Preconstruction Manager

Owen Thomas Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Owen Thomas Group in Houston seeks a Lead Estimator to drive preconstruction from concept through final proposal, coordinating with operations, design partners, clients, and subcontractors to build accurate, competitive bids.

You will develop budgets, cost models, alternates, contingencies, and value-engineering recommendations; perform quantity takeoffs; evaluate subcontractor proposals; lead estimate reviews and client interviews; and mentor junior estimators.

Qualifications

• 5 or more years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading complex project pursuits with minimal supervision.
• Experience preparing negotiated GMP, CM/GC, Design-Build, and competitive hard-bid estimates.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial construction means and methods.
• Strong understanding of conceptual estimating, cost modeling, budgeting, quantity takeoffs, value engineering, and risk analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent pursuits while maintaining accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating and preconstruction efforts from conceptual budgeting through final proposal submission.
• Develop pursuit strategies that align with client expectations, market conditions, and company objectives.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analyses using historical cost data and current market intelligence.
• Develop project budgets, cost models, alternates, allowances, contingencies, escalation analyses, and value-engineering recommendations.
• Evaluate subcontractor proposals for scope completeness, pricing accuracy, qualifications, and commercial risk.
• Lead estimate reviews, bid leveling, scope review meetings, executive presentations, and client interviews.
• Collaborate with Operations, Business Development, clients, design partners, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers throughout the pursuit process.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with qualified trade partners and suppliers.
• Support the successful transition of awarded projects from Preconstruction to Operations.
• Mentor estimators and junior preconstruction professionals through coaching, technical guidance, and estimate reviews.
• Contribute to estimating standards, departmental procedures, lessons learned, and continuous-improvement initiatives.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Preconstruction experience

Cost modeling

Quantity takeoffs

Value engineering

Risk analysis

Client interviews

Job description

• Lead estimating and preconstruction efforts from conceptual budgeting through final proposal submission
• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, negotiated, and competitive hard-bid estimates
• Develop pursuit strategies that align with client expectations, market conditions, and company objectives
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analyses using historical cost data and current market intelligence
• Develop project budgets, cost models, alternates, allowances, contingencies, escalation analyses, and value-engineering recommendations
• Evaluate subcontractor proposals for scope completeness, pricing accuracy, qualifications, and commercial risk
• Identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, schedule impacts, long-lead items, and project risks
• Recommend practical risk-mitigation, procurement, logistics, sequencing, and phasing strategies
• Lead estimate reviews, bid leveling, scope review meetings, executive presentations, and client interviews
• Collaborate with Operations, Business Development, clients, design partners, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers throughout the pursuit process
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with qualified trade partners and suppliers
• Support the successful transition of awarded projects from Preconstruction to Operations
• Mentor estimators and junior preconstruction professionals through coaching, technical guidance, and estimate reviews
• Contribute to estimating standards, departmental procedures, lessons learned, and continuous-improvement initiatives

Qualifications & Training

• 5 or more years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience
• Demonstrated experience independently leading complex project pursuits with minimal supervision.
• Experience preparing negotiated GMP, CM/GC, Design-Build, and competitive hard-bid estimates.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial construction means and methods.
• Strong understanding of conceptual estimating, cost modeling, budgeting, quantity takeoffs, value engineering, and risk analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent pursuits while maintaining accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.