Preconstruction Director

Vaco; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring, in the Greater Tampa Bay Area, seeks a seasoned Director of Preconstruction to lead estimating, budgeting, and strategy for a diverse Florida and Southeast portfolio.

You will manage estimators, partner with Development, Leasing, Design, Engineering, and Construction, and present cost analyses to executives from project inception through construction.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in commercial construction, preconstruction, and estimating leadership.
• Experience in a developer/owner or integrated owner/developer environment.
• Proven ability to develop conceptual budgets and detailed cost estimates across multiple stages.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction and estimating activities for commercial development and redevelopment projects.
• Manage and mentor a team of estimators.
• Prepare and review budgets, feasibility analyses, and cost estimates.
• Partner with Leasing to support tenant negotiations and budget planning.
• Collaborate with Development, Design, Engineering, and Construction to establish budgets and strategies.
• Identify risks, cost drivers, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Maintain estimating standards and historical cost databases.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Preconstruction strategy

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Construction management software

Job description

Title:

Preconstruction Director

Location:

Greater Tampa Bay Area

Compensation:

$200,000+ (dependent on experience)

A leading commercial real estate development and construction organization is seeking a Director of Preconstruction to lead estimating, budgeting, and preconstruction efforts across a diverse portfolio of commercial projects throughout Florida and the Southeast. This is a high-visibility leadership role responsible for overseeing preconstruction strategy, managing estimating teams, and partnering with Development, Leasing, Design, Engineering, Construction, and Project Management stakeholders to support informed business decisions from project inception through construction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all preconstruction and estimating activities for commercial development and redevelopment projects.
• Manage and develop a team of civil and vertical construction estimators.
• Prepare and review conceptual budgets, feasibility analyses, and detailed cost estimates.
• Partner with Leasing teams to support tenant negotiations, deal evaluation, and construction budgeting.
• Collaborate with Development, Design, Architecture, Engineering, and Construction teams to establish project budgets and cost strategies.
• Identify project risks, constructability concerns, cost drivers, and value engineering opportunities.
• Maintain estimating standards, historical cost databases, and budgeting methodologies.
• Monitor labor, material, subcontractor, and market pricing trends.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, consultants, and key stakeholders.
• Present cost analyses and strategic recommendations during project planning and executive review meetings.

Required Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in commercial construction, preconstruction, and estimating leadership.
• Experience working for a commercial real estate developer, owner/developer, or integrated owner/developer/general contractor environment.
• Expertise in both civil/site development and vertical construction estimating.
• Proven experience developing conceptual budgets and detailed cost estimates throughout multiple stages of project development.
• Experience leading and mentoring estimating or preconstruction teams.
• Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Excel, and construction management technology.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with office, industrial, mixed-use, or redevelopment projects.
• Prior partnership with Leasing teams and understanding of lease-driven construction requirements.
• Experience working alongside in-house design, architecture, or development teams.
• Familiarity with multi-state commercial development portfolios.

What You'll Lead:

• Preconstruction strategy and planning
• Construction estimating and budgeting
• Team leadership and development
• Feasibility and value engineering initiatives
• Cross-functional collaboration with development and operations teams

Equal Opportunity Notice

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

the individual's skill sets, experience and training;

licensure and certification requirements;

office location and other geographic considerations; and

other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or participation in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's retirement plan (or similar retirement benefits).