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Section Manager - Estimating & Pre-Construction - Water/Wastewater

Burns & McDonnell
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 6/13/2026 CLOSED ON 8/12/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Section Manager - Estimating & Pre-Construction - Water/Wastewater position at Burns & McDonnell?

Section Manager - Estimating & Pre-Construction - Water/Wastewater Chicago, IL Job: Construction Services Primary Location: Chicago, IL Schedule: Full-time Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time Req ID: 261189 Description A Brief Overview The Estimating Section Manager is responsible for the managerial direction and leadership of the section and resources for preconstruction and estimating supporting water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes supporting and executing business strategy, developing high performance teams, and promoting the Burns & McDonnell culture, values and mission. The Estimating Section Manager will lead the section in a dynamic and profitable manner based on Burns & McDonnell's core values of client satisfaction, commitment, dedication, integrity, safety and overall outstanding service specifically dedicated to delivering projects for Water & Wastewater infrastructure (WTR). What you will do Provide leadership to the team; direct and coordinate work assignments and review performance to ensure the efficient, cost-effective utilization of staff. Responsible for profitable growth of the section; ensuring staff levels, staff loading, and staff assignments meet project requirements while maintaining billable goals. Manage preconstruction services including project planning, scheduling, cost estimating, risk assessment and management and establishing critical project execution and/or Self-Perform project objectives. Responsible for successful preconstruction execution and timely completion of projects within budget while providing expertise in multiple facets of projects including safety, quality, procurement, construction, environmental compliance, project controls, and public/community relations. Lead communication between WTR (Water) Engineering GP and preconstruction & estimating section. Implement, apply and support company, global practice and/or regional office programs and initiatives; successfully navigating and managing change within the section. Achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance for assigned projects. Manage section budget and expenditure of funds. Prepare and analyze cost models during the Design Development and/or bidding period for various project delivery models including engineering contracts for design-bid-build and collaborative project delivery methods. Coordinate or develop the preliminary construction schedule for each estimate. Evaluate and Review progress estimates at design milestones, evaluate material and system costs, review document progress and coordination, build and maintain subcontractor and vendor relationships. Assure that the estimates are complete, including direct cost, indirect cost, design costs, and general conditions, and reflect the actual requirements of the project. Overall pricing ownership of Water projects in DFW and the greater southwest region. Plan and lead the preconstruction strategy meeting on the approach to the project or estimate. Assure that potential risk factors have been evaluated and reviewed with senior management. Ensure risks are minimized and mitigated during the preconstruction process. Responsible for pricing variance reports – which allows for clear identification of changes to the estimate. Work with Project Controls to create realistic and detailed schedules for all design, approval, estimating and purchasing activities. Provide clear scopes of work to all subs/vendors and other trade partners including pre-qualification of potential bidders. Act as document reviewer and adviser for constructability and value analysis. Provide monthly cost analysis for all active preconstruction assignments and manage the preconstruction department budgets. Organize and lead the transition meeting between the project operations team and the preconstruction team and coordinate the follow-up meetings. Adhere to Burns & McDonnell’s safety programs, training, and policies, as well as promote and manage the Safety & Health performance of project team members and subcontractors. Provides leadership and guidance in multiple facets of projects including safety, quality, engineering, procurement, construction, environmental compliance, project controls, and public/community relations. Coordinate internal and external project risk reviews with risk coordinators and consult with the Risk Management Department as required. Support and coordinate with project execution team during procurement. Responsible for collaborating with business development managers, business line leads, project managers, and proposal production staff on proposals to secure work for staff. Conduct project safety, quality, progress and financial audits and assessments as required. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction, or related degree from an accredited program and 5 years related professional experience in design and/or project management required. Applicable experience may be substituted for the degree requirement. 10 years of experience leading estimating or pre-construction for water and/or wastewater projects is preferred. Previous leadership and/or management experience is preferable. Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients. Must be expert in the use of computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Bluebeam experience is preferred. General knowledge of estimating software systems. Experience with HCSS HeavyBid, Agtek or PlanSwift preferred, not required. Compensation $100,000.00-320,000.00 Yearly The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program. Benefits Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page. This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled. EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Salary : $100,000 - $320,000

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