Preconstruction & Product Manager (Estimating + Design)
Job Description
J Fuller Homes is seeking a Preconstruction and Product Manager (Estimating + Design) to lead the preconstruction phase for onsite homebuilding in Raleigh, North Carolina. The role coordinates budgeting, permitting, vendor procurement, and design selections to ensure timely delivery of market-ready homes.
Compensation
Salary: USD 50,000 - 75,000 per year
Responsibilities
- Oversee the complete preconstruction lifecycle from site plan adjustments for each lot to securing permit approvals.
- Coordinate the acquisition of plot plans and the redlining of construction drawings, ensuring plans are ready for build.
- Prepare comprehensive start packages to initiate construction.
- Submit and monitor building permits to prevent schedule delays.
- Create and uphold baseline budgets for every floor plan.
- Request, compare, and evaluate bids from trade partners.
- Identify opportunities to reduce costs while preserving quality and design intent.
- Award scopes of work and issue detailed purchase orders.
- Maintain vendor pricing, scopes of work, contracts, and insurance documentation.
- Lead design selections for both spec and pre-sale homes.
- Develop cohesive interior and exterior design packages.
- Balance aesthetic appeal with cost targets and buyers' preferences.
- Develop and maintain option libraries linked to plans and elevations.
- Assess competing communities to stay aligned with market trends and positioning.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with trade partners.
- Communicate clearly through bidding and award stages.
- Hold vendors to defined pricing, scope, and performance expectations.
Requirements
- Experience in residential estimating, purchasing, or preconstruction.
- Strong understanding of construction plans, scopes, and sequencing.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and moving parts simultaneously.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and process-driven.
- Strong communication skills with vendors and internal teams.
- A sharp eye for design and understanding of today’s buyer preferences.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
What Success Looks Like
- Homes start on time with no permitting delays.
- Budgets are accurate and free of avoidable surprises.
- Trade partners are competitive, reliable, and aligned with project goals.
- Design selections are cohesive and enhance perceived value.
- Homes stand out against competitors in design and execution.
Why Join Us
- High ownership in shaping process and product outcomes.
- Opportunity to grow with a company scaling from 15 to 25 homes per year.
- Direct visibility and collaboration with leadership.
- Meaningful impact on building a stronger, more competitive homebuilding brand.