What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Estimator position at Exzelon?
Job Title: Preconstruction Estimator/ Manager
Job Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager to oversee all aspects of the preconstruction process for commercial building projects. This leadership role is responsible for managing estimating operations, developing competitive proposals, building client relationships, and supporting business development initiatives from project pursuit through transition to construction.
The ideal candidate possesses strong commercial construction knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple estimating efforts while collaborating with clients, design professionals, subcontractors, and internal project teams.
Key Responsibilities
Preconstruction & Estimating
- Lead preconstruction activities for commercial construction projects, including new construction, renovations, and tenant improvement work.
- Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to define project scope and estimating requirements.
- Develop detailed cost estimates, conceptual budgets, and pricing strategies.
- Perform quantity takeoffs and evaluate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
- Analyze project risks and recommend cost-effective construction solutions.
- Maintain historical cost data and update estimating databases to improve future accuracy.
- Support value engineering initiatives and identify cost-saving opportunities throughout the estimating process.
Business Development & Client Relations
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with owners, architects, consultants, and developers.
- Support business development efforts by participating in client meetings and project interviews.
- Prepare and present proposals, qualifications packages, and preconstruction presentations.
- Assist leadership with pursuing negotiated, private, and public bid opportunities.
- Collaborate with clients to understand project goals, budgets, and scheduling expectations.
Subcontractor & Vendor Management
- Solicit bids from qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
- Evaluate vendor proposals for scope completeness, pricing, and qualifications.
- Develop clear bid packages and scope descriptions to ensure competitive pricing.
- Assist with subcontractor prequalification and maintain strong trade partner relationships.
- Negotiate pricing and coordinate procurement strategies during preconstruction.
Team Leadership & Project Coordination
- Supervise and mentor estimating and preconstruction staff.
- Assign workloads, monitor schedules, and ensure timely completion of estimates.
- Coordinate with project managers and operations teams to ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction to project execution.
- Implement continuous improvements to estimating procedures and departmental workflows.
- Participate in internal planning meetings and support strategic growth initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 5–8 years of experience in commercial construction estimating or preconstruction management with a general contractor.
- Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, building systems, and CSI MasterFormat divisions.
- Experience preparing conceptual estimates, detailed budgets, and competitive bid proposals.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
- Proficiency with estimating software, quantity takeoff tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and blueprint review applications.
- Strong organizational, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading preconstruction teams or estimating departments.
- Knowledge of conceptual budgeting, value engineering, and cost modeling.
- Familiarity with project management software and cloud-based estimating platforms.
- Experience with negotiated, design-build, CMAR, and competitive bid delivery methods.
- Existing relationships with commercial subcontractors and suppliers are a plus.
Key Skills
- Commercial Construction Estimating
- Preconstruction Planning
- Quantity Takeoffs
- Cost Estimating & Budget Development
- CSI MasterFormat Knowledge
- Bid Management & Procurement
- Value Engineering
- Subcontractor & Vendor Management
- Risk Assessment
- Blueprint & Specification Review
- Proposal Development
- Leadership & Team Development
- Client Relationship Management
- Construction Scheduling
- Microsoft Office & Estimating Software
Job Title: Preconstruction Manager
Job Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager to oversee all aspects of the preconstruction process for commercial building projects. This leadership role is responsible for managing estimating operations, developing competitive proposals, building client relationships, and supporting business development initiatives from project pursuit through transition to construction.
The ideal candidate possesses strong commercial construction knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple estimating efforts while collaborating with clients, design professionals, subcontractors, and internal project teams.
Key Responsibilities
Preconstruction & Estimating
- Lead preconstruction activities for commercial construction projects, including new construction, renovations, and tenant improvement work.
- Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to define project scope and estimating requirements.
- Develop detailed cost estimates, conceptual budgets, and pricing strategies.
- Perform quantity takeoffs and evaluate labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
- Analyze project risks and recommend cost-effective construction solutions.
- Maintain historical cost data and update estimating databases to improve future accuracy.
- Support value engineering initiatives and identify cost-saving opportunities throughout the estimating process.
Business Development & Client Relations
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with owners, architects, consultants, and developers.
- Support business development efforts by participating in client meetings and project interviews.
- Prepare and present proposals, qualifications packages, and preconstruction presentations.
- Assist leadership with pursuing negotiated, private, and public bid opportunities.
- Collaborate with clients to understand project goals, budgets, and scheduling expectations.
Subcontractor & Vendor Management
- Solicit bids from qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
- Evaluate vendor proposals for scope completeness, pricing, and qualifications.
- Develop clear bid packages and scope descriptions to ensure competitive pricing.
- Assist with subcontractor prequalification and maintain strong trade partner relationships.
- Negotiate pricing and coordinate procurement strategies during preconstruction.
Team Leadership & Project Coordination
- Supervise and mentor estimating and preconstruction staff.
- Assign workloads, monitor schedules, and ensure timely completion of estimates.
- Coordinate with project managers and operations teams to ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction to project execution.
- Implement continuous improvements to estimating procedures and departmental workflows.
- Participate in internal planning meetings and support strategic growth initiatives.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 5–8 years of experience in commercial construction estimating or preconstruction management with a general contractor.
- Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, building systems, and CSI MasterFormat divisions.
- Experience preparing conceptual estimates, detailed budgets, and competitive bid proposals.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
- Proficiency with estimating software, quantity takeoff tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and blueprint review applications.
- Strong organizational, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading preconstruction teams or estimating departments.
- Knowledge of conceptual budgeting, value engineering, and cost modeling.
- Familiarity with project management software and cloud-based estimating platforms.
- Experience with negotiated, design-build, CMAR, and competitive bid delivery methods.
- Existing relationships with commercial subcontractors and suppliers are a plus.
Key Skills
- Commercial Construction Estimating
- Preconstruction Planning
- Quantity Takeoffs
- Cost Estimating & Budget Development
- CSI MasterFormat Knowledge
- Bid Management & Procurement
- Value Engineering
- Subcontractor & Vendor Management
- Risk Assessment
- Blueprint & Specification Review
- Proposal Development
- Leadership & Team Development
- Client Relationship Management
- Construction Scheduling
- Microsoft Office & Estimating Software
Work Environment
- Primarily office-based with periodic travel to project sites and client meetings.
- Collaborative environment working with architects, engineers, owners, subcontractors, and internal construction teams.
- Fast-paced setting requiring effective prioritization of multiple active pursuits and deadlines.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement savings plan with company contribution.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- Professional development and continuing education assistance.
- Career advancement opportunities within a growing organization.
- Collaborative and team-oriented work environment.
- Primarily office-based with periodic travel to project sites and client meetings.
- Collaborative environment working with architects, engineers, owners, subcontractors, and internal construction teams.
- Fast-paced setting requiring effective prioritization of multiple active pursuits and deadlines.