Director of Pre-Construction

Director of Pre-Construction (Leading, Estimating, & Selling)

Zimmerman Building Company, a third-generation, family-owned construction firm, is looking for a strategic and proactive Director of Pre-Construction to lead our estimating and sales efforts. This role owns the entire front-end of the construction process, from marketing through customer contract signing.

We specialize in new residential builds, renovations, excavation, and commercial construction. As we grow, we’re seeking an experienced leader who can help us win the right projects and set each one up for success.

What You'll Do

• Serve as an active member of the company’s EOS Leadership Team, setting strategy and driving company-wide execution.
• Lead and strengthen the Pre-Construction department—lead accountability, develop the existing team, and hire as needed to support growth and performance.
• Estimate residential and commercial projects, producing accurate cost breakdowns, material take-offs, and timelines.
• Lead the full sales cycle, not just proposal delivery but active follow-up and closing, so estimates convert to signed contracts. You’ll be accountable to a weekly signed contract target and will build the structured follow-up cadence that moves leads from estimate to signature.
• Maintain an accurate, current CRM pipeline: every lead, every follow-up, every stage update logged in real time. You’ll build this discipline in your team and inspect it regularly to keep deals moving toward close.
• Attend initial site visits with prospective clients to gather scope, represent the company, answer early-stage questions, and coach team members through complex opportunities.
• Collaborate with project managers and field staff for a seamless handoff, documenting every project's scope, allowances, site conditions, and client expectations for a smooth experience on every side, from the field to the client.
• Mentor and coach team members in both technical and interpersonal development.

Candidate Traits (and How They Show Up in This Role)

• Proactive decision-maker: You’re comfortable making smart, timely calls without needing every detail upfront.
• Relentless follow-through: You don’t let warm leads go cold. You build structured follow-up systems and hold yourself and your team to them without needing to be managed.
• Naturally innovative and adaptable: You help your team adjust and move forward with confidence.
• Strong, credible leader: You bring clarity, organization, and motivation to the estimators and sales staff, backed by real industry knowledge.
• Confident and composed in client conversations: You stay grounded, assure the client that our team can deliver, and follow up with accuracy.
• Juggles multiple priorities with ease: You keep things moving, delegate well, and don’t let things slip through the cracks.
• Clear, confident communicator: You present clearly to both clients and internal teams.

Technology & AI

We believe technology creates a competitive advantage. Our Pre-Construction team uses AI-assisted workflows to reduce estimating and proposal turnaround times while improving consistency and quality.

You should be comfortable learning, using, and improving AI-enabled workflows, including tools such as Claude, Chat GPT, estimating software, take-off tools, and construction management software.

What You'll Need

• Experience in construction is required: you’ll be leading estimating and sales decisions that call for real industry knowledge from day one.
• A developed leadership and sales skill set.

Why Zimmerman?

Zimmerman Building Company is a 25-person, values-driven company with deep roots in the community. As a third-generation, family-owned business, we pride ourselves on quality work, honest relationships, and sustainable growth.

We also run on EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), which means clear accountability, strong team alignment, and a structure that empowers leaders to lead. As a member of our Leadership Team, you’ll play a central role in shaping how we grow, serve our clients, and support our people.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $80,000–$115,000, depending on experience, background, and leadership capacity
• Guaranteed salary—not commission-based
• Typical workweek is 45–55 hours, depending on season and project flow
• Opportunities for performance-based bonuses, especially tied to department success and project outcomes
• Health insurance, retirement, and paid time off
• Supportive, family-owned company culture
• Leadership development, EOS-based tools, and long-term growth opportunities

Ready to Apply?

Visit www.zimmermanbuilding.com, navigate to About Us à Careers to apply. Questions? Feel free to reach out to us at 419-332-7085