Place to Work® by Activated Insights. This is the 8th time Sunrise has received this top culture and workplace designation, highlighting the special place Sunrise is to be a part of.
Job ID 2026-237148 JOB OVERVIEW The Director of Preconstruction is responsible for leading project cost estimating, data-driven cost analysis, and value engineering efforts during the preconstruction phase of Sunrise’s new construction projects. This role ensures cost accuracy, competitive pricing, and value-based decision-making by leveraging historical project data, construction market trends, and collaboration with internal design and project management teams. This role will require development of historical construction cost database for previous projects and all new projects. RESPONSIBILITIES & QUALIFICATIONSJob Description
As a part of the Sunrise team, supporting our Mission, Principles of Service and Core Values is a fundamental part of this job. Our foundational belief is the sacred value of human life. The unique responsibilities for this role include but are not limited to the essential functions listed as follows:
Estimating and Cost Management
Lead the preparation of detailed construction estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents.
Analyze drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare comprehensive cost breakdowns by trade and division.
Develop and maintain benchmark cost models using historical project data to improve accuracy and forecasting.
Lead bid leveling and analysis processes to ensure fair and complete scope coverage among contractors.
Prepare cost comparison and variance analyses for project updates, design changes, and procurement options.
Establish cost review processes and recommend cost management strategies to leadership and design teams.
Lead early-phase budget development, target cost setting, and contingency planning to ensure alignment with project goals.
Value Engineering / Value Analysis
Direct and lead value engineering exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising design integrity, functionality, or brand standards.
Collaborate with Design, Operations, and Development to document and quantify VE options with clear cost-benefit analysis.
Facilitate value analysis sessions, presenting recommendations and trade-offs to internal stakeholders for decision-making.
Develop standardized cost and value analysis templates to promote consistency across projects.
Data and Trend Analysis
Build and manage a centralized cost history database of completed projects to inform future estimating and budgeting accuracy.
Establish methods for capturing and analyzing construction market trends, escalation factors, and regional pricing data.
Produce and present quarterly cost trend and benchmarking reports to senior leadership.
Evaluate historical project performance data to identify areas for process and cost improvement.
Collaboration and Communication
Lead coordination with Construction, Development, and Design teams to ensure timely and accurate cost input during design milestones.
Drive bid package preparation, preconstruction schedules, and pricing deliverables for new projects.
Present cost findings, value analysis results, and budget recommendations to senior leadership and project stakeholders.
Develop and maintain strong vendor, consultant, and GC relationships to ensure competitive pricing and performance reliability.
Performance Expectations
Deliver accurate, data-driven conceptual and detailed estimates within approved timelines and established accuracy thresholds.
Lead structured value engineering analyses for each major project, ensuring clear cost savings or design optimization outcomes.
Maintain project budget alignment from design through construction, proactively identifying and communicating cost risks.
Develop and sustain a reliable cost history and benchmarking database to drive continuous improvement in estimating accuracy.
Model accountability, collaboration, and transparency in all estimating and preconstruction activities, building trust across teams and partners.
Core Competencies
Expert knowledge of construction materials, methods, and market pricing.
Advanced analytical and quantitative skills with a focus on data-driven decision-making.
Strong ability to interpret design and construction documents.
Skilled in collaboration, communication, and presentation of complex technical information.
Ability to balance multiple estimates and priorities under tight deadlines.
Strategic and proactive problem solver with attention to detail and cost accuracy.
Experience and Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed throughout this job description are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field required.
Minimum of 8–10 years of estimating experience, preferably in senior living, multifamily, hospitality, or healthcare sectors.
Proven expertise in conceptual and detailed estimating, value engineering, and cost modeling.
Experience with construction management or design-build delivery methods.
Proficiency in estimating and project management software (e.g., Sage Estimating, WinEst, OST, Procore, or similar).
Advanced Excel and data analysis skills; experience developing cost databases preferred.
Strong understanding of permitting, bid, and preconstruction processes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
ABOUT SUNRISE
Ready to take the next step and make a bigger impact than you ever imagined? As part of our team, you will help brighten the future for everyone at Sunrise and beyond. That is why we make it a priority to celebrate the unique ways you bring moments of togetherness and joy to everyone you serve. And when combined with the support, benefits, and growth opportunities we offer, the result is a career that PositivelyShines with everything you need to reach your goals – at work and in your life.
We also offer benefits and other compensation that include:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability PlansRetirement Savings PlansEmployee Assistant Program / Discount ProgramPaid time off (PTO), sick time, and holiday paymyFlexPay offered to get paid within hours of a shift Tuition ReimbursementIn addition to base compensation, Sunrise may offer discretionary and/or non-discretionary bonuses. The eligibility to receive such a bonus will depend on the employee’s position, plan/program offered by Sunrise at the time, and required performance pursuant to the plan/program.Some benefits have eligibility requirementsApply today to learn why Sunrise Senior Living is a certified Great Place to Work®
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTSSunrise considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members to be one of its highest priorities. Employment with Sunrise is conditioned on completing and passing a drug test (which does not include marijuana), participating in testing requirements (e.g. Tuberculosis Test, Physical Evaluation). Covid-19 and Influenza vaccination is only required to the extent mandated by applicable federal, state, and local laws and authorities.
COMPENSATION DISCLAIMERSelected candidates will be offered competitive compensation based on geographic location of community/office, skills, experience, qualifications, and certifications/licenses (where applicable).
SEARCH FIRM REPRESENTATIVES PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:
Sunrise Senior Living is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this employment opportunity. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to Sunrise Senior Living by any means, be it via email, the Internet or directly to hiring managers at Sunrise Senior Living in any form without a valid written search agreement in place for that position will be deemed the property of Sunrise Senior Living, and no fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by Sunrise Senior Living as a result of such unsolicited referral or through any other means.