Senior Preconstruction Estimator

granger-construction; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Granger Construction is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Estimator in Michigan to lead cost planning, set the estimating direction, and guide project strategy across complex commercial builds. You will build client relationships, manage design-phase estimates, and mentor junior staff to ensure accurate, competitive proposals.

You’ll collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and subs to align scope, schedule, and budgets, while leveraging technology to improve estimating accuracy and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CM/CE or related field.
• 7+ years of commercial construction estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Experience developing conceptual budgets, design-phase estimates, and cost plans.
• Knowledge of CM, Design-Build, and IPD methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts across estimating, budgeting, logistics, scheduling, and planning.
• Own the estimating process by reviewing specs, drawings, and pre-bid information.
• Drive cost planning with conceptual budgets and detailed cost plans.
• Provide strategic project guidance through value engineering and constructability reviews.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, subs, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Act as a trusted advisor in pursuits, proposals, and client relationships.
• Support business development through networking and proposals.
• Monitor market trends to position Granger for long-term success.
• Mentor and develop estimators and preconstruction staff.
• Champion process improvements and adoption of best practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

Tools

CostX

Microsoft Office

Bluebeam

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.