Preconstruction Executive

Niche SSP - No.1 for Estimating Talent; Kentucky; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Niche SSP - No.1 for Estimating Talent is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Executive to provide senior leadership across strategy, pursuits, team development, and project delivery in the United States.

The role oversees major preconstruction efforts from early planning through handoff, collaborating with estimating, procurement, design, and senior leadership to position projects for successful execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• Significant experience in commercial construction, preconstruction, or operations.
• Proven track record leading large preconstruction efforts and complex pursuits.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction activities across multiple projects and major pursuits.
• Oversee estimating, value engineering, constructability reviews, scheduling, and buyout.
• Ensure accurate, detailed, and commercially sound estimates and GMPs.
• Develop project-specific preconstruction strategies based on scope and client needs.
• Collaborate with operations for smooth preconstruction to construction transition.
• Mentor and develop preconstruction and estimating professionals.
• Establish consistent estimating and preconstruction processes.
• Identify project risks early and develop mitigation strategies.

Skills

Preconstruction leadership

Estimating knowledge

People development

Client-facing

Commercial acumen

Presentation & negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Job description

A leading national general contractor is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Executive to provide senior leadership across preconstruction strategy, project pursuits, team development, and project delivery.

This position will oversee major preconstruction efforts from early planning through construction handoff. The Preconstruction Executive will work closely with estimating, procurement, operations, business development, design teams, and senior leadership to ensure projects are positioned for successful execution.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical preconstruction experience with proven leadership, commercial awareness, and client-facing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction activities across multiple projects and major pursuits.
• Provide senior oversight of estimating, value engineering, constructability reviews, scheduling, procurement planning, permitting, project technology, and buyout.
• Ensure accurate, detailed, and commercially sound estimates and Guaranteed Maximum Prices.
• Develop project-specific preconstruction strategies based on scope, delivery method, risk, and client expectations.
• Partner with operations to ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction into construction.
• Support staffing and resource planning across preconstruction teams.
• Mentor and develop preconstruction and estimating professionals.
• Help establish consistent estimating and preconstruction processes across the business.
• Support the implementation of estimating technology and improved preconstruction tools.
• Develop and utilize historical cost data to improve estimating accuracy.
• Build strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, clients, architects, and consultants.
• Support procurement strategy and trade partner selection.
• Identify project risks early and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Review project contracts and commercial requirements during preconstruction.
• Partner with business development teams during pursuits, interviews, and client planning.
• Participate in client presentations and help establish confidence during the early stages of a project.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, project certainty, and overall project performance.
• Drive collaboration between preconstruction, estimating, operations, procurement, design, and other internal teams.
• Help shape long-term preconstruction strategy as the business continues to grow.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership across multiple preconstruction teams and projects.
• Coach and develop managers, estimators, and other preconstruction professionals.
• Help identify future leaders and support succession planning.
• Establish clear expectations around performance, accountability, and project execution.
• Support workload planning and resource allocation.
• Promote collaboration across departments and project teams.
• Communicate project and business strategy clearly to both internal and external stakeholders.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• Significant experience within commercial construction, preconstruction, estimating, procurement, or operations.
• Strong track record leading major preconstruction efforts and complex project pursuits.
• Experience overseeing projects from conceptual estimating through final pricing and buyout.
• Experience with multiple project delivery methods, including CM at Risk, Design-Build, and other collaborative delivery models.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong client-facing and presentation experience.
• Design-phase and design-build management experience preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant construction experience will also be considered.

Key Skills

• Strong preconstruction and estimating knowledge.
• Excellent financial and commercial understanding.
• Strong leadership and people-development capabilities.
• Ability to identify and manage project risk.
• Advanced presentation and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of procurement and subcontractor engagement.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Ability to introduce improved processes, technologies, and ways of working.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to deliver results across complex projects and teams.

Ideal Profile

The ideal candidate will be an established preconstruction leader who has experience overseeing major projects, leading pursuit strategy, developing teams, and working directly with clients.

They should understand how to take a project from early conceptual planning through GMP, procurement, and construction handoff while balancing cost, risk, schedule, design, and client expectations.