Pre-Construction Manager/Project Architect

Pre-Construction Manager – Project Architect for a Scaling SoCal GC Job Overview * Company: John Christopher Construction. * Salary/Pay Rate: $90,000 to $110,000 per year depending on experience. * Location: Anaheim, CA. * Job/Employment Type: Full Time. * Primary Working Location: Onsite. * Project Scope: General Construction (Residential, Commercial, Industrial) * Mandatory Licences & Certifications: None Required. John Christopher Construction is a licensed Southern California general contractor delivering high-quality residential and commercial projects — ADUs, additions, custom homes, medical and commercial build-outs.
We self-perform framing, electrical, and plumbing with in-house crews and run our projects on documented systems, not chaos.
We're growing, and we're building a role that doesn't exist yet at most GCs because we've outgrown handling design and pre-construction on the fly. The Role This is the person who takes a signed project and sets it up so completely that our field team can execute without ever going back to the client mid-job.
You own the phase between "contract signed" and "shovel in the ground" — and the standard is that when the crew starts, every material, every layout, every dimension, and every design decision is already made, documented, and client-approved. This is a hands-on design role.
You will personally produce floor plans and layouts in design software, sit with clients to make real design decisions, and coordinate with architects and engineers when a job requires it — then translate all of it into a clean, buildable package the field can follow to the letter. What You'll Own * Producing floor plans and layouts yourself in design software — including electrical layouts (outlet and switch placement, plug heights), tile patterns and grout, and cabinet design coordinated and quoted with our vendors * Running all client material selections to full sign-off before a project starts — both what we purchase and what the client purchases, with clear lists and deadlines * Getting client sign-off on every layout and design decision so the field builds to an approved plan, not a guess * Working with architects and engineers through the permitted plans process on the jobs that require it * Meeting with clients on site to walk the space, confirm layouts, and verify selections against real conditions * Getting our project schedules and task lists dialed in and dated before each job starts * Coordinating subcontractor bids and helping build out our vendor and pricing data over time What Success Looks Like Our field teams run your projects by following the approved plan — without calling the client and without stalling on something that should have been handled before start.
Fewer mid-job interruptions, fewer delays from prep gaps, clean handoffs every time. What We're Looking For * Construction background — you understand how residential and commercial projects actually get built, sequenced, and permitted * Hands-on design ability — you can personally produce floor plans and layouts in software such as SketchUp, Chief Architect, AutoCAD, or similar.
This is a requirement, not a nice-to-have — you'll be drafting, not just directing * Ability to coordinate with architects and engineers on permitted plans when a job calls for it * Strong client-facing skills — you can sit across from a homeowner or business owner, guide design decisions with confidence, and get sign-off * Detail obsession — you catch the missing dimension, the unconfirmed selection, the layout conflict before it becomes a field problem * Organized and proactive — you drive projects to readiness, chase down decisions, and hit deadlines * Comfortable with technology and AI tools — we run on documented systems and modern software, and this role uses them daily * A communicator who asks when unsure rather than going quiet — this role is collaborative and we build it together Why This Role This is a build-it-with-us position.
You're not stepping into a rigid job — you're helping author how design and pre-construction works at a growing GC that's serious about doing it right.
Direct access to ownership, real ownership of your domain, and a company that invests in systems and people. Compensation Competitive base Salary $90,000-$110,000 Based on experience Compensation & Benefits * 401(k) retirement savings program with employer matching. * Weekly pay cycle. * Paid Time Off (Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Leave). * Company uniforms provided. * Regular company-sponsored events. About Us John Christopher Construction is a premier SoCal general contractor specializing in residential, commercial, and industrial projects with a focus on self-performing core trades.
We pride ourselves on a culture of personal accountability and high-performance rewards, offering a structured environment where career growth is directly tied to measurable results. Learn more at www.johnchristopherconstruction.com. John Christopher Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations.
It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.