Estimator/Preconstruction Manager

A long-established specialty contractor in the heavy civil and commercial construction space, with origins dating back to the 50s. It was founded to deliver specialty foundation work across the United States and has since grown into a widely recognized contractor focused on deep foundations, sheeting and shoring, and ground improvement. The business is also 100% employee-owned through an ESOP, which has helped foster a culture built around accountability, long-term thinking, and strong client relationships.

Today, the company serves clients through multiple regional operations, including a Kentucky base just outside Louisville, supporting foundation and ground improvement work in the wider market. Their technical capabilities include auger pressure grouted piles, drilled shafts, micropiles, rigid inclusions, compaction grouting, soldier pile and lagging, tie-backs, and other earth retention / stabilization solutions.

Their project portfolio spans major commercial and institutional construction, including high-rise buildings, stadiums, hospitality projects, power facilities, government work, and other large-scale structures. The business is also highly visible in the market through regular participation in industry organizations and events, including DFI and ASCE-related conferences, reflecting a strong emphasis on technical credibility and relationship-driven business development.

Project Types

• Deep foundation packages for commercial and institutional new construction
• Ground improvement and stabilization scopes
• Sheeting, shoring, and excavation support solutions
• Foundation support for large-scale mixed-use, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, and public-sector developments
• Design-build and technically complex preconstruction pursuits requiring collaboration with owners, GCs, and design teams

Role Overview

They are looking to hire a client-facing Estimator / Preconstruction Manager to support work in the Louisville / Kentucky market. This person will play a key role in reviewing opportunities, pricing technically complex scopes, supporting preconstruction strategy, and helping represent the business externally with clients, partners, and the wider construction community.

This is a strong fit for someone who enjoys being commercially involved early in the life of a project, working directly with owners, developers, general contractors, and engineers, and who is equally comfortable in pricing meetings, technical discussions, and industry events. The role offers the chance to be one of the visible faces of the business in the region, helping strengthen relationships and position the company for future work.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Review drawings, geotechnical information, specifications, and bid documents to assess project opportunities and risks.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and pricing strategies for deep foundations, shoring, and ground improvement scopes.
• Lead or support preconstruction efforts from early budgeting through formal bid submission and post-bid clarification.
• Work closely with operations, engineering, and leadership teams to develop practical construction approaches and competitive proposals.
• Engage directly with owners, developers, general contractors, and consultants to understand project drivers and strengthen early-stage relationships.
• Attend client meetings, networking functions, trade events, and industry association gatherings as a visible representative of the business.
• Help identify upcoming work, support pursuit strategy, and contribute to broader business development efforts in the Kentucky market.
• Participate in handoff meetings with project teams to ensure continuity from award through execution.
• Maintain awareness of market conditions, subcontractor/vendor pricing, and regional competitive activity.
• Support a high standard of professionalism, responsiveness, and technical credibility in all external interactions.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Several years of experience in estimating, preconstruction, project management, or business development within specialty contracting, foundations, geotechnical construction, heavy civil, or related disciplines.
• Strong understanding of deep foundations, shoring, ground improvement, or specialty structural support systems.
• Experience preparing conceptual budgets, hard bids, negotiated proposals, and value-engineered alternatives.
• Comfortable in a client-facing role with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to represent the business effectively at meetings, presentations, and industry events.
• Commercial awareness, technical curiosity, and a practical understanding of how work is won and delivered.
• Proficiency with estimating tools, Excel, and bid / project documentation workflows.
• Local or regional market familiarity in Kentucky / Louisville would be highly beneficial.

Benefits

• Base Salary: $80k-$140k
• Performance-based bonus
• Employee ownership / ESOP participation, reflecting the company's 100% employee-owned structure
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) / retirement support
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Vehicle allowance or travel reimbursement where applicable
• Long-term career progression with exposure to both technical and client development responsibilities
• Opportunity to work for an established, relationship-driven specialty contractor with a strong reputation in complex foundation construction