Preconstruction & Estimating Manager

LG Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Compensation

Unlimited PTO

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

401k Match

Downtown Office HQ

Exciting Project Work

Job summary

LG Builders is seeking a seasoned Preconstruction and Estimating Manager to lead budget development, feasibility studies, and bid strategies for hospitality and multi-family projects in Chicago. You will work with clients, design teams, and internal stakeholders to deliver accurate estimates and value-engineering solutions, ensuring alignment with project goals and schedules.

The role requires strong analytical skills, 5+ years in estimating/preconstruction, and proficiency with Bluebeam,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in estimating, preconstruction, and construction project management, preferably in commercial hospitality and multi-family projects.
• Strong technical and communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required; knowledge of estimating software and tools such as Bluebeam, Procore, and Sage
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and manuals is preferred.
• Efficiently prioritize tasks and identify long lead times and critical path items.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the preconstruction phase, including budget development, feasibility studies, and schedule analysis.
• Collaborate with project teams, clients, and design partners to define project scopes and goals.
• Provide creative value-engineering solutions to enhance project efficiency while maintaining quality and design intent.
• Develop and manage comprehensive cost estimates, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and alignment with project objectives.
• Review drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare estimates.
• Conduct bid leveling and subcontractor/vendor negotiations to ensure scope alignment and cost efficiency.
• Partner with Business Development to support bid strategies and secure new opportunities.
• Lead scope review meetings with clients and project teams to align expectations.
• Work with Project Managers and Superintendents to establish achievable budgets and schedules.
• Implement and refine estimating processes and tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Stay current on market trends, construction costs, and industry practices to maintain competitive pricing.
• Identify and communicate project risks during the preconstruction phase.
• Collaborate with legal and project management teams to ensure contracts reflect project requirements.

Skills

Estimating

Preconstruction

Construction Mgmt

Bluebeam

Procore

Sage

MS Office

Education

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

Tools

Bluebeam

Procore

Sage

Job description

Description

Introduction

LG Builders is a full-service construction company powered by collaboration, creativity, and resourcefulness. Our portfolio is diverse but focuses on hospitality, retail, core and shell, residential and multi-family. Everything we do is powered by our people. Our culture is founded on collaborative teamwork, empowerment of our people, and an employee experience focused on growth and development making LG a best-in-industry place to work. With a deep recognition that we will only go as far as our people will take us, we are committed to investing in our talent through consistent mentorship and continuous feedback with a focus on career growth through goal setting.

At LG Group, we know a career is more than just a job, it’s the pursuit of passion.

LG GROUP IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

LG provides equal opportunity in all its employment practices to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity, and sexual orientation), color, religion, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of the employment relationship, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, job assignments, training, compensation, benefits, promotion, transfer, disciplinary action, or separation of employment.

Role Summary

The Preconstruction and Estimating Manager will play a pivotal role in the success of LG Builders by leading preconstruction efforts, ensuring accurate and competitive project pricing, and setting the foundation for project success. This individual will work closely with clients, design teams, and internal project stakeholders to deliver detailed cost estimates and value-engineering solutions while fostering collaborative relationships. The ideal candidate has a strong background in estimating and preconstruction, exceptional analytical skills, and a passion for process improvement.

Essential Duties

Preconstruction Management

• Lead and oversee the preconstruction phase, including budget development, feasibility studies, and schedule analysis.


• Collaborate with project teams, clients, and design partners to define project scopes and goals.


• Provide creative value-engineering solutions to enhance project efficiency while maintaining quality and design intent.

Estimating Management

• Develop and manage comprehensive cost estimates, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and alignment with project objectives.


• Review drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare estimates.


• Conduct bid leveling and subcontractor/vendor negotiations to ensure scope alignment and cost efficiency.
  

Team Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with Business Development to support bid strategies and secure new opportunities.


• Lead scope review meetings with clients and project teams to align expectations.


• Work with Project Managers and Superintendents to establish achievable budgets and schedules.

Process Improvement

• Implement and refine estimating processes and tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.


• Stay current on market trends, construction costs, and industry practices to maintain competitive pricing.

Risk Mitigation

• Identify and communicate project risks during the preconstruction phase.


• Collaborate with legal and project management teams to ensure contracts reflect project requirements.

Requirements

Qualifications for Success

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Architecture, or related field.


• Minimum 5 years in estimating, preconstruction, and construction project management, preferably in commercial hospitality and multi-family projects.


• Strong technical and communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required; knowledge of estimating software and tools such as Bluebeam, Procore, and Sage


• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and manuals is preferred.


• Efficiently prioritize tasks and identify long lead times and critical path items.


• Flexible and solution-oriented to meet evolving business needs.


• Detail-oriented and resourceful with a process-focused approach.


• Proactive communication with a sense of urgency.


• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for engaging with clients, vendors, and internal teams.


• Detail-oriented, resourceful, and process-focused with a commitment to delivering quality outcomes.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation


• Unlimited PTO


• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance options


• 3-weeks Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave


• 401k Match


• Enviable Company Culture


• Downtown Office HQ Location


• Exciting and Creative Project Work


• And so much more!