Chief Estimator/Preconstruction Manager

Recruit CRM; San Clemente (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Search in San Clemente, CA is hiring a Chief Estimator / Preconstruction Manager to own the estimating function from first budget to contract award. You will lead the estimating team, set standards, and influence preconstruction strategy directly reporting to the President.

Responsibilities include managing bid deadlines, developing cost databases, leading GMP and lump-sum estimates, and building strong relationships with subs and vendors while guiding risk analysis and value

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• 5+ years in a senior estimating leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating team and mentor staff.
• Set estimating standards, procedures, and quality controls for bids.
• Run estimate reviews and approve submissions.
• Develop winning bid strategies and value engineering.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across preconstruction.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture

Tools

ProEst

Bluebeam

Building Connected

Excel

Procore

Autodesk Construction Cloud

Job description

Confidential Search | Direct Hire San Clemente, CA | On-Site | Full-Time $165,000 to $200,000 per year

About the Company

Lead Preconstruction for a Respected Southern California GC

Our client is a well-established commercial general contractor with a reputation for consistency, reliability, and delivering high-quality, profitable projects on time and on budget. Their portfolio spans Healthcare, Commercial, Laboratory/Technical, Industrial, Educational, Automotive, Corporate Office, and Tenant Improvement work across Southern California.

They are looking for a Chief Estimator / Preconstruction Manager to own the estimating function from first budget to contract award. Reporting directly to the President, you will lead the estimating team and have a real voice in preconstruction strategy and operations. This is a permanent, direct-hire position. The company name will be shared with qualified candidates as the process moves forward.

About the Role

• Manage, mentor, and develop the estimating team through hands‑on coaching and a collaborative leadership style.
• Set estimating standards, procedures, and quality controls, and assign workload across multiple concurrent pursuits to hit every bid deadline.
• Run estimate review meetings and give final approval on all estimates before submission.
• Continuously improve processes, cost databases, and historical cost data to sharpen accuracy and competitiveness.
• Lead conceptual, schematic, design‑development, GMP, and lump‑sum estimates, interpreting drawings, specs, and contract documents to define scope and identify risk.
• Build detailed take‑offs and cost estimates using ProEst, Bluebeam, Building Connected, and Excel.
• Develop winning, profitable bid strategies and lead constructability reviews and value engineering.
• Evaluate risk, recommend contingencies, and support early procurement planning for long‑lead materials.
• Attend pre‑bid meetings and job walks, prepare CSI bid‑package scopes, and manage RFIs.
• Develop strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, owners, and consultants.
• Solicit, level, and negotiate subcontractor proposals for complete coverage and best overall value.
• Participate in client interviews, project presentations, preconstruction meetings, and industry events.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Operations, Marketing, and Executive Leadership on RFQs, RFPs, design‑build, negotiated, and hard‑bid pursuits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, including 5+ years in a senior estimating leadership role.
• A strong track record estimating Healthcare, Commercial, Laboratory, Educational, Corporate Office, and Tenant Improvement projects.
• Expert knowledge of plans, specifications, quantity take‑offs, constructability, and commercial means and methods.
• Proficiency with ProEst, Bluebeam, Building Connected, and Excel. Procore and Autodesk Construction Cloud experience is a plus.
• Deep experience with conceptual estimating, GMP development, negotiated work, design‑build, and hard‑bid procurement.
• Proven results in cost control, value engineering, pricing strategy, and risk analysis.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, communication, and presentation skills, with the composure to perform under tight deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred, or equivalent industry experience.

Why This Role

This is a chance to lead an experienced team, shape how a respected contractor wins work, and put your name on landmark projects across Southern California.