Sr. Estimator / Preconstruction Manager

ABOUT ETC BUILDING AND DESIGN

ETC Building and Design is a California-based general contractor specializing in healthcare facility construction. We partner with some of the state's leading health systems delivering complex projects that include seismic upgrades, tenant improvements, and ground-up construction. Our work demands high standards of regulatory compliance, technical precision, and collaborative execution. We are growing and looking for experienced professionals who share our commitment to quality in mission-critical healthcare environments.

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Manager to lead preconstruction efforts for complex healthcare construction projects. This role is responsible for driving early-stage strategy, cost modeling, design collaboration, and client engagement across a portfolio of healthcare, institutional, and technically demanding projects.

This individual will operate as both a technical authority and strategic leader, partnering with executive leadership, design teams, and clients to ensure projects are financially viable, competitively positioned, and aligned with client goals from concept through GMP. The role also owns the bid schedule process — from subcontractor solicitation and scope leveling through award — and maintains deep expertise in HCAI (formerly OSHPD) regulatory requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Preconstruction Leadership

•      Lead all phases of preconstruction including conceptual estimating, schematic design, design development, and GMP pricing.

•      Establish and implement preconstruction standards, processes, and best practices across the organization.

•      Oversee multiple concurrent pursuits and active preconstruction projects simultaneously.

•      Mentor, manage, and develop estimating and preconstruction staff.

Cost Planning & Estimating

•      Develop conceptual, parametric, and detailed quantity take-off estimates for HCAI-regulated healthcare projects.

•      Build and maintain cost models, historical databases, and benchmarking tools to support pursuit and preconstruction efforts.

•      Lead value engineering (VE) and cost optimization efforts without compromising program scope or regulatory compliance.

•      Perform risk analysis, contingency planning, and escalation modeling on all active pursuits.

Bid Schedule & Subcontractor Management

•      Develop and manage comprehensive bid schedules, coordinating subcontractor solicitation, scope review, bid leveling, and award recommendations.

•      Manage the full subcontractor bidding process including ITB issuance, pre-bid RFIs, bid package distribution, and scope alignment.

•      Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, specialty vendors, and trade partners.

•      Monitor market conditions, pricing trends, and labor availability to ensure competitive and comprehensive scope coverage.

Design-Build & CMAR Integration

•      Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants during design phases to provide real-time cost feedback.

•      Evaluate constructability, phasing, and logistics constraints specific to active healthcare environments.

•      Align design solutions with budget, schedule, and HCAI/life safety regulatory requirements.

•      Support Design-Build and CMAR proposal efforts including fee development, GMP risk analysis, and written narrative preparation.

Client & Business Development

•      Participate in client interviews, pursuits, and proposal development representing preconstruction capabilities.

•      Present estimates, budgets, and cost strategies clearly to clients, owners, and design stakeholders.

•      Build long-term relationships with healthcare systems, developers, and design partners.

•      Track and respond to bid opportunities through HCAI project databases, owner relationships, and public agency portals.

Healthcare-Specific Compliance

•      Apply HCAI (OSHPD) requirements throughout preconstruction including project delivery protocols, IOR costs, and seismic/life safety systems.

•      Incorporate ICRA/PCRA protocols and infection control cost considerations into estimates for occupied hospital environments.

•      Ensure compliance with NFPA 99 medical gas systems, California prevailing wage, DIR requirements, and CCIP/OCIP wrap-up programs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

•      10–15 years of construction estimating and preconstruction experience with a California-licensed general contractor.

•      5 years in a senior leadership or management role within preconstruction or estimating.

•      Demonstrated experience on HCAI (OSHPD)-regulated healthcare projects including hospitals, medical office buildings, and acute care facilities.

•      Proven track record delivering design-build and negotiated GMP projects.

Technical Expertise

•      Advanced proficiency in estimating software such as Sage Estimating, OST (On-Screen Takeoff), Bluebeam Revu, or equivalent.

•      Strong working knowledge of healthcare construction systems including medical gas (NFPA 99), MEP, nurse call, HVAC, and seismic/structural systems.

•      Ability to read and interpret complex construction documents including architectural, structural, and MEP drawings and specifications.

•      Familiarity with California prevailing wage, DIR compliance, CCIP/OCIP programs, and public works bidding requirements.

Leadership & Communication

•      Executive presence with the ability to lead client-facing discussions, presentations, and negotiations.

•      Proven ability to manage teams, drive accountability, and develop junior staff.

•      Excellent written and verbal communication skills across all project stakeholder levels.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

•      Experience with Design-Build and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery on healthcare projects.

•      Familiarity with ICRA/PCRA protocols and cost estimating in active, occupied healthcare environments.

•      Prior experience at a healthcare-focused GC or as an owner's representative for a major health system.

•      LEED AP, CPE (Certified Professional Estimator), or other relevant professional certifications.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Strategic thinking and business acumen

High-level problem solving under uncertainty

Strong negotiation and influencing skills

Ability to operate in fast-paced, high-stakes environments

Detail-oriented with a systems mindset

Client-facing presence and relationship building

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

This position is a critical driver of project success and company profitability. The Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Manager directly influences:

•      Win rate on competitive pursuits and negotiated work

•      Project margin performance from pursuit through GMP close-out

•      Client satisfaction, retention, and repeat business

•      Alignment between design intent, budget, and construction execution

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

ETC Building and Design offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

•      Competitive base salary with performance-based annual bonus

•      Health, dental, and vision insurance

•      401(k) retirement plan with company match

•      Paid time off and company holidays

•      Professional development and continuing education support

•      Vehicle allowance or mileage reimbursement for project travel

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing their healthcare estimating experience and notable project highlights. Please include representative project types, delivery methods, and specific HCAI project experience.

• ETC Building and Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.