Senior Preconstruction Lead – Industrial & Commercial Estimating

NES Fircroft; Illinois; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft partners with an Elmhurst, IL based contractor to recruit a Senior Preconstruction Manager who will drive estimating, budgeting, and client engagement from concept through construction. You will lead conceptual estimating, develop budgets, manage owner/architect/engineer/subcontractor relationships, and present proposals with identified cost saving opportunities and risks.

This on-site role emphasizes mentoring the preconstruction team, tracking market pricing, and staying aligned

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience with a general contractor.
• Experience with industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, healthcare, or other commercial construction projects.
• Strong conceptual estimating, cost analysis, and subcontractor bid management skills.
• Confidence presenting budgets and communicating with clients and stakeholders.
• Experience with Bluebeam, OST, CostOS, SmartBid, or similar estimating software.
• A degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred.
• Previous field experience or a background in project engineering or project management is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptual estimating, design development budgets, and competitive bid proposals.
• Manage relationships with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors throughout preconstruction.
• Oversee quantity takeoffs, scope reviews, bid packages, subcontractor analysis, and cost forecasting.
• Conduct site visits and evaluate existing conditions to develop accurate project budgets.
• Present estimates and proposals to clients while identifying cost saving opportunities and project risks.
• Mentor preconstruction team members and collaborate with Business Development and Operations.
• Monitor market pricing, subcontractor availability, and construction industry trends.

Skills

Estimating

Budgeting

Client engagement

Preconstruction leadership

Bid management

Cost analysis

Presentation skills

Mentoring

Education

Construction Management

Engineering

Architecture

Tools

Bluebeam

OST

CostOS

SmartBid

Job description

NES Fircroft partners with an Elmhurst, IL based contractor to recruit a Senior Preconstruction Manager who will drive estimating, budgeting, and client engagement from concept through construction. You will lead conceptual estimating, develop budgets, manage owner/architect/engineer/subcontractor relationships, and present proposals with identified cost saving opportunities and risks.

This on-site role emphasizes mentoring the preconstruction team, tracking market pricing, and staying aligned