Chief Estimator/ Preconstruction Manager

Kapella Group; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Kapella Group in the Denver metro area seeks a hands-on Chief Estimator & Director of Preconstruction to lead estimating for ground-up commercial projects and build scalable preconstruction processes.

This builder-focused role requires 5–10+ years of GC estimating, a proven project track record, and the ability to mentor junior staff while interfacing with clients during bidding.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of commercial GC estimating experience, with hands-on expertise in ground-up construction (not limited to tenant improvements or renovations).
• A verifiable list of completed commercial GC projects demonstrating range and depth in hard-bid and conceptual estimating.
• Deep understanding of conceptual budgeting, quantity takeoffs, market pricing trends, and commercial contract negotiations.
• Commercial General Contractor background with direct, personal experience assembling complete project estimates.

Responsibilities

• Active Estimating & Leadership: Personally prepare comprehensive estimates for ground-up commercial projects while leading and mentoring junior estimating staff.
• End-to-End Preconstruction: Oversee the preconstruction phase from initial pursuit through project turnover, including constructability reviews, VE, GMP development, and technical contract negotiations.
• Department Infrastructure: Build and refine department standards, unit-cost databases, and proposal templates to support company scaling.
• Subcontractor & Client Relations: Cultivate strong regional trade partner relationships and interface directly with clients during project alignment and bidding.

Skills

GC estimating experience

Ground-up construction

Contract negotiations

Leadership

Job description

Kapella Group brings over60 years of combined experiencein hospitality, senior living, multifamily housing, and commercial construction. We specialize incomplex rehabilitation projects, with a focus ontransforming hotelsandreimagining living spacesto meet the unique needs of residents, including those in senior living communities.

Our team has aproven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget,while upholding thehighest standards of quality, functionality, and design.

From initial planning through final delivery, wecollaborate closely with clients, ensuringclear communication, efficient execution,andresults that create long-term valueacross all projects

Job Description

Full Benefits & Growth Incentives

About the Opportunity: We are a fast-growing, $15M commercial general contractor in the Denver metro area—with a clear trajectory to scale to $50M and $100M+—is seeking a hands-on Chief Estimator & Director of Preconstruction.

This is a builder's role first. We are looking for an active, tactical lead who estimates complex, ground-up commercial projects weekly, rather than a manager who only reviews or delegates. As we scale the department, the standards, templates, and team you establish will form the operational backbone of our long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

Active Estimating & Leadership: Personally prepare comprehensive estimates for ground-up commercial projects while leading and mentoring junior estimating staff.

End-to-End Preconstruction: Oversee the preconstruction phase from initial pursuit through project turnover, including constructability reviews, value engineering (VE), Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) development, and technical contract negotiations.

Department Infrastructure: Build and refine department standards, unit-cost databases, and proposal templates to support company scaling.

Subcontractor & Client Relations: Cultivate strong regional trade partner relationships and interface directly with clients during project alignment and bidding.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

Experience: 5–10+ years of commercial GC estimating experience, with extensive hands-on expertise in ground-up construction (not limited to tenant improvements or renovations).

Track Record: A verifiable list of completed commercial GC projects demonstrating range and depth in hard-bid and conceptual estimating.

Skill Set: Deep understanding of conceptual budgeting, quantity takeoffs, market pricing trends, and commercial contract negotiations.

Great Fit: Commercial General Contractor background with direct, personal experience assembling complete project estimates.

Not a Fit: Backgrounds strictly limited to residential work, single-trade subcontractors, or CM-agency/owner's rep roles without direct GC estimating experience.

Base Salary: $130,000 – $155,000, commensurate with experience.

Growth: Executive scope, leadership authority, and compensation scale directly with company revenue benchmarks.