Senior Preconstruction Manager - Commercial (Houston)

Top Dog Recruiting; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

HSA/FSA options

Wellness program

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Top Dog Recruiting seeks a seasoned Preconstruction Manager to lead the Houston preconstruction and estimating function for a top commercial general contractor. You will drive complex GMP and lump-sum bids from concept to GMP approval, staffing projects, and mentoring estimators.

You’ll collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners to resolve design options, cost drivers, and schedule impacts while maintaining market competitiveness. Strong compensation and bonus await.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial building construction experience with a general contractor or equivalent leadership in pre-construction or estimating.
• Experience managing and developing estimators/preconstruction professionals across multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience taking projects from conceptual budgeting through GMP or lump-sum pricing with ability to review drawings and explain cost/risk to clients.
• Familiarity with the Houston construction market and local trade partners is a plus.
• Degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field (or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction and estimating team across multiple pursuits and active projects.
• Set clear expectations for estimate quality and delivery; coach staff and develop estimating talent.
• Lead or review conceptual budgets, milestone estimates, GMP proposals, and lump-sum bids for complex commercial building projects.
• Partner with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners to evaluate design options and explain cost drivers.
• Collaborate with Operations and Procurement on constructability, pricing, procurement schedules, and handoff to construction teams.
• Support pursuits and client presentations; keep estimating practices current with market pricing and trends.

Skills

Preconstruction

Estimating

Team leadership

Cost analysis

Client coordination

Staff development

Budgeting

Education

Construction management degree

Job description

Top Dog Recruiting seeks a seasoned Preconstruction Manager to lead the Houston preconstruction and estimating function for a top commercial general contractor. You will drive complex GMP and lump-sum bids from concept to GMP approval, staffing projects, and mentoring estimators.

You’ll collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners to resolve design options, cost drivers, and schedule impacts while maintaining market competitiveness. Strong compensation and bonus await.