Director of Preconstruction

Jimmy Jazz; La Vista (NE); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid healthcare premiums

401(k) with employer contributions, 2+

Employer-paid short-term disability

Generous PTO

Team-focused culture

Job summary

MCL is seeking a seasoned Preconstruction leader to own and drive complex estimating efforts for ground-up and renovation projects. You will direct multiple phases from concept to construction documents, ensuring accuracy, risk mitigation, and competitive bids.

You will mentor a team of estimators, develop cost models, and coordinate with operations to align margins and labor rates to win quality work. A fast-paced, ownership-driven culture awaits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive, management-level experience in preconstruction, estimating, or construction.
• Experience leading diverse commercial projects — ground-up and renovation — from concept through construction documents, including GMP and CMAR delivery (preferred).
• Proficiency with estimating platforms like Timberline or On-Screen Takeoff, plus Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Fluency in RFP/RFQ preparation, contract negotiations, scheduling, and purchasing.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field (preferred) — or the track record that proves you don’t need one.
• Comfortable leading a room of owners, architects, and subs — and leading a team with the same confidence.

Responsibilities

• Own a deep pipeline of ground-up and renovation projects from first concept through groundbreaking.
• Direct conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and lump-sum estimates — and stand behind every one.
• Build and analyze cost models that hold up under pressure through precon and bidding.
• Partner with operations to align margins, labor rates, and strategy so estimates win work that performs.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of preconstruction managers and estimators.
• Set department standards and implement policies and SOPs with a continuous-improvement mindset.
• Guide owners, architects, and internal teams through every phase of project development.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Timberline/OST

Excel/Office

RFP/RFQ

Negotiations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CM/Eng/Arch or equivalent

Tools

Timberline

On-Screen Takeoff

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

• Job Category Preconstruction

Description

MCL Arena Mentality

At MCL, we step into the arena together. Our core values guide how we show up every day, from how we lead and work together to how we serve our clients and communities.

The Arena Mentality means putting those values into action: taking ownership, tackling challenges, supporting your team, speaking up, and bringing solutions to the table. As MCL grows, every employee has the opportunity to make an impact, influence our projects, and help shape what comes next.

You’re not just filling a role. You’re part of the team building what’s next. Own the Numbers. Earn the Trust.

What You Bring to the Arena

• Own a deep pipeline of ground-up and renovation projects from first concept through groundbreaking.
• Direct conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and lump-sum estimates — and stand behind every one.
• Build and analyze cost models that hold up under pressure through precon and bidding.
• Partner with operations to align margins, labor rates, and strategy so estimates win work that performs.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of preconstruction managers and estimators.
• Set department standards and implement policies and SOPs with a continuous-improvement mindset.
• Guide owners, architects, and internal teams through every phase of project development.

The Skills Behind the Build

• 10+ years of progressive, management-level experience in preconstruction, estimating, or construction.
• Experience leading diverse commercial projects — ground-up and renovation — from concept through construction documents, including GMP and CMAR delivery (preferred).
• Proficiency with estimating platforms like Timberline or On-Screen Takeoff, plus Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Fluency in RFP/RFQ preparation, contract negotiations, scheduling, and purchasing.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field (preferred) — or the track record that proves you don’t need one.
• Comfortable leading a room of owners, architects, and subs — and leading a team with the same confidence.

Build What’s Next

You’ve built the numbers people trust. We want to give you the room to run them — real ownership of a pipeline, not just a seat at the table when the numbers are presented.

MCL is growing, and so is the scope of this seat. You’ll have a direct line to ownership, a voice in strategy, and a team that looks to you to set the standard.

Take on bigger pursuits. Develop future estimators and leaders. Help decide which work MCL goes after in the first place.

More ownership. More influence. More room to grow.

Since 1987, MCL has built its reputation on quality work, lasting relationships, and people who take pride in doing things the right way.

What We Offer

• 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for you and your dependents
• 401(k) with employer contributions, Profit sharing
• Employer-paid short-term disability
• Generous PTO
• A team-focused culture

We’re the people you build with. Build your career with MCL.