Preconstruction Manager - Lead Estimator

Job Juncture; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Job Juncture is seeking a seasoned Pre-Construction Manager/Lead Estimator in San Antonio to lead all preconstruction and estimating efforts for commercial projects ranging from $5 million to $50+ million.

The role requires mentoring estimators across San Antonio and Dallas–Fort Worth, developing standards, reviewing bids, and presenting to owners. A Bachelor's in CM/Engineering/Architecture and 15+ years of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of commercial construction experience with 5+ years in estimating.
• Experience estimating commercial projects from $5M–$50M, including renovations.
• Proven leadership experience mentoring estimating personnel.
• Strong understanding of means, methods, sequencing, logistics, scheduling, and risk management.
• Experience with negotiated work, CMAR, Design-Build, Design-Assist, and hard bid procurement.
• Bachelor's Degree in CM/Engineering/Architecture or equivalent field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction and estimating efforts for $5–50+ million projects.
• Supervise and mentor estimating team across San Antonio and Dallas–Fort Worth.
• Establish estimating standards, procedures, and bid review processes.
• Prepare and review conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, and final bid estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs, scope reviews, and pricing analysis.
• Develop construction logistics, phasing plans, and scheduling assumptions.
• Lead subcontractor outreach, scope leveling, and value engineering discussions.
• Participate in owner presentations, CMAR interviews, and design meetings.
• Work with Operations to ensure turnover from estimating through construction.
• Identify risks, constructability concerns, and cost-saving opportunities early.
• Build and maintain relationships with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Maintain and improve historical cost databases, production rates, and estimating best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Communication

Risk management

Subcontractor procurement

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture

Tools

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

Microsoft Excel

Procore

Microsoft Project

Job description

Salary: $$ 110000 - $$ 140000 per year

Posted: August 04 2026

Relocation Assistance: Available

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead all preconstruction and estimating efforts for commercial construction projects ranging from $5 million to $50+ million, including negotiated, CMAR, Design-Build, and competitive hard-bid work.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop an estimating team consisting of estimators in both the San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth offices.
• Establish estimating standards, procedures, quality control, and bid review processes across the company.
• Prepare and review conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, design development estimates, GMP proposals, and final bid estimates.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs, scope reviews, subcontractor comparisons, and pricing analysis.
• Develop construction logistics, phasing plans, general conditions, and scheduling assumptions that accurately reflect project execution.
• Lead subcontractor outreach, scope leveling, and value engineering discussions to maximize competitiveness while maintaining project quality.
• Participate in owner presentations, CMAR interviews, design meetings, and preconstruction planning sessions.
• Work closely with Operations to ensure seamless turnover from estimating through construction.
• Identify project risks, constructability concerns, schedule impacts, and cost-saving opportunities early in the design process.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Maintain and improve historical cost databases, production rates, and estimating best practices.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of commercial construction experience with at least 5 years in estimating and significant field or project management experience.
• Demonstrated experience estimating commercial construction projects from $5 million to $50+ million, including new construction, renovations, occupied renovations, and phased construction.
• Proven leadership experience managing or mentoring estimating personnel.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, sequencing, logistics, scheduling, and risk management.
• Experience with negotiated work, CMAR, Design-Build, Design-Assist, and competitive hard bid procurement.
• Ability to independently prepare conceptual estimates from limited information and progressively refine budgets throughout design.
• Strong understanding of subcontractor procurement and market pricing.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to represent the company in owner interviews and design meetings.
• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent field experience preferred.

SOFTWARE SKILLS

Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff or equivalent takeoff software, Microsoft Excel (Advanced), Procore

Microsoft Project (MUST KNOW HOW TO SCHEDULE)

Why is This a Great Opportunity:

A well-established commercial general contractor is looking to add a Pre-Construction Manager/Lead Estimator to its growing team. This is an excellent opportunity to join a company with a strong reputation in the education market, working on meaningful projects from preconstruction through award. The ideal candidate will have experience estimating ground-up and renovation K-12 projects and be comfortable managing multiple bids while collaborating with project teams, subcontractors, and owners.

The successful candidate is a construction professional, not simply an estimator. They understand how projects are built because they've managed work in the field and can accurately translate construction means and methods into competitive, profitable estimates. They enjoy mentoring others, collaborating with operations, and leading the company's preconstruction efforts. This individual is comfortable presenting to owners, challenging design assumptions, identifying project risks, and helping shape winning proposals while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism.

Salary Type : Annual Salary

Salary Min : $ 110000

Salary Max : $ 140000

Currency Type : USD