What are the responsibilities and job description for the Preconstruction Manager / Estimator position at Zwick Construction Company?
About Zwick Construction
Zwick Construction is a third-generation, family-owned commercial general contractor and construction manager founded in 1969. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, we deliver high-quality projects across multiple states with a strong focus on commercial, education, multifamily, municipal, and institutional work. Guided by our core values of Passion, Integrity, and Teamwork, we strengthen relationships by consistently exceeding expectations for our clients, trade partners, and team members.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Preconstruction Estimator to join our Preconstruction Department in Salt Lake City. In this key role, you will develop accurate and competitive cost estimates for commercial construction projects, supporting our bidding, negotiation, and preconstruction efforts. This is a great opportunity for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative, family-oriented environment and wants to contribute to meaningful commercial projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial construction projects, including conceptual estimates, qualifications, value design/engineering, bid leveling, and complete GMP packages.
- Analyze plans, specifications, and other project documents to identify scope, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
- Solicit, review, and qualify subcontractor and supplier bids; negotiate scopes and pricing as needed.
- Develop conceptual budgets and preliminary estimates during early design phases.
- Collaborate with project managers, architects, engineers, owners, and internal teams to ensure estimates align with project goals, schedules, and budgets.
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and constructability reviews.
- Maintain and update historical cost data, unit pricing, and estimating databases for accuracy and efficiency.
- Support bid preparation, proposal development, and handoff to the construction team.
- Identify potential cost savings, risks, and opportunities throughout the preconstruction process.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum five years of experience as a construction estimator focused on commercial projects (general contracting or construction management experience preferred).
- Strong proficiency in reading and interpreting construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
- Experience with commercial project types such as education, multifamily, municipal, institutional, or similar.
- Proficiency with industry-standard estimating tools (e.g., Bluebeam, PlanSwift, On-Screen Takeoff, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
- Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, and trade partners.
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred (equivalent experience considered).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a preconstruction department or with design-build/negotiated contract delivery methods.
- Familiarity with Utah and regional market conditions, labor rates, and subcontractor networks.
- Knowledge of construction scheduling and project management software.
- Certification (e.g., Certified Professional Estimator) is a plus.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to work on diverse, high-quality commercial projects with a respected regional contractor.
- Supportive, team-oriented company culture built on Passion, Integrity, and Teamwork.
- Professional growth and development in a stable, third-generation business.
If you're an experienced commercial estimator who takes pride in accurate, thorough work and wants to be part of a team that values relationships and results, we encourage you to apply.
A note from the Preconstruction Director:
Zwick is a mid-sized general contractor, and we are growing rapidly. We do about $300m a year. It looks like we'll reach our $1B goal in a few years. We are firm believers in our core values of passion, integrity, and teamwork. I'm looking for someone who is self-motivated, driven to do their best, and no longer wants a micro manager. I believe people should own their work and be accountable to it, but also have their leader have their back. If you fail, you fail within a safety net, and I help you correct errors. There are standards to be met and templates to follow. We have a detailed growth plan for each individual, with benchmarks for the performance of technical and soft skills, and matching pay scales and benefits. These will also be the standard by which a person is hired. Preston Socha
Salary : $300