Director of Preconstruction/Chief Estimator-General Construction

About the Company

Our client is a privately held commercial general contractor with a long history of stable success and a strong reputation within its market.

With annual revenue below $100 million, the company offers the opportunity to have a meaningful impact in a close-knit organization where leadership, relationships, and long-term performance are highly valued. The company has built its success through consistent project delivery, strong client relationships, and a disciplined approach to construction.

This is an opportunity to join an established organization at an important stage of its leadership transition and play a significant role in shaping the company's continued growth.

About the Position

Our client is seeking a Director of Preconstruction / Chief Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction operations while working closely with company leadership on business strategy and project development.

This position is expected to evolve into a broader executive leadership role, with the potential for the successful candidate to assume the President position within approximately 3-4 years as the current President approaches retirement.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in commercial construction estimating and preconstruction, combined with the business judgment, leadership ability, and relationship-building skills necessary to eventually lead an established construction company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all estimating and preconstruction activities for the company.
• Oversee conceptual estimating, budgeting, bidding, and proposal development.
• Review plans, specifications, scopes of work, and contract documents.
• Establish accurate project budgets and provide cost guidance throughout the preconstruction process.
• Develop and maintain relationships with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Evaluate project opportunities and assist leadership in determining which projects align with the company's capabilities and objectives.
• Lead bid strategy, subcontractor solicitation, scope review, and bid leveling.
• Identify project risks, cost considerations, and potential constructability issues.
• Work closely with operations and project management teams to ensure successful project turnover.
• Mentor and develop estimating and preconstruction personnel.
• Participate in client presentations, negotiations, and project pursuits.
• Contribute to company-wide strategic planning and long-term growth initiatives.
• Develop a strong understanding of all aspects of the business in preparation for future executive leadership responsibilities.
• Work directly with the current President to facilitate a structured leadership transition.

Requirements

• Significant experience in commercial construction estimating and preconstruction.
• Proven experience leading estimating or preconstruction functions for a general contractor.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, costs, scheduling, and project delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong client and industry relationships.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to evaluate opportunities from both a construction and business perspective.
• Experience managing, mentoring, and developing team members.
• Strong understanding of contracts, scopes of work, subcontractor procurement, and project risk.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to think beyond estimating and contribute to broader company strategy.
• Previous experience with a privately held or closely managed construction company is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to assume increasing executive responsibilities over the next several years.

Benefits

• $150,000-$175,000 base salary, depending on experience.
• Significant long-term career advancement opportunity.
• Potential succession path to President within approximately 3-4 years.
• Opportunity to have a direct impact on the future direction of an established privately held GC.
• Stable company with a long history of success.
• Leadership role with substantial visibility and responsibility.
• Collaborative, close-knit company culture.
• Competitive benefits package.