Director of Preconstruction

We are partnering with a well-established construction organization to identify an experienced Director of Preconstruction to lead its estimating function and support the continued growth of the business.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an estimating professional with a strong background in large-scale construction projects, preconstruction strategy, cost planning, and team development. The successful candidate will oversee estimating operations, drive consistency and accuracy across project bids, and collaborate closely with executive leadership, business unit leaders, marketing, and operations teams to support strategic business objectives.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical estimating expertise with commercial awareness, leadership capabilities, and the ability to develop processes that improve estimating performance and project profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and coordinate the estimating department, ensuring estimates are accurate, competitive, and delivered within required deadlines.
• Oversee the review of front-end project documentation, bid requirements, and project specifications.
• Collaborate with business unit leaders, marketing, and operational teams to align estimating strategies with company growth objectives.
• Evaluate project opportunities, support bid/no-bid decisions, and identify potential project risks and commercial considerations.
• Review and coordinate estimates across business units, maintaining consistency and quality throughout the estimating process.
• Oversee bid administration, bid-day planning, estimate reviews, and bid-day assignments.
• Support fee development, cost planning, and commercial strategy during the bidding process.
• Maintain and continuously improve estimating databases, historical project cost information, and unit pricing benchmarks.
• Use historical project data and cost analysis to improve estimating accuracy, bidding strategies, and overall project performance.
• Work closely with operations teams to evaluate project execution strategies, constructability, costs, and potential risks.
• Support Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) proposals, including cost development, subcontractor engagement, and preconstruction planning.
• Evaluate estimating software and technology, collaborating with IT teams to improve processes and implement new solutions.
• Lead the training, mentoring, and professional development of estimating personnel, including junior estimators.
• Participate in client interviews, project presentations, and other business development activities as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 10 years of estimating experience within the construction industry, including experience with large-scale construction projects.
• 5–7 years of management or leadership experience, preferably overseeing estimating teams or departmental functions.
• Demonstrated experience managing estimates, bid processes, and preconstruction activities for complex construction projects.
• Proficiency with estimating software and construction cost management tools.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, unit pricing, subcontractor pricing, and project risk assessment.
• Experience developing and maintaining historical cost databases and using project data to improve estimating accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
• Strong financial acumen, analytical capabilities, and commercial decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work in a deadline-driven environment.

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to align estimating activities with broader business goals and growth strategies.
• Team Development: Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing high-performing estimating teams.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of project costs, financial performance, bid strategy, and risk management.
• Collaboration: Ability to build effective relationships with executive leadership, operations, business development, and external partners.
• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to improving estimating processes, technology, and departmental performance.
• Accountability: A commitment to accuracy, quality, confidentiality, and delivering results.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Senior leadership position with responsibility for the estimating function.
• Opportunity to influence preconstruction strategy and business growth.
• Ability to develop and lead an estimating team.
• Direct collaboration with executive leadership and operational stakeholders.
• Opportunity to improve estimating systems, processes, and technology.
• A role where commercial expertise, leadership, and strategic thinking can make a meaningful impact.

Interested in Learning More?

If you are an experienced estimating or preconstruction leader looking for your next career opportunity, I would welcome a confidential conversation.