Director of Preconstruction

Elford, Inc; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Elford, Inc. is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Manager to lead complex estimating and preconstruction efforts from conceptual budgeting through project turnover. You will independently lead major pursuits, shape pricing strategies, and support operational planning while advising across teams.

You will mentor estimators, promote consistent estimating processes, and strengthen the preconstruction function. This role requires strong leadership, clear communication, and a track record of

Qualifications

• 7+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Experience independent leadership of complex estimates and major pursuits.
• Strong understanding of conceptual estimating, procurement strategy, constructability, and risk analysis.
• Experience with negotiated, CM-at-Risk, Design-Build, and hard bid delivery methods.
• Strong subcontractor relationships and market knowledge.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to mentor and develop others.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual estimates, GMPs, negotiated proposals, and hard bids across multiple market sectors.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, logistics, phasing plans, and project risks.
• Develop pricing strategies and manage subcontractor outreach, scope reviews, and bid leveling.
• Support design development through budgeting, cost modeling, and value analysis.
• Partner with Operations to align staffing plans, schedules, logistics, and risk management strategies.
• Lead estimate reviews and participate in client presentations and interviews.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Client presentations

Risk analysis

Negotiated bids

Job description

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity for an experienced preconstruction professional who is already leading complex estimates and major pursuits but is looking for greater influence within an organization.

The ideal candidate is a strong estimator first, with the ability to think strategically, collaborate with operations, mentor team members, and help shape the future of the preconstruction function. While estimating remains the core responsibility, this role offers the opportunity to contribute beyond the numbers by influencing pursuit strategy, operational planning, and team development. Working closely with Operations, Business Development, Project Management, and Executive Leadership, this individual will play a key role in securing work, managing risk, and strengthening the overall preconstruction process.

Position Summary

The Senior Preconstruction Manager is responsible for leading complex estimating and preconstruction efforts from conceptual budgeting through project turnover. This individual will independently lead major pursuits, develop competitive pricing strategies, support operational planning, and serve as a trusted advisor throughout the preconstruction process.

Key Responsibilities

• Estimating & Preconstruction: Lead conceptual estimates, GMPs, negotiated proposals, and hard bids across multiple market sectors.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, logistics, phasing plans, and project risks.
• Develop pricing strategies and manage subcontractor outreach, scope reviews, and bid leveling.
• Support design development through budgeting, cost modeling, and value analysis.
• Partner with Operations to align staffing plans, schedules, logistics, and risk management strategies.
• Lead estimate reviews and participate in client presentations and interviews.

Team Development

• Mentor Estimators and Preconstruction Managers.
• Promote consistency in estimating processes, documentation, and scope coverage.
• Support the development of benchmarking tools, historical cost data, and best practices.
• Contribute to the growth and long-term success of the preconstruction department.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• Experience independently leading complex estimates, GMPs, and major pursuits.
• Strong understanding of conceptual estimating, procurement strategy, constructability, and risk analysis.
• Experience with negotiated, CM-at-Risk, Design-Build, and hard bid delivery methods.
• Strong subcontractor relationships and market knowledge.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to mentor and develop others.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

What Success Looks Like

• Accurate, competitive, and well-developed estimates.
• Early identification and management of project risks.
• Strong collaboration and confidence between Preconstruction and Operations.
• Positive client experiences throughout the pursuit process.
• Continuous improvement of preconstruction processes, tools, and team capabilities.

Growth Opportunity

This role offers a clear path for continued leadership growth within a growing organization. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on projects, people, and the overall direction of the preconstruction function while remaining closely connected to the work that drives project success.