Preconstruction Manager
Location: Durham, NC
Salary: $120,000 - $160,000 (Based on Experience)
Position Overview
Responsible for preparing accurate, competitive cost estimates for commercial and ground-up construction projects, managing the estimating process from takeoffs to bid submission, and collaborating with project teams to support budgeting, forecasting, and successful project delivery. Leads and mentors estimating staff while working closely with operations, procurement, and preconstruction teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all phases of estimating for commercial and ground-up projects, from takeoffs and pricing to bid submission.
- Prepare accurate estimates covering labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and overhead.
- Mentor estimating staff, review work, and uphold QA/QC standards.
- Coordinate with project teams and subcontractors to define scope and secure competitive pricing.
- Maintain cost databases, unit pricing, and estimating templates.
- Lead preconstruction meetings, site visits, and bid clarification efforts.
- Utilize estimating software and digital takeoff tools to streamline workflows.
- Present estimates, cost forecasts, and risk analyses to leadership and clients.
- Manage bid schedules, submissions, negotiations, and post-bid reviews.
- Collaborate with finance and scheduling teams to align budgets and project plans.
- Support complex pursuits and serve as lead estimator on assigned projects.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of commercial, ground-up, or heavy civil estimating experience; prior Senior/Lead Estimator experience preferred.
- Proven success leading estimating efforts, managing teams, and delivering complex bids.
- Proficient with digital takeoff tools, including Bluebeam.
- Experience with Procore, BuildingConnected, and other estimating platforms preferred.
- Strong background in construction estimating, budgeting, proposals, and bid preparation.
- Knowledge of scope review, specifications, subcontractor procurement, and pricing strategies.
- Experience with forecasting, cost control, scheduling, and cash flow planning.
- Advanced Excel and estimating software skills; ability to maintain cost databases.
Benefits
Full Benefits Included