PRE-CONSTRUCTION & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

 

Pre-Construction & Business Development Manager

Job No: 302347

 

Location: St. Albert, AB

• An opportunity to work on some interesting projects in some most beautiful natural landscapes in the world in Alberta, BC and the Yukon!
• Receive a competitive salary of $135k-$150k, negotiable dependent on skills and qualifications, and excellent benefits
• Be part of an established firm with integrity and uncompromising Core Values

About Johnston Builders

Johnston Builders is a privately owned contracting firm founded in 1990 by Don Johnston. With a current staff of 45 professionals, the firm has successfully completed a wide array of construction projects in the public and private sectors across Western and Northern Canada. Check out more about our history! 

Johnston Builders specializes in a number of construction sectors including commercial, light industrial, institutional, and multi-residential. We have a diverse project portfolio including urban retail complexes, hotels, medical facilities, educational institutions, shops/offices, and adaptive reuse and restoration, and have been providing our services to clients for over 30 years.

As a company, our Core Values are important to us. We are driven by an exceptional team who exemplifies our core values, we cultivate relationships with clients who share our values, and we pursue projects that reflect our fundamental principles. At Johnston Builders, we value our community and always make an effort to give back to organizations such as the Ride to Conquer Cancer, Make-a-Wish Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity. Our people and community are what makes us great, and if this sounds like an environment you want to work in, read further! 

About the Opportunity

Currently, Johnston Builders has an exciting opportunity for a Business Development & Pre-Construction Manager based in St. Albert, Alberta, with occasional travel (approximately 10%) to project sites across Western and Northern Canada.

Reporting to the CEO, this senior leadership role is accountable for driving business development strategy, leading pre-construction and estimating efforts, and ensuring a seamless transition from pursuit through project execution on commercial and light industrial projects up to $50M.

Some of your key responsibilities within this role will include:

• Leading and executing the annual business development and marketing strategy in alignment with company vision
• Managing client relationships and pipeline activity to support accurate revenue, backlog, and margin forecasting
• Pursuing, developing, and maintaining new and existing client relationships through strategic “hunt and farm” activities
• Overseeing pre-construction and estimating activities, including budgeting, cost planning, tendering, and scope coverage
• Preparing and presenting proposals, budgets, cost plans, and concept designs that align with client objectives
• Facilitating effective handoff from business development and estimating to construction teams
• Leading design-build and construction management pursuits from concept through project award and delivery
• Supporting and reviewing estimates, tenders, and procurement activities to ensure accuracy and competitiveness
• Coordinating closely with designers, consultants, permitting authorities, and internal stakeholders
• Monitoring project costs, schedules, and margins to meet or exceed financial targets
• Participating in leadership, vision, and quarterly planning meetings while championing execution across teams
• Representing Johnston Builders with professionalism while reinforcing long-term relationships with clients, trades, and partners

More About You

To qualify, you will need extensive senior-level experience in commercial and light industrial construction and demonstrated leadership in business development and pre-construction management. A minimum of 15 years of experience in the construction industry, including 10+ years leading business development, pre-construction, estimating, and procurement activities, will also be essential, with proven exposure to large-scale projects valued at $25M+ delivered through design-build or construction management models. A valid Class 5 driver’s license and a reliable vehicle are required.

Additionally, the following skills and background will be highly valued:

• Strong working knowledge of the Building Code and commercial/light industrial, and multi-family residential construction practices
• Experience working with First Nations and Indigenous construction projects
• Pre-construction experience in: Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings, Wood Framed, Precast, Concrete structures, Conventional Steel, Load Bearing Steel Stud, Modular and Prefab
• Experience overseeing pre-construction, estimating, budgeting, cost planning, and tendering processes
• Proficiency with job-costing systems and construction technology including Bluebeam or Adobe Pro, AutoDesk Build (ACC), SharePoint, MS Project, and Office 365
• Ability to lead pursuits, RFP responses, proposals, and client-facing presentations

As our ideal candidate, you bring a positive, solutions-oriented mindset, with strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the confidence to make sound, big-picture decisions. You are a self-starter with high attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving ability, and a genuine interest in mentoring and supporting others. Collaborative by nature, you balance commercial acumen with approachability and integrity, aligning naturally with our values.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a technically grounded, client-focused construction professional who thrives at the intersection of business development, pre-construction, and project delivery, motivated to help shape the continued growth and reputation of an established, respected contractor.

Please note: applicants will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

About the Benefits

In exchange for all your hard work and determination, you will receive a competitive salary of $135k-$150k, negotiable based on experience and qualifications, along with a wide host of benefits including:

• Year-end performance bonuses
• Competitive and flexible vacation schedule
• Company contributed RRSP matching up to 5%
• Opportunities to attend/participate in conferences and seminars, and support in training and career development plans 
• Medical, dental, optometry, and prescription benefits and other insurance coverage
• Competitive mileage rate for use of vehicle
• Employee appreciation and bonding events

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to work in a dynamic organization that values its employees - apply today!