Construction Preconstruction Manager

Kaye/Bassman Architecture | Engineering | Construction | Real Estate; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaye/Bassman Architecture | Engineering | Construction | Real Estate is seeking a Preconstruction Manager/Estimator with deep experience in commercial landscaping, irrigation, and related sitework to drive accurate estimates and competitive bids.

The role partners with operations and leadership to grow profitability on public and private projects, supporting value engineering and bid strategy while maintaining databases and bid documentation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating experience in commercial landscaping, irrigation, sitework, drywall or related specialty contracting.
• OR estimating experience with a commercial general contractor that includes interior, site, landscape, or exterior scopes.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods for landscape and irrigation work.
• Proficiency with estimating software, Excel, and digital takeoff tools.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial landscaping, irrigation, and site development scopes
• Perform quantity takeoffs from civil, landscape, and irrigation plans
• Review RFPs, drawings, and specifications to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities
• Develop pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing
• Collaborate with project management and operations during preconstruction and handoff
• Support value engineering, alternates, and bid strategy development
• Maintain estimating databases, historical cost data, and bid documentation

Skills

Estimating experience

Bid management

Communication skills

Detail oriented

Tools

Estimating software

Excel

Digital takeoff tools

Job description

(ESTIMATOR WILL HAVE DRYWALL, LANDSCAPING, OR COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTING EXPERIENCE)

The Preconstruction Manager/Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive cost estimates for commercial landscape, irrigation, and/or drywall projects by analyzing plans, specifications, and scopes of work. This role partners closely with operations and leadership to support profitable growth across public and private sector projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial landscaping, irrigation, and site development scopes
• Perform quantity takeoffs from civil, landscape, and irrigation plans
• Review RFPs, drawings, and specifications to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities
• Develop pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work
• Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing
• Collaborate with project management and operations during preconstruction and handoff
• Support value engineering, alternates, and bid strategy development
• Maintain estimating databases, historical cost data, and bid documentation

Qualifications

• 5+ years of estimating experience in commercial landscaping, irrigation, sitework, drywall or related specialty contracting
• OR estimating experience with a commercial general contractor that includes interior, site, landscape, or exterior scopes
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods for landscape and irrigation work
• Proficiency with estimating software, Excel, and digital takeoff tools
• Ability to manage multiple bids and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail

Preferred

• Experience with public sector, education, healthcare, industrial, or large-scale commercial projects