Senior Preconstruction Lead—Estimates & Strategy

Kiewit; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Retirement plan with matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Kiewit Industrial & Water Engineering in Lenexa, Kansas is seeking a Preconstruction Lead to oversee multiple estimating classes and provide preconstruction services for civil, structural, and architectural systems on small to mid-sized projects. The role includes team leadership, procurement strategy, risk analysis, and client presentations.

The successful candidate will guide design reviews, develop budgets, manage trade bids, and mentor staff while ensuring safety, quality, and on-time

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field; continued training in estimating and project planning preferred.
• 15+ years of senior experience in estimating, preconstruction, project management, or trade partner management, with proven results on industrial and heavy commercial projects.
• Strong background in design‑phase coordination, budgeting, and value engineering.
• Broad experience with multiple delivery models (DBB, DB, DA, EPC, CMAR, IPD).
• Deep knowledge of construction methods, building systems, materials, and market pricing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experienced with estimating software and open to learning InEight.
• Skilled with Primavera P6, Bluebeam, and OST.
• Solid understanding of building codes, design standards, and sustainable construction.
• Able to perform detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analyses.
• Demonstrated leadership of cross‑functional teams and ability to manage multiple pursuits under tight deadlines.
• Strong communication, organization, and decision‑making skills.
• Ethical, detail‑oriented, results‑driven, and committed to mentoring and collaboration.
• Excellent client‑facing abilities, including proposals, budget presentations, negotiations, and relationship‑building with owners, architects, and trade partners.
• CPE or PMP preferred; OSHA 30‑Hour a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction phase, ensuring alignment with client goals, design intent, budget, and schedule.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, and consultants to define scope and deliverables.
• Review plans and specifications to establish project understanding and build strategy.
• Develop and manage preconstruction schedules and key milestones.
• Prepare budgets and estimates at all design stages. Analyze drawings to identify gaps and risks.
• Solicit, review, and level trade partner bids. Provide value engineering options and benchmark costs.
• Participate in design reviews to assess constructability, materials, and systems.
• Coordinate with design teams to resolve discrepancies and integrate construction insights.
• Develop procurement strategy, bid packages, and division of responsibilities.
• Manage trade partner outreach, prequalification, and selection.
• Support scope development and contract negotiations.
• Identify and mitigate budget, schedule, logistics, and design risks.
• Maintain accurate cost tracking and reporting.
• Prepare and present budget updates, cost studies, and risk assessments.
• Lead coordination meetings and maintain clear communication.
• Present estimates and proposals to senior management and clients.
• Mentor estimating and project engineering staff.
• Ensure complete documentation for transition to construction.
• Support kickoff meetings, early buyout, and mobilization.

Skills

Estimating

Preconstruction leadership

Project management

Communication

Mentoring

Client facing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture

PMP or CPE (preferred)

Tools

Primavera P6

Bluebeam

OST

MS Office

Estimating software (InEight openness)

Job description

Kiewit Industrial & Water Engineering in Lenexa, Kansas is seeking a Preconstruction Lead to oversee multiple estimating classes and provide preconstruction services for civil, structural, and architectural systems on small to mid-sized projects. The role includes team leadership, procurement strategy, risk analysis, and client presentations.

The successful candidate will guide design reviews, develop budgets, manage trade bids, and mentor staff while ensuring safety, quality, and on-time