Director of Preconstruction

Ellaway Blues Consulting; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellaway Blues Consulting is seeking a Director of Preconstruction to lead the estimating function for large-scale construction projects. You will drive strategy, ensure accurate cost planning, and partner with executive leadership to support business growth.

The ideal candidate brings extensive preconstruction experience, strong leadership, and a track record of improving estimating processes, data integrity, and bid outcomes. This senior role offers significant influence and responsibility.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating experience in construction.
• 5-7 years of management or leadership experience.
• Proficiency with estimating software and cost management tools.
• Strong financial acumen and commercial decision-making.
• Experience with large-scale projects and preconstruction activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and coordinate the estimating department to ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, and delivered on time.
• Oversee review of front-end project documentation, bid requirements, and specifications.
• Collaborate with business unit leaders, marketing, and operations to align strategies with growth objectives.
• Evaluate opportunities, support bid/no-bid decisions, and identify risks and commercial considerations.
• Review and coordinate estimates across business units to maintain consistency and quality.
• Oversee bid administration, bid-day planning, estimate reviews, and bid-day assignments.
• Support fee development, cost planning, and commercial strategy during bidding.
• Maintain and improve estimating databases, historical cost data, and unit pricing benchmarks.
• Use data analysis to improve accuracy, bidding strategies, and project performance.
• Work with operations to evaluate execution strategies, constructability, and costs.
• Support CMAR proposals, including cost development and subcontractor engagement.
• Evaluate estimating software and technology with IT to improve processes.
• Lead training, mentoring, and development of estimating staff including junior estimators.
• Participate in client interviews, project presentations, and business development activities.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Large-scale project estimating

Bid management

Cost analysis

Team mentoring

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction Management/Architecture

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

We are partnering with a well-established construction organization to identify an experienced Director of Preconstruction to lead its estimating function and support the continued growth of the business.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an estimating professional with a strong background in large-scale construction projects, preconstruction strategy, cost planning, and team development. The successful candidate will oversee estimating operations, drive consistency and accuracy across project bids, and collaborate closely with executive leadership, business unit leaders, marketing, and operations teams to support strategic business objectives.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical estimating expertise with commercial awareness, leadership capabilities, and the ability to develop processes that improve estimating performance and project profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and coordinate the estimating department, ensuring estimates are accurate, competitive, and delivered within required deadlines.
• Oversee the review of front-end project documentation, bid requirements, and project specifications.
• Collaborate with business unit leaders, marketing, and operational teams to align estimating strategies with company growth objectives.
• Evaluate project opportunities, support bid/no-bid decisions, and identify potential project risks and commercial considerations.
• Review and coordinate estimates across business units, maintaining consistency and quality throughout the estimating process.
• Oversee bid administration, bid-day planning, estimate reviews, and bid-day assignments.
• Support fee development, cost planning, and commercial strategy during the bidding process.
• Maintain and continuously improve estimating databases, historical project cost information, and unit pricing benchmarks.
• Use historical project data and cost analysis to improve estimating accuracy, bidding strategies, and overall project performance.
• Work closely with operations teams to evaluate project execution strategies, constructability, costs, and potential risks.
• Support Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) proposals, including cost development, subcontractor engagement, and preconstruction planning.
• Evaluate estimating software and technology, collaborating with IT teams to improve processes and implement new solutions.
• Lead the training, mentoring, and professional development of estimating personnel, including junior estimators.
• Participate in client interviews, project presentations, and other business development activities as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 10+ years of estimating experience within the construction industry, including experience with large-scale construction projects.
• 5-7 years of management or leadership experience, preferably overseeing estimating teams or departmental functions.
• Demonstrated experience managing estimates, bid processes, and preconstruction activities for complex construction projects.
• Proficiency with estimating software and construction cost management tools.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, unit pricing, subcontractor pricing, and project risk assessment.
• Experience developing and maintaining historical cost databases and using project data to improve estimating accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
• Strong financial acumen, analytical capabilities, and commercial decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work in a deadline-driven environment.

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to align estimating activities with broader business goals and growth strategies.
• Team Development: Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing high-performing estimating teams.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of project costs, financial performance, bid strategy, and risk management.
• Collaboration: Ability to build effective relationships with executive leadership, operations, business development, and external partners.
• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to improving estimating processes, technology, and departmental performance.
• Accountability: A commitment to accuracy, quality, confidentiality, and delivering results.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Senior leadership position with responsibility for the estimating function.
• Opportunity to influence preconstruction strategy and business growth.
• Ability to develop and lead an estimating team.
• Direct collaboration with executive leadership and operational stakeholders.
• Opportunity to improve estimating systems, processes, and technology.
• A role where commercial expertise, leadership, and strategic thinking can make a meaningful impact.