Senior Preconstruction Estimator

Granger Construction; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Platinum healthcare

401(k) match

Generous PTO

Volunteer Time Off

Job summary

Granger Construction in Detroit seeks a Senior Preconstruction Estimator to lead cost planning, develop budgets, and guide project strategy across complex commercial projects.

You will partner with owners, architects, engineers, and subs to deliver accurate estimates, select optimal designs, and win work while mentoring junior staff. This role emphasizes strategic thinking, collaboration, and client relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of commercial estimating/preconstruction experience.
• Experience developing conceptual budgets, design-phase estimates, and project cost plans.
• Knowledge of Construction Management, Design-Build, and IPD methods.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and teams.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, and construction technology platforms.
• Proactive, strategic mindset with ability to lead multiple priorities and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts across estimating, budgeting, logistics, scheduling, and planning.
• Own the estimating process: review specs, drawings, and bid info to develop competitive estimates.
• Drive cost planning and project strategy with conceptual budgets and design-phase estimates.
• Provide strategic project guidance through value engineering, constructability reviews, and cost-benefit analyses.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams to align goals.
• Act as trusted advisor in pursuits, proposals, presentations, and client relationships.
• Support business development with networking, proposals, and interviews.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Leadership

Strategic mindset

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in CM or Civil Eng

Tools

CostX

Bluebeam

MS Office

Job description

A Day in the Life of a Senior Preconstruction Estimator

Thoughtful Planning. Strategic Leadership. Successful Projects.

Do you thrive on developing winning strategies and leading preconstruction efforts? Are you motivated by building strong relationships, pursuing new opportunities, and helping shape projects that make a lasting impact? If so, here's how you'll contribute:

• Lead Preconstruction Efforts: Oversee all aspects of preconstruction, including estimating, budgeting, logistics, scheduling, and project planning.
• Own the Estimating Process: Review proposal specifications, drawings, and pre-bid information to determine project scope and develop competitive estimates.
• Drive Cost Planning & Project Strategy: Develop conceptual budgets, design-phase estimates, and detailed project cost plans while helping clients align scope, schedule, quality, and budget objectives throughout project development.
• Provide Strategic Project Guidance: Lead value engineering efforts, constructability reviews, and cost-benefit analyses that improve project outcomes and support informed decision-making.
• Collaborate & Build Relationships: Partner with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal project teams to align goals and drive successful outcomes.
• Be a Trusted Advisor: Participate in project pursuits, presentations, interviews, and proposal development to help secure new work and strengthen customer relationships.
• Support Business Development: Participate in networking, proposals, interviews, presentations, and relationship-building efforts that help secure new opportunities and strengthen client partnerships.
• Stay Connected to the Market: Monitor industry trends, emerging opportunities, and market conditions to help position Granger for long-term success.
• Mentor & Develop Talent: Provide guidance and support to estimators and preconstruction team members, helping build the next generation of construction leaders.
• Innovate & Improve Processes: Champion best practices, leverage technology, and seek continuous improvement opportunities that enhance estimating accuracy and project success.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of commercial construction estimating and preconstruction experience
• Experience developing conceptual budgets, design-phase estimates, and project cost plans
• Knowledge of Construction Management, Design-Build, and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) methods
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and project teams
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, and construction technology platforms
• A proactive, strategic mindset with the ability to lead multiple priorities and deliver exceptional results

What Sets You Apart

• Experience leading preconstruction efforts on large, complex commercial construction projects
• Established relationships within the Michigan construction, design, and subcontractor community
• Business development, proposal, interview, and project pursuit experience
• Experience mentoring and developing estimators or preconstruction professionals
• Proficiency with CostX or similar estimating platforms
• A builder's mindset that embraces innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Make an Impact: Help shape complex, meaningful projects that positively impact customers, communities, and the built environment.
• Career Growth: With opportunities to mentor others, influence strategy, and contribute to business development, your expertise will help drive both project and organizational success.
• Top-Tier Benefits: From platinum-level healthcare to an industry-leading 401(k) match, we prioritize your well-being and financial future.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO and Volunteer Time Off (VTO) help you recharge, support your community, and maintain balance.
• Culture of Collaboration: Join a team built on trust, innovation, and integrity, where relationships matter and contributions are valued.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

At Granger, preconstruction is about more than estimating- it's about helping clients make informed decisions, aligning project goals, and creating a clear path to success. As a Senior Preconstruction Estimator, you'll lead cost planning efforts, serve as a trusted advisor to customers and project teams, and help shape some of our most exciting and impactful projects.

If you're ready to combine technical expertise, strategic thinking, relationship-building, and leadership to make a lasting impact, we'd love to connect.

Apply today and help advance the art of building.