Estimator/Preconstruction Manager

Southway Builders, Inc.; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Discretionary bonus

Auto allowance

Job summary

Southway Builders, Inc. is seeking an Estimator / Preconstruction Manager to lead the Southeast preconstruction efforts. You will manage two estimators, develop budgets, and shape standards for a growing preconstruction practice while coordinating with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors.

This is a high-impact role to influence project planning, pricing, and delivery—helping build a scalable preconstruction platform within a growing regional team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of preconstruction or estimating experience, including leadership or mentoring responsibilities.
• Experience budgeting complex projects across multifamily, commercial, institutional, and interior upfits.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, and sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction process from concept through GMP or contract execution.
• Direct, mentor, and develop two estimators.
• Help establish and refine preconstruction standards, workflows, and pricing strategies.
• Develop and present budgets for large-scale multifamily, commercial, and interior projects.
• Coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors during design.
• Lead constructability reviews, value management, and scope clarification.

Skills

Leadership / Mentoring

Budgeting

Estimating

Construction means / methods

Communication

Tools

ProEst

Bluebeam

Procore

BuildingConnected

Job description

At Southway Builders, we don't just build buildings, we build communities and people. As a growing regional construction management firm, we are grounded in our core values of quality, dependability, and integrity, and we foster a collaborative, team-oriented culture that supports long-term career growth.

We work across a diverse portfolio including adaptive reuse, historic preservation, renovations, and new construction, offering meaningful projects and hands-on professional development. If you're humble, hungry, and smart, we'd love to have you under the Southway tent.

Position Summary

The Estimator / Preconstruction Manager will lead and grow Southway's preconstruction efforts for the Southeast region. Reporting directly to the Regional Business Unit Leader (Senior Vice President, Southeast), this role serves as both a hands-on estimator and people leader, directly managing two estimators while helping shape the structure, tools, and best practices of a developing preconstruction department in the Southeast office (with support from the reconstruction department in the Northeast headquarters.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a seasoned preconstruction professional who wants to influence how projects are planned, priced, and delivered — and to help build a scalable preconstruction platform within a growing regional business unit.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction process from concept through GMP or contract execution
• Direct, mentor, and develop two estimators
• Help establish and refine preconstruction standards, workflows, and pricing strategies
• Develop and present conceptual through detailed budgets for:
• Large-scale multifamily and mixed-use projects
• Commercial and institutional projects, including schools
• Complex interior projects such as laboratory, health sciences, and corporate interior upfits
• Coordinate closely with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors throughout design
• Lead constructability reviews, value management, and scope clarification efforts
• Support contract negotiations and ensure completeness of contract exhibits
• Oversee the transition from preconstruction to construction
• Maintain accurate project documentation, schedules, and CRM updates

Qualifications

• 5+ years of preconstruction or estimating experience, including leadership or mentoring responsibilities
• Demonstrated experience budgeting complex projects across multiple market sectors, including multifamily, commercial, institutional, and interior upfits
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, and sequencing
• Proficiency with estimating and project management tools, including ProEst, Bluebeam, Procore, and BuildingConnected (preferred)
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a desire to build, improve, and lead
• Salary range: $90,000 - $158,000, based on qualifications and experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Discretionary bonus and auto allowance eligibility