Preconstruction Leader & Lead Estimator (Hands-On)

Growth Solutions Team; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Growth Solutions Team is seeking a hands-on Preconstruction Manager / Lead Estimator in the Baltimore area. You will personally develop estimates and drive bid strategies, working with subcontractors and suppliers to produce accurate budgets and competitive proposals.

The role emphasizes leadership, ownership, and strategic input into how projects are pursued, priced, negotiated, and delivered. Strong experience with design-build and VE is highly valued.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience with a general contractor.
• Ability to independently prepare conceptual budgets, detailed takeoffs, and complete bid-level estimates.
• Experience soliciting, analyzing, and leveling subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Experience reviewing the work of or mentoring a junior estimator.
• Strong understanding of construction documents, subcontractor scopes, cost estimating, and commercial construction methods.
• Experience with design-build projects, value engineering, and cost management throughout design development.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and competitive bids for commercial construction projects.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and analyze costs across labor, material, equipment, subcontractors, and general conditions.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier bidding, bid packages, pricing, and responses.
• Review and level subcontractor bids, resolve scope discrepancies, and qualify trade partners.
• Collaborate with architects/engineers to align design decisions with budgets.
• Identify value engineering opportunities to improve cost efficiency.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Takeoffs & budgets

Bid package management

Subcontractor management

Design-build / value engineering

Analytical thinking

Communication with clients

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture

Tools

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

On-Screen Takeoff

Procore

Sage Estimating

Job description

Growth Solutions Team is seeking a hands-on Preconstruction Manager / Lead Estimator in the Baltimore area. You will personally develop estimates and drive bid strategies, working with subcontractors and suppliers to produce accurate budgets and competitive proposals.

The role emphasizes leadership, ownership, and strategic input into how projects are pursued, priced, negotiated, and delivered. Strong experience with design-build and VE is highly valued.