Senior Director, Preconstruction Strategy & Estimating

Wright Ryan; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Competitive pay & benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Wright-Ryan Construction, Inc. is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking Director of Preconstruction Services to lead estimating, planning, and preconstruction for complex commercial projects in Maine.

You will guide concepts through handoff to construction, aligning design, budget, and schedule while delivering value to clients. You will drive business development, mentor a team, and advance preconstruction practices within a 100% employee-owned firm that emphasizes accountability and continuous

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (required).
• Professional certification preferred (CPE, PMP, PE, or similar).
• 10+ years of experience in commercial construction with rising leadership in preconstruction and estimating.
• Proven success delivering large, complex projects from concept through construction.
• Expertise in conceptual estimating, cost analysis, and value engineering.
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials, and delivery methods (DBB, Design-Build, CMAR).
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and negotiation skills.
• Ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Proven client relationship management and business development skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Project management experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction tools (Sage Estimating, Procore, scheduling software).

Responsibilities

• Drive development of conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and value-engineering strategies.
• Provide constructability reviews and technical guidance for practical designs.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams from day one.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to cost, schedule, constructability, and regulatory requirements.
• Support preconstruction schedules, phasing plans, and procurement strategies.
• Assist in proposals, RFP responses, and client presentations.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing preconstruction team.
• Partner with leadership to advance preconstruction practices and organizational goals.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Client relationship mgmt

Business development

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture

Professional certification (CPE, PMP, PE) preferred

Tools

Sage Estimating

Procore

Scheduling software

Job description

Wright-Ryan Construction, Inc. is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking Director of Preconstruction Services to lead estimating, planning, and preconstruction for complex commercial projects in Maine.

You will guide concepts through handoff to construction, aligning design, budget, and schedule while delivering value to clients. You will drive business development, mentor a team, and advance preconstruction practices within a 100% employee-owned firm that emphasizes accountability and continuous