Director of Preconstruction/Estimating

SubTerra Utilities; Magnolia (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SubTerra Utilities is seeking a Director of Preconstruction / Estimating to lead the estimating and preconstruction team. This executive will own the process from bid opportunity through final proposal, building scalable systems and mentoring staff.

The role calls for strategic and hands-on leadership in underground utility construction and client-facing bid development. The ideal candidate will review plans, quantities, and cost data, identify risks, and develop competitive bids while guiding a

Qualifications

• 7+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably in underground utilities or civil construction.
• Experience leading or mentoring estimating personnel.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, production rates, and equipment.
• Experience developing estimating systems, processes, and standards is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee estimating and preconstruction functions.
• Develop and implement a consistent, accurate estimating process.
• Review plans, specs, scopes, schedules, and contracts.

Skills

Estimating

Leadership

Underground utilities

Reading plans

Team development

Tools

Estimating software

Takeoff software

Job description

Position Summary

The Director of Preconstruction / Estimating is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing and developing SubTerra Utilities' estimating and preconstruction operations.This individual will own the estimating process from project identification and bid opportunity through final proposal, while developing systems, relationships, and a team capable of supporting the company's long-term growth. We are looking for someone who can lead, build, strategize, and execute. Someone who understands underground utility construction and can help turn opportunities into profitable, well-executed projects.

The ideal candidate is a proven estimator and construction professional who can operate at both the strategic and hands-on level. They should be comfortable reviewing plans and quantities one day, meeting with a major client the next, and developing processes and mentoring estimators as we build the department.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Tristan Casey, President

Direct Reports: Estimating Team

Core Responsibilities

Preconstruction & Estimating Leadership

• Lead and oversee SubTerra Utilities' estimating and preconstruction functions.
• Develop and implement a consistent, accurate, and scalable estimating process.
• Review project plans, specifications, scopes of work, schedules, and contract documents.
• Develop detailed estimates for underground utility construction projects.
• Analyze labor, equipment, materials, subcontractor, and other project costs.
• Review quantities, production rates, means and methods, and project requirements.
• Identify project risks, exclusions, assumptions, and potential cost impacts.
• Develop competitive and profitable bids while maintaining appropriate margins.
• Review estimates and proposals prior to submission to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Assist leadership in establishing project budgets and financial expectations.
• Develop and maintain estimating templates, databases, production rates, and historical cost information.

Bid Pipeline & Opportunity Management

• Take ownership of SubTerra's overall bid pipeline and upcoming opportunities.
• Identify projects that align with the company's capabilities, capacity, geography, and profitability goals.
• Establish a structured bid/no-bid process.
• Track upcoming opportunities and ensure bids are properly prioritized.
• Maintain visibility into the company's short- and long-term backlog potential.
• Develop strategies to increase bid volume while maintaining quality and profitability.
• Track bid results, win rates, margins, and other estimating metrics.
• Conduct post-bid reviews to understand wins, losses, and opportunities for improvement.

Client & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with general contractors, developers, owners, engineers, and other industry partners.
• Represent SubTerra Utilities professionally during pre-bid meetings, scope reviews, site walks, and client meetings.
• Work closely with ownership to identify and pursue strategic relationships and new opportunities.
• Help position SubTerra as atrusted partner, rather than simply another subcontractor.
• Participate in presentations and client meetings when appropriate.
• Maintain regular communication with key clients and help develop long-term relationships.
• Assist with expanding SubTerra's presence throughout Texas.

Team Leadership & Department Development

• Build, lead, and develop the estimating/preconstruction team.
• Establish clear expectations, responsibilities, and performance standards.
• Mentor estimators and help develop the next generation of estimating talent.
• Review team estimates and provide guidance on difficult or high-risk bids.
• Develop training and onboarding processes for future estimators.
• Establish accountability for deadlines, accuracy, follow-up, and bid quality.
• Create a collaborative environment between estimating, operations, project management, and ownership.
• Help determine future staffing and technology needs as the department grows.

Operations & Project Handoff

• Develop a strong handoff process from estimating to project management and field operations.
• Ensure project teams understand the original estimate, scope, assumptions, exclusions, and production expectations.
• Participate in turnover meetings for awarded projects.
• Work closely with Project Managers and Superintendents to compare estimated versus actual production and costs.
• Use project performance data to continuously improve future estimates.
• Help identify opportunities for value engineering, cost savings, and improved project execution.

What We’re Looking For

The right person will have a strong understanding of underground utility construction and the ability to think beyond the individual bid.

• An experienced construction estimator with strong MEP underground utility knowledge.
• A proven leader who can build and develop a department.
• Comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with ownership and operations.
• Highly organized and capable of managing multiple bids and deadlines.
• Strong with numbers, quantities, production rates, and cost analysis.
• Able to read and interpret civil, utility, and construction plans.
• Strong in communication, negotiation, and relationship building.
• Detail-oriented without losing sight of the bigger picture.
• Business-minded and focused on bothwinning work and protecting profitability.
• Comfortable making decisions and taking ownership of outcomes.
• Professional, dependable, and willing to roll up their sleeves when needed.
• Aligned with SubTerra's culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Experience

• 7+ years of construction estimating experience, preferably in underground utilities or civil construction.
• Experience estimating underground utility projects such as dry utilities, underground infrastructure, site utilities, or related scopes.
• Experience leading or mentoring estimating personnel.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, production rates, and equipment.
• Experience with takeoff and estimating software.
• Experience working with general contractors, developers, owners, and/or municipalities.
• Proven track record of successfully bidding and winning profitable work.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, scopes, plans, specifications, and change orders.
• Experience developing estimating systems, processes, and standards is highly preferred.