Lead Preconstruction – Commercial Construction

Meritas Advisory Group, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) and retirement-related benefits

Health Savings Account and Flexible Sp

Wellness benefits

Life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Job summary

Meritas Advisory Group, LLC is seeking a skilled Preconstruction Manager to lead the Houston preconstruction and estimating department for a major commercial general contractor. You will guide complex estimates from early concept through GMP or lump-sum bids and advise clients and design teams on scope and cost decisions.

The role requires 10+ years in commercial building construction with a focus on preconstruction; leadership experience is essential for staffing and quality.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial building construction experience, ideally with a general contractor
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing estimators or preconstruction professionals, including staff allocation across multiple projects
• Experience taking projects from conceptual budgeting through GMP or lump-sum pricing and explaining cost to clients
• Familiarity with Houston construction market and local trade partners is a plus
• Degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction and estimating team across multiple pursuits and active projects. Assign staff based on workload, deadlines, and project complexity.
• Set clear expectations for estimate quality and delivery. Coach team members and help hire and develop estimating talent.
• Lead or review conceptual budgets, milestone estimates, GMP proposals, and lump-sum bids for complex commercial building projects.
• Partner with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners to evaluate design options and explain cost drivers.
• Work with Operations and Procurement on constructability, trade pricing, procurement schedules, and a smooth handoff to the construction team.
• Support project pursuits and client presentations, and keep estimating practices current with market pricing and cost trends.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Staffing & development

Conceptual budgeting to GMP/lump-sum

Houston market familiarity

Education

Degree in construction management, engineering, architecture or related field

Tools

Estimating software experience

Job description

Meritas Advisory Group, LLC is seeking a skilled Preconstruction Manager to lead the Houston preconstruction and estimating department for a major commercial general contractor. You will guide complex estimates from early concept through GMP or lump-sum bids and advise clients and design teams on scope and cost decisions.

The role requires 10+ years in commercial building construction with a focus on preconstruction; leadership experience is essential for staffing and quality.