Senior Federal Preconstruction Lead (Estimating & Design-Build)

LVI Associates; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Preconstruction Manager at LVI Associates leads all aspects of the preconstruction and estimating process for complex federal construction projects. You will develop estimates, manage risk, lead design-build pursuits, and collaborate with operations to deliver accurate budgets and planning.

You will mentor junior team members, support business development through client engagement, and coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers to establish cost-effective strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in construction-related field.
• 5+ years estimating/preconstruction experience within federal construction.
• Knowledge of federal procurement methods, design-build delivery, and negotiated work.
• Experience developing conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates.
• Strong understanding of CSI divisions, unit pricing, quantity takeoffs, and construction cost estimating methodologies.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and client-facing skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction and estimating efforts for high-priority federal construction pursuits.
• Manage all phases of the preconstruction process from conceptual budgeting through final proposal submission.
• Develop, review, and present estimates, budgets, value engineering recommendations, and procurement strategies.
• Mentor and train estimating, preconstruction, and operations personnel.
• Lead design-build and negotiated project pursuits, including client presentations and procurement interviews.
• Ensure estimates are complete, accurate, and delivered on schedule.
• Review and manage project risks, fees, contingencies, general conditions, and profit strategies during preconstruction.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and detailed cost analysis as needed.
• Prepare professional preconstruction deliverables at major project milestones.
• Conduct real-time estimating and budgeting exercises with project teams and design partners.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, narratives, and other project documents to determine scope and constructability requirements.
• Lead bid day activities, including subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, scope reviews, and final tabulations.
• Utilize historical cost data, market trends, and industry benchmarks to develop accurate estimates.
• Facilitate constructability reviews, strategy sessions, and budget reviews with internal stakeholders.
• Oversee estimating systems, databases, software tools, and preconstruction processes.
• Develop and review subcontractor bid packages and scopes of work.
• Lead subcontractor and supplier proposal evaluations and recommendations.
• Review value engineering opportunities, construction methods, and cost-saving alternatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, designers, subcontractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders.
• Participate in business development activities and project pursuit presentations.
• Evaluate structural, architectural, building envelope, and mechanical systems for cost and constructability impacts.
• Perform life-cycle cost analyses and feasibility studies.
• Review costs associated with special project conditions, including temporary facilities, cranes, weather impacts, and site logistics.
• Collaborate with operations and field teams to identify efficient and cost-effective construction strategies.
• Support procurement and subcontractor buyout activities as needed.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching to team members.

Skills

Estimating

Preconstruction

Client-facing

MS Office

Digital takeoff

Communication

Time management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree (Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Engineering, or related field)

Tools

Estimating platforms

Digital takeoff software

Budgeting software

Job description

The Senior Preconstruction Manager at LVI Associates leads all aspects of the preconstruction and estimating process for complex federal construction projects. You will develop estimates, manage risk, lead design-build pursuits, and collaborate with operations to deliver accurate budgets and planning.

You will mentor junior team members, support business development through client engagement, and coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers to establish cost-effective strategies.