Preconstruction Manager / Estimator — Commercial Construction

Orion Placement; Leawood (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Orion Placement is seeking a seasoned commercial construction estimator for an on-site role in Leawood, KS. You will lead budgeting, estimating, and bid development across preconstruction phases, partnering with design teams and clients to win work while protecting margins.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in estimating, 2+ years with general contractors, and a four-year degree in Construction Engineering/Management (or equivalent). Relocation assistance is available for the right fit.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of commercial construction estimating experience.
• At least 2 years with general contractors.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering/Construction Management or equivalent.
• Mechanical and electrical estimating experience a plus.
• Strong negotiating, organizational and communication skills.
• Valid driver's license in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and bid schedules from plans and specs.
• Collaborate with design teams to control costs and value engineer.
• Support preconstruction budgeting, scheduling, and design management.
• Work with clients, vendors, and project teams on quotes and cost opinions.
• Maintain estimating system data integrity and support bid day coordination.

Skills

Cost estimating

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering/Construction Management

Job description

• Join a nationally ranked commercial construction firm with 40+ years of history and $7B+ in delivered projects across 34 states — and play a pivotal role in winning and shaping that next chapter of work
• Be involved from day one of every project — this role sits at the intersection of design, client strategy, and construction execution, giving you broad visibility and real influence over project outcomes
• Work directly with design teams, clients, and project managers to control costs and deliver estimates that win work and protect margins
• Contribute to business development pursuits — your cost expertise helps the company compete and win in a growing regional market
• Join a culture consistently described as more flexible and empowering than anywhere else employees have worked — with genuine investment in long-term career growth
• Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience
• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate

Location: On-site in Leawood, Kansas. You'll be close to the project teams and client relationships you support from preconstruction through award.

Note: Candidates must have 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience and 2+ years of experience with general contractors. Candidates without direct construction estimating backgrounds will not be considered.

About Us

We are a $700M+ commercial construction and real estate development firm with more than four decades of experience delivering complex new construction and renovation projects across 34 states. With offices across the Midwest, we remain a market leader in our core markets — and we've built that reputation one project and one relationship at a time. Confidential Employer.

Job Description

• Support project teams throughout the full preconstruction process — budgeting, estimating, scheduling, value analysis, and design management across all delivery methods
• Prepare detailed bid schedules and estimates; review construction documents thoroughly to understand scope and identify cost drivers
• Work closely with design teams during development phases to proactively control project costs and identify value engineering opportunities
• Consult with clients, vendors, project teams, and construction foremen to formulate accurate, competitive estimates
• Review final estimate packages for accuracy and completeness prior to formal quotation submission
• Provide technical support in contract negotiations and change order analysis
• Assist in project pursuit strategies and support the marketing and business development team with cost opinion support
• Coordinate all activities on bid day — keeping the process organized, accurate, and on deadline
• Update and maintain the estimating system to ensure data integrity and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating experience
• 2+ years of experience with general contractors
• Four-year degree in Construction Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent; equivalent hands-on experience considered
• Mechanical and electrical estimating experience a plus
• Effective negotiation, team building, problem solving, and analytical skills
• Exceptional organizational skills with keen attention to detail, deadlines, and accuracy
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Valid driver's license in good standing required

Why You'll Love Working Here

Preconstruction here isn't a back-office function — it's a front-line competitive advantage, and you'll be treated as such. You'll work alongside project managers, design teams, and clients who rely on your expertise to make smart decisions before a shovel hits the ground. The culture is built on flexibility, collaboration, and genuine respect for the people who do the work. If you want to be the person the team turns to when it matters most, this is the role.