Director of Preconstruction

The Director of Preconstruction / Senior Estimator is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing estimating, budgeting, and preconstruction activities for commercial construction projects. This individual will lead preconstruction efforts from early conceptual design through final pricing and transition to operations, ensuring accurate cost planning, strategic execution, and strong client collaboration throughout the process.

This role requires deep estimating expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, design partners, subcontractors, and project stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Cost Management

• Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, design development, and final construction cost estimates
• Develop project budgets, GMPs, and competitive lump-sum proposals
• Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing analysis
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals for completeness, competitiveness, and scope alignment
• Identify cost risks, value engineering opportunities, and constructability considerations
• Maintain and leverage historical cost data and benchmarking tools to improve estimate accuracy

Preconstruction Leadership

• Lead the preconstruction process from project pursuit through award and turnover
• Coordinate design reviews with architects, engineers, consultants, and project stakeholders
• Facilitate scope alignment meetings and internal estimate reviews
• Collaborate with operations and project management teams to develop preliminary schedules and execution plans
• Support proposal development, presentations, and client interviews
• Ensure a seamless handoff from preconstruction to project management and field operations
• Assist in assigning projects and prioritizing workload across the preconstruction team
• Provide guidance and direction to preconstruction support staff

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients during budgeting, planning, and design phases
• Partner closely with project managers, superintendents, and safety personnel to align scope, logistics, and scheduling expectations
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners
• Mentor and support junior estimating and preconstruction personnel, as applicable

Qualifications & Experience

• 8–12 years of estimating and/or preconstruction experience within commercial construction
• Experience with commercial, institutional, healthcare, education, industrial, or related project types preferred
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, and sequencing
• Proven ability to prepare accurate estimates across multiple delivery methods, including Design-Build, CMAR, and Hard Bid
• Experience leading preconstruction efforts and participating in client-facing meetings
• Proficiency with estimating software platforms and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field
• Experience mentoring, managing, or developing estimating/preconstruction teams
• Strong negotiation, communication, and subcontractor relationship management skills
• Familiarity with regional construction markets and pricing trends

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Clear and confident communication abilities
• Detail-oriented mindset with the ability to balance strategic and tactical priorities
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability
• Collaborative leadership approach