Senior Director, Preconstruction & Estimating

McGough Construction; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 165,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

McGough Construction is seeking a Director of Preconstruction to lead the Central Minnesota preconstruction and estimating functions. You will shape pursuits, guide projects from concept through GMP, and drive standardized processes across the unit.

You will manage the estimating team, collaborate with Project Executives, and oversee scope, design decisions, and procurement strategies to maintain budget, schedule, and constructability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 15+ years in general contracting, preconstruction, estimating, or PM on large, complex projects.
• Experience leading negotiated, CM at Risk, or design-build preconstruction from concept through GMP.
• Five+ years leading people or functions, including staffing, coaching, performance, and workload.
• Experience managing estimates and working knowledge of concept budgets, cost models, GCs, contingencies, bid analysis, procurement.
• Broad knowledge of building systems, MEP, constructability, logistics, phasing, procurement strategy, risk management, codes & regulations.
• Ability to balance owner, designer, contractor, and trade partner perspectives with commercial discipline.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, writing, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a changing, deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Pursuit Strategy and Business Development: assist Executives on win strategy, team structure, and preconstruction approach.
• Preconstruction Leadership: define roles, lead projects from pursuit through GMP, manage reviews and risk logs.
• Estimating and Cost Leadership: oversee concept through GMP estimates, cost models, contingencies, and procurement.
• People Leadership: manage and develop the team, set expectations, coach for growth and accountability.
• Process Improvement: simplify workflows, track milestones, apply lessons learned, promote tool usage.
• Other Duties: participate in leadership meetings, build internal/external relationships, perform estimator tasks.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision making

Problem solving

Staffing

Collaboration

Risk management

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in CM/Engineering/Architecture

Tools

VDC/BIM

Estimating software

Cost models

Job description

McGough Construction is seeking a Director of Preconstruction to lead the Central Minnesota preconstruction and estimating functions. You will shape pursuits, guide projects from concept through GMP, and drive standardized processes across the unit.

You will manage the estimating team, collaborate with Project Executives, and oversee scope, design decisions, and procurement strategies to maintain budget, schedule, and constructability.