Director of Preconstruction & Estimating

Description

The Director of Preconstruction is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all pre-construction activities, cost estimation processes, and strategic planning initiatives that occur prior to project execution. This position serves as a critical bridge between business development and construction operations, ensuring accurate project feasibility, competitive pricing, and successful project delivery preparation.  

CORE ACCOUNTABILTIES 

• Financial Accuracy & Profitability  
• Pipeline Conversion & Schedule Adherence  
• Business Development & Market Positioning  
• Preconstruction Delivery Excellence  
• Operational Excellence & Team Development 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Leadership & Management 

• Lead and manage the pre-construction and estimating departments, including hiring, training, and performance management of staff 
• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and accuracy 
• Collaborate with executive leadership to establish annual goals, budgets, and strategic objectives 
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and professional development within the team 

Project Estimation & Cost Management 

• Oversee the preparation of detailed cost estimates for projects ranging from initial conceptual budgets to final bid proposals 
• Review and approve all major estimates, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and competitive positioning 
• Present key estimates to executive leadership to confirm strategic positioning and adherence to company financial targets 
• Develop and maintain comprehensive databases of historical cost data, unit prices, and market rates 
• Implement and manage estimating systems and processes including any software, tools, and technologies to enhance accuracy and efficiency 
• Establish standardized estimating methodologies and quality control processes 
• Develop and maintain trade contractor database to ensure bid coverage with quality and value add trade partners in core project sectors  
• Review architectural and engineering designs for code compliance, program optimization and adherence, cost feasibility, and constructability   

Preconstruction Planning & Coordination 

• Act as primary point of contact for the client throughout the preconstruction phase, managing expectations and ensuring clear and consistent communication 
• Establish the preconstruction schedule identifying key milestone dates including design milestones, permitting timelines, budget issuances, procurement activities, and construction mobilization dates and establish accountabilities for internal and external team members 
• Coordinate with design teams, architects, engineers, and consultants during the design development phase 
• When applicable, manage design-build project integration, ensuring seamless collaboration between design and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle 
• Analyze site conditions, utility availability, access requirements, and permitting timelines to inform decisions 
• Lead value engineering sessions and constructability reviews to optimize project design and costs 
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for potential project challenges 
• Oversee the development of preliminary project schedules and logistics planning with support from field operations team 
• Manage the bid solicitation and subcontractor prequalification processes  
• Develop project scope and cost estimate to present to client for approval and signoff 
• Complete seamless project handoffs to execution teams, ensuring transfer of project knowledge, assumptions, risks, and critical information for a successful project 

Business Development Support 

• Partner with business development teams to evaluate new opportunities and market sectors 
• Participate in client presentations, proposal development, and contract negotiations 
• Provide technical expertise and cost guidance during the pursuit phase of potential projects 
• Maintain relationships with key clients, design professionals, trade partners, and related industry partners 

Quality Assurance & Risk Management 

• Establish and enforce quality control standards for all estimates and preconstruction deliverables 
• Conduct post-project analyses to validate estimate accuracy and identify improvement opportunities 
• Ensure compliance with company standards, industry regulations, and safety requirements 
• Manage professional liability and risk exposure related to preconstruction activities 

Requirements

Required:

• 12–18+ years of progressive experience in commercial construction
• 5–7+ years leading estimating or preconstruction teams
• Experience overseeing full lifecycle preconstruction: conceptual budgeting ? GMP ? bid leveling ? handoff
• Direct management of estimating teams (minimum 3–5 reports)
• Experience presenting to executive leadership and clients
• Proven track record of:

1. =5% estimate-to-actual variance
2. Managing both negotiated and competitive bid work
3. Driving conversion from preconstruction to awarded construction

• Advanced estimating software proficiency (e.g., Procore, OST, Zebel or equivalent)
• Cost database development and management
• Conceptual estimating experience
• Bid leveling & subcontractor qualification oversight
• Value engineering leadership
• Schedule and logistics input capability

Strongly Preferred:

• Experience in developer-led or vertically integrated environments
• Background in Chicago or comparable urban markets
• Experience in sectors such as:
  • Multifamily
  • Mixed-use
  • Commercial interiors
  • Ground-up mid-rise construction
• Design-build integration experience
• Technology optimization experience
• Process digitization initiatives
• Data analytics within estimating