Director of Preconstruction

2020 Search Partners; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance or company vehicle

401(k) with company match

Comprehensive healthcare benefits

Relocation assistance

Job summary

A top construction firm in Northbrook, IL is seeking a Director of Electrical Estimating to lead estimating and BIM teams. The role requires 10+ years of electrical construction experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency with estimating tools and software. This position involves office responsibilities with frequent site visits, allowing for a practical understanding of projects. The company offers a competitive compensation package including salary, bonus, car allowance, and relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in electrical construction, ideally in an estimating role.
• Strong organization and leadership skills.
• Ability to lead and collaborate across teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to lead and collaborate effectively.
• Highly organized with strong time management and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency with estimating tools, Office 365, Bluebeam/Adobe, Trimble suite, and scheduling software such as Primavera P6.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating and BIM teams in developing cost estimates.
• Review pricing strategies and assist in project budgeting.
• Collaborate with teams to validate pricing data.
• Collaborate with subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams to gather and validate pricing data.
• Attend pre‑bid walkthroughs and assist in proposal presentations and project kickoff meetings.
• Utilize Trimble and other preconstruction software solutions to streamline workflows and enhance accuracy.
• Mentor and support trainees and interns while fostering a culture of learning and accountability.
• Collaborate with construction teams to identify prefab and lean construction opportunities.
• Assist in estimating change orders and preparing final estimate documentation.
• Stay up to date on the latest construction technologies and best practices to enhance pre‑construction operations.

Skills

Electrical systems understanding

Communication skills

Time management

Leadership

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Trimble suite

Bluebeam/Adobe

Primavera P6

Office 365

Primavera P6

Job description

Director of Electrical Estimating / Director of Electrical Pre‑Construction

A recognized leader in commercial electrical construction in the Greater Chicago area is seeking a strategic, detail‑oriented, and forward‑thinking Director of Electrical Estimating / Director of Pre‑Construction to lead its estimating and BIM teams. This is a highly visible role that plays a vital part in driving successful project pursuits and shaping the future of pre‑construction operations. If you're passionate about accuracy, innovation, and team leadership, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact with a world‑class organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and BIM teams in developing accurate and detailed cost estimates from concept through construction documents.
• Participate in project budgeting and pursuit strategy alongside company leadership.
• Review and approve pricing strategies, labor units, and time budgets for project estimates.
• Collaborate with subcontractors, vendors, and internal teams to gather and validate pricing data.
• Attend pre‑bid walkthroughs and assist in proposal presentations and project kickoff meetings.
• Utilize Trimble and other preconstruction software solutions to streamline workflows and enhance accuracy.
• Mentor and support trainees and interns while fostering a culture of learning and accountability.
• Collaborate with construction teams to identify prefab and lean construction opportunities.
• Assist in estimating change orders and preparing final estimate documentation.
• Stay up to date on the latest construction technologies and best practices to enhance pre‑construction operations.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in electrical construction, ideally in an estimating or preconstruction leadership role.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems and construction project lifecycles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to lead and collaborate effectively.
• Highly organized with strong time management and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency with estimating tools, Office 365, Bluebeam/Adobe, Trimble suite, and scheduling software such as Primavera P6.
• A team‑oriented leader who demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and a passion for excellence.

This position combines office‑based responsibilities with frequent site visits to ensure real‑world understanding and alignment. Candidates should be comfortable reviewing drawings, navigating construction sites, and leading discussions across diverse stakeholder groups.

Location & Compensation

This position will be based in Northbrook, IL. This is a full‑time position that is available for immediate hire. A comprehensive compensation package will be developed for the successful candidate, which will include a base salary, a bonus plan, a car allowance or company vehicle, a 401(k) with company match, and comprehensive healthcare benefits. The company provides relocation assistance.