Director of Preconstruction and Estimating

Reports to: COO

Company: A $250 million commercial general contracting firm doing business throughout Florida and occasionally the SE

About the Company

High-performing commercial general contractor with a strong reputation for delivering large-scale, premium projects in Southeast Florida. Our work centers on cutting-edge construction, ground up structures, GMP, high client expectations, and a culture of collaboration, integrity and operational excellence. We’re at an exciting growth stage and seeking a strategic hands-on leader to elevate our preconstruction and estimating capability across the entire lifecycle of work.

Position Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Director of Preconstruction & Estimating who will lead, develop and own the full preconstruction and estimating function for the firm while actively involved in detail and utilizing a competent team. This role will drive strategic direction, refine process and systems, mentor a high-performing team, partner closely with business development and operations, and ensure the company consistently wins and delivers high-quality, profitable projects. You will be the bridge between the front-end vision and the execution reality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the preconstruction and estimating department, including estimating managers, senior estimators, junior estimators, take-off staff, and preconstruction team members.
• Develop, implement and maintain standardized estimating and preconstruction processes, systems, tools and metrics for large commercial projects ($20M to $100M ).
• Collaborate with business development / sales to evaluate opportunities, assess risk, perform cost modelling and recommend bid / pursue decisions.
• Oversee conceptual, schematic, design-development and construction document stage estimating; ensure accurate, timely budgets, quantity surveys, cost plans and value engineering.
• Lead subcontractor solicitation strategy, bid day strategy, bid analysis, scope reviews, cost breakdowns, and ensure that bids align with company strategy, risk posture and market conditions.
• Partner with operations leadership (project directors, superintendents, field teams) to ensure estimating inputs align with constructability, staffing, scheduling and risk mitigation.
• Mentor and develop the estimating/preconstruction staff; establish clear career pathways, performance metrics and encourage professional growth.
• Monitor and report key departmental metrics: win rate, margin performance, estimating accuracy, estimating cycle times, subcontractor/vendor coverage, cost database updates, lessons learned.
• Drive continuous improvement in estimating and preconstruction practices: benchmarking, implementing best practices, leveraging technology (take-off software, BIM, data analytics), standardizing templates and databases.
• Participate in departmental and senior leadership team meetings; contribute to strategic planning, budgeting and resource allocation for the preconstruction function.
• Serve as a culture-champion: reinforce company values, promote safety, quality, diversity and team collaboration.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive experience in estimating and preconstruction for large commercial general contracting firms (ideally $250M company or with comparable project size).
• Proven track record of managing estimating and preconstruction teams, leading winning bids and delivering profitable projects.
• Strong technical understanding of commercial construction means and methods (especially concrete shell, cost-plus model, self-performed work, trade subcontracting).
• Deep proficiency in quantity take-offs, cost modelling, budget development, value engineering, subcontractor strategies and risk assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with business development, design teams, operations and senior leadership.
• Exceptional communication, presentation and negotiation skills - able to engage clients, A/E partners, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
• Financial acumen: understand project economics, margin drivers, indirect, general conditions, cost escalation, pricing strategies.
• Proficient in estimating software and tools (take-off platforms, cost databases, similar procurement systems, construction management systems).
• Strong leadership and people development skills: ability to build a team, set direction, coach talent, hold accountability. Procore a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or similar preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Willingness to travel to project sites, client/partner meetings and design/construction phase locations as needed.

Preferred / Differentiators

• Experience working in the Florida market (or Southeast US) with regional subcontractor networks, concrete shell construction and cost-plus contracting.
• Familiarity with design-build, design-assist delivery models and early involvement in the preconstruction process.
• Background working with self-performed trades or managing large internal workforce in field operations.
• Experience developing or refining estimating cost databases, benchmarking tools and implementing departmental KPIs.
• An industry network of subcontractors, suppliers, A/E partners and an understanding of local construction market dynamics.

Why This Role Is Important

In our company, the preconstruction and estimating function sets the tone for project success. The right Director will shape how we approach bids, control risk, engage collaborators, align with operations and position our firm for continued growth and excellence. You’ll have a direct impact on our culture, our bottom-line performance and our reputation in the market.

What We Offer

• A leadership role with significant influence and visibility in a growing firm.
• Opportunity to build/refine systems, shape a department and drive meaningful results.
• Competitive compensation package, incentive/bonus tied to performance, strong benefits in line with executive leadership roles.
• Supportive culture with owners who value strategic thinking, collaboration and innovation.
• Exposure to high-profile, complex commercial work that challenges and rewards.
• Professional growth and an opportunity to mentor and develop a team of exceptional construction professionals.

About FLCC

At FLCC, we know it can be difficult to manage your career when you are immersed in your daily activities. Our trademarked Career Coaching and Matchmaking process, the Breistol Method®, helps construction management professionals like you, go from passenger to pilot of your career.

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE THE CAREER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR?

CALL OR TEXT US 305-361-0094 TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!