Senior Preconstruction Estimator

Granger Construction Company; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Granger Construction Company in Michigan is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Estimator to lead cost planning, budgets, and early project strategies for commercial builds.

You will partner with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams to develop competitive estimates, manage proposals, and shape project outcomes.

The role demands a proactive, analytical leader who mentors others and champions best practices, leveraging technology to improve estimating accuracy.

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts across estimating, budgeting, logistics, scheduling, and planning.
• Own the estimating process from proposal to bid.
• Drive cost planning and project strategy with design-phase estimates.
• Lead value engineering, constructability reviews, and cost-benefit analyses.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Participate in project pursuits, presentations, interviews, and proposals to win work.
• Support business development and relationship-building with clients.
• Monitor market trends to position Granger for long-term success.
• Mentor and develop estimators and preconstruction staff.
• Champion best practices and leverage technology to improve estimating accuracy

Skills

Estimating leadership

Budgeting & cost planning

Stakeholder collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication

Tech proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in CM/Civil Eng or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Bluebeam

Construction tech

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 professionalsProficiency 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.