Head of Preconstruction & Estimating

LVI Associates; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

LVI Associates is seeking a Director of Preconstruction in the United States to lead all preconstruction and estimating activities. You will manage a team of estimators, collaborate with operations, and drive strategic cost planning and client-facing initiatives.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in estimating and preconstruction, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of construction costs across sectors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of construction estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Proven experience leading estimating teams and managing complex construction budgets.
• Strong understanding of construction costs across multiple market sectors.
• Ability to lead design-assist, budgeting, and preconstruction meetings.
• Proficiency with estimating, scheduling, and project management software platforms.
• Field construction experience is beneficial.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the preconstruction and estimating team, fostering collaboration.
• Oversee workload planning, staffing, scheduling, and performance development.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, design partners, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Participate in project interviews, business development, and client presentations.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop division strategy and growth plans.
• Lead project strategy meetings for budgeting, estimating, procurement, and scheduling.
• Ensure estimates, budgets, and schedules are accurate and aligned with requirements.
• Review design progress, costs, and subcontractor pricing for variances.
• Identify and mitigate estimating, procurement, and constructability risks.
• Support proposals, RFP responses, and negotiated opportunities.
• Provide constructability reviews and cost guidance during design development.
• Develop and maintain historical cost databases and benchmarks.
• Track preconstruction budgets and identify efficiency improvements.
• Mentor and train preconstruction staff through development programs.
• Participate in client meetings and provide lifecycle cost guidance.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Cost estimation

Client relationship

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

MS Project

Job description

LVI Associates is seeking a Director of Preconstruction in the United States to lead all preconstruction and estimating activities. You will manage a team of estimators, collaborate with operations, and drive strategic cost planning and client-facing initiatives.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in estimating and preconstruction, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of construction costs across sectors.