Preconstruction Director - Aviation

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

The Role We Want You For

The Preconstruction Director will be responsible for overseeing and supporting management with customer focused coordination and preparation of projects within the Preconstruction Department. The Director of Preconstruction will lead participation in competitive bid efforts for both CM and Design Build project delivery formats including estimates beginning at the earliest stages of conceptual design through completed construction documents. Must lead project teams composed of both Clayco personnel and external partners by providing design management, value-based project scoping, risk assessment, and competitive reliable pricing.

The Specifics of the Role

• Work with Business Unit Leaders (Aviation) and Project Executives to identify projects to pursue

• Lead the team to prepare accurate proposals

• Prepare conceptual estimates

• Develop scope of work for each trade

• Review scopes with subcontractors

• Oversee subcontractor selection process

• Prepare final estimates for owner presentation

• Present to clients and owners

• Review construction schedules

• Review construction documents for value engineering

• Prepare and price the value engineering items

• Train and mentor junior estimating staff

• Maintain master subcontractor/vendor lists by trade

• Assist project managers in negotiation of contracts, change orders, etc.

• Maintain and develop historical data for unit pricing

• Develop general conditions for review with project management

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related

• 15 years of estimating commercial construction projects ($100 million)

• Capability to lead project pursuits in aviation market

• Demonstrated knowledge of building construction, materials, systems, market conditions, and trade practices

• Knowledge of estimating and quantity takeoff software

• Experience leading Preconstruction meetings

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!
• This position is classified as a safety-sensitive role in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Candidates selected for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check, which includes mandatory drug testing.

Why Clayco?

• 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.