Director, Strategic Preconstruction & Estimating

McGough; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 165,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage (medical, dental,视)

Retirement plans

Parental leave

Generous paid time off

Holiday pay

Travel to project sites

Job summary

McGough, based in Minnesota, seeks a Director of Preconstruction to lead the Central Minnesota preconstruction and estimating functions. Reporting to the General Manager, you will shape pursuits and guide projects from concept through GMP, balancing client, design, and trade perspectives with discipline.

You will drive processes, develop a high-performing team, and oversee cost leadership across portfolios, with extensive collaboration across estimating, scheduling, MEP, and QA/QC.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field.
• 15+ years in general contracting, preconstruction, estimating, or PM on large, complex projects.
• Experience leading negotiated, CM at Risk, or design-build preconstruction from concept through GMP.
• Five+ years leading people or functions, including staffing and coaching.
• Experience managing estimates, cost models, contingencies, bid analysis, and procurement.
• Broad knowledge of building systems, MEP, constructability, and procurement strategy.
• Ability to balance owner/designer/contractor perspectives with commercial discipline.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, writing, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Pursuit Strategy and Business Development: align with leaders on win strategy and preconstruction approach.
• Preconstruction Leadership: define roles, lead projects from pursuit to GMP, manage risk logs.
• Estimating and Cost Leadership: oversee concept through GMP estimates and cost models.
• People Leadership: manage and develop the team, set expectations and accountability.
• Process Improvement: simplify workflows, track milestones, apply lessons learned.
• Other Duties: participate in leadership meetings and build internal/external relationships.

Skills

Preconstruction leadership

Estimating

Staffing & coaching

Cost modeling

Constructability

Lean / VDC / BIM

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or master's in construction management / engineering / architecture

Job description

McGough, based in Minnesota, seeks a Director of Preconstruction to lead the Central Minnesota preconstruction and estimating functions. Reporting to the General Manager, you will shape pursuits and guide projects from concept through GMP, balancing client, design, and trade perspectives with discipline.

You will drive processes, develop a high-performing team, and oversee cost leadership across portfolios, with extensive collaboration across estimating, scheduling, MEP, and QA/QC.