Director of Preconstruction

Spyglass Talent Solutions is a retained recruitment firm based in Raleigh, NC. Our firm has been engaged by Holt Brothers Construction, a commercial general contractor, to conduct a search for a Director of Preconstruction.

Reporting to the Vice President, Business Unit Leader, the Director of Preconstruction will lead all aspects of the company’s estimating and preconstruction efforts. This individual will oversee a team of estimators, provide strategic leadership throughout design and budgeting phases, and collaborate closely with clients, architects, engineers, and trade partners to deliver accurate, timely, and cost-effective estimates.

Holt Brothers are seeking an experienced construction professional who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and can balance technical precision with relationship-driven leadership.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage the estimating team across all design and preconstruction phases, ensuring high-quality, accurate estimates and timely deliverables.
• Mentor, train, and develop estimating staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide technical guidance to the team by reviewing complex estimates and ensuring best practices are followed across all projects.
• Drive business development efforts by cultivating and maintaining relationships with clients, architects, engineers, and trade partners; identify new opportunities and contribute to proposal development and presentations.
• Responsible for overseeing the preconstruction department budget and cost.
• Develop and maintain a robust cost database to ensure estimates reflect current market conditions.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of bids, proposals, and budgets, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and competitiveness.
• Collaborate with clients, design teams, and subcontractors to identify cost-saving opportunities, resolve constructability issues, and align scope with budget goals.
• Coordinate with operations teams to review design documents for constructability and general requirements prior to project handoff.
• Create and manage project preconstruction schedules and ensure key milestones are met.
• Oversee the subcontractor prequalification process and manage bid lists to ensure the engagement of qualified trade partners.
• Review design documents and specifications for clarity and completeness; guide the team in developing bid packages and quantity take-offs.
• Analyze subcontractor bids for accuracy, scope coverage, and compliance with project requirements.
• Facilitate value engineering exercises and prepare lifecycle cost analyses in collaboration with clients and project teams.
• Present and explain budgets to clients, internal stakeholders, and executive leadership.
• Manage project buy-out processes and ensure seamless transition from preconstruction to operations.
• Ensure effective use of estimating and project management systems and that the team is proficient in their use.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or related field preferred.
• 10 years of progressive estimating and preconstruction experience, including leadership of teams and large-scale projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of building systems, materials, and MEP components.
• Proficiency in estimating and project management software (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, Procore, or equivalent).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strong client-facing presence and ability to lead collaborative design and cost review meetings.