What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Preconstruction position at Place Services, Inc.?
Place Services, Inc. has an immediate need for a Director of Preconstruction in our Retail Division to lead our retail estimating efforts, based out of our Canton, GA HQ office location.
The Director of Preconstruction is responsible for overseeing and executing the estimating strategy for retail construction projects while leading, mentoring, and developing the estimating team.
This role partners closely with executive leadership, operations, and business development to ensure competitive, accurate, and profitable bids.
Who We Are:
Place Services Inc. is a leading commercial construction company with our headquarters based in Canton, Georgia. Since 2006, we have grown largely due to how we view and treat our customers. We also provide our employees with a culture that allows for growth and the opportunity to learn more about construction in both local and nationwide markets.
We offer our employees a competitive base salary with bonus potential, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and accident insurance. Place Services Inc. contributes to your 401(k) upon eligibility and offers a generous PTO program along with paid holidays.
Growing from a team of 4 at inception to over 800 strong today, we assist our clients by providing construction excellence in service and product across every front required. Our depth of client expertise ranges from grocery and big box retail to state and Federal government projects in military and healthcare sectors.
What You'll Do:
- Lead and manage all estimating activities for the Retail Division, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and competitiveness across all bids
- Develop and execute estimating strategies aligned with company goals, market conditions, and client expectations
- Oversee the solicitation of subcontractor and supplier pricing and maintain strong, long-term trade partner relationships
- Review and approve quantity takeoffs, pricing, assumptions, and final bid proposals prior to submission
- Prepare and/or oversee conceptual estimates and budgets based on limited or schematic-level information
- Review general conditions, schedules, scopes of work, logistics plans, phasing plans, and other project exhibits
- Analyze subcontractor bids, scope coverage, qualifications, and risk to ensure complete and accurate comparisons
- Identify value engineering opportunities, alternate means and methods, and cost-saving strategies
- Track, analyze, and communicate construction cost trends, labor availability, and material pricing impacts
- Collaborate with Operations and Project Management during project handoff to ensure a smooth transition from estimate to execution
- Mentor, train, and develop estimators, fostering professional growth and continuous improvement within the team
- Establish and maintain estimating standards, procedures, templates, and best practices
- Support business development efforts by participating in client meetings, presentations, and pursuit strategy sessions
- Participate in industry, client, and community activities to enhance company visibility and reputation
- Proactively identify risks and address challenges with creativity, sound judgment, and discretion
What You Bring:
- Comprehensive knowledge of retail construction, including ground-up, tenant build-out, and remodel projects
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Architecture or Business
- 12 years of estimating experience within the retail construction industry, including leadership or management responsibilities
- Proven experience estimating projects typically ranging from $500K to $20M in revenue
- Strong proficiency in estimating software and electronic takeoff tools such as:
o Bluebeam
o PlanSwift
o ProEst
o Excel - Ability to read, interpret, and analyze construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents
- Strong understanding of subcontractor scopes, general conditions, and risk allocation
- Demonstrated ability to resolve scope gaps, contract issues, and pricing discrepancies
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage executives, field teams, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, and owners
- Willingness to attend pre-bid meetings, site walks, and client presentations as needed (travel may be required)
- Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority pursuits simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines
As an EEO employer, Place Services, Inc. is committed to providing all applicants and employees with equal access to employment opportunities, regardless of sex, race, age, color, national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Place Services, Inc. shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on protected veteran status or disability and require affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.