Preconstruction Manager

Neeljym Search Group; Missouri; On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay + annual performance bonuses

Truck allowance

Hassle-free PTO

401(k) match

Outstanding benefits package

Job summary

Neeljym Search Group is seeking a Preconstruction Leader to oversee and deliver comprehensive preconstruction services for commercial projects in Missouri. The role requires 5–7 years of experience in estimating, managing projects ranging from $1M to $50M+. Key responsibilities include leading estimating functions, managing client relationships, and conducting thorough cost analyses. The position offers competitive compensation, annual performance bonuses, and a clear career path for growth into senior leadership. Enjoy benefits like a truck allowance, hassle-free PTO, and a robust 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in commercial construction focused on estimating and preconstruction.
• Proven track record managing estimates for projects ranging from $1M to $50M+.
• Experience with hard bid and negotiated projects across various delivery methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction planning including estimating, reviews, and cost modeling.
• Maintain relationships with owners, architects, and subcontractors.
• Manage conceptual, schematic, design development, and lump sum bid estimates.

Skills

Technical estimating skills

Relationship management

Construction knowledge

Proficiency with estimating software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Tools

Procore

Sage Estimating

ProEst

Bluebeam

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Looking for your chance to advance? Or maybe you're dreaming of leading with autonomy. It’s time to break free—and finally lead the way you were meant to.

This is your opportunity to take the reins of the estimating function, overseeing and delivering comprehensive preconstruction services for commercial construction projects across various market sectors, including healthcare, education, municipal, hospitality, and commercial office. You will play a critical role in winning new work and setting projects up for success through thorough planning, value engineering, and strategic procurement.

Given the lean structure of the preconstruction team, this role demands versatility, self-sufficiency, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent estimates with minimal support. We are looking for a primary liaison, a strong technical estimator, and an excellent client relationship manager.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Make a Direct Impact – Serve as the primary liaison between clients, design teams, subcontractors, and internal operations.
• Own the Process – Lead the estimating function, overseeing the preparation of conceptual and hard bid estimates.
• High-Stakes Work – Manage estimates and preconstruction for projects ranging from $1M to $50M+.
• Strategic Versatility – Support both negotiated projects (75% of current workload) and hard-bid pursuits, emphasizing accuracy and responsiveness.
• Career Trajectory – Position yourself for advancement and long term growth.

What You'll Do

• Lead preconstruction planning, including conceptual estimating, constructability reviews, value engineering, and cost modeling throughout the design phases.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, and subcontractors to support business development and project pursuits.
• Prepare and manage conceptual, schematic, design development, and lump sum bid estimates.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals for scope completeness, identifying exclusions, gaps, and deficiencies.
• Lead bid efforts on projects of varying complexity, managing all aspects of bid preparation from take-offs to proposal assembly.
• Conduct thorough constructability reviews and risk analysis, identifying potential conflicts, cost drivers, and recommending mitigation strategies.
• Support a seamless handoff from preconstruction to construction operations, ensuring Project Managers have complete project knowledge.
• Mentor and train junior preconstruction staff when available, contributing to team development.

What You Bring

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in commercial construction with a focus on estimating and preconstruction.
• Proven track record managing estimates and preconstruction services for projects ranging from $1M to $50M+.
• Experience working on both hard bid and negotiated projects across multiple delivery methods (lump sum, cost plus, GMP, and design-build).
• Strong technical estimating skills, including performing detailed quantity take-offs and pricing based on historical data and market conditions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of estimating principles, construction costs, scheduling, and various contracting methods (lump sum, cost plus, GMP, design-build).
• Proficiency with estimating software (Procore, Sage Estimating, ProEst, Bluebeam, or similar) and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for cost analysis.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

What You'll Get

• Strong Compensation – Competitive pay + annual performance bonuses
• Truck Allowance – Drive what you want, on us
• Hassle-Free PTO – Take time when you need it
• Clear Career Path – Grow into senior leadership when you're ready
• 401(k) Match – Strong plan to secure your future
• Great Benefits Package – Outstanding Platinum full-coverage without breaking the bank
• Extra Perks – A few surprises we’ll tell you about when you apply

Ready to lead your next project to success? If you're a preconstruction leader who’s ready to take ownership, lead boldly, and make a lasting impact on project outcomes, we’d love to talk. Apply today to start the conversation!