VP of Preconstruction

Niche SSP - No.1 for Estimating Talent; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 230,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Niche SSP - No.1 for Estimating Talent seeks a Vice President of Preconstruction to lead estimating, preconstruction services, and bidding operations from Arlington, VA. This executive role directs strategic direction, process standards, and risk management across the organization.

The VP will drive growth, strengthen client and trade relationships, oversee multi‑billion dollar bid volumes, and champion AI‑assisted workflows and model‑based estimating to improve accuracy and team performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related construction field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 15+ years in commercial construction, preconstruction, estimating, or leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all Preconstruction and Estimating functions.
• Develop and improve preconstruction standards, processes, and best practices.
• Oversee large bid volumes with risk management across pursuits.
• Lead client and trade partner engagement and project transitions.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Estimating / Preconstruction

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Construction Management/Civil Eng/Architecture/Engineering/related

Master's in CM/Engineering/Architecture/Business

Tools

BIM

Virtual Construction

Estimating software

AI analytics in construction

Job description

This leadership role is responsible for providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and organizational leadership for all preconstruction-related functions across the company. As a key member of the leadership team, the Vice President will drive excellence in estimating, preconstruction services, and bidding operations while supporting long-term growth and strategic initiatives.

The Vice President of Preconstruction is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving department standards, processes, and best practices that ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality preconstruction services. This leader will proactively manage risk, strengthen client and trade partner relationships, support business development efforts, and ensure seamless project transitions from preconstruction through construction execution.

This position provides leadership to various team members across the Preconstruction department and reports directly to the Senior Vice President. The Vice President serves as a strategic partner to Operations, Business Development, and Executive Leadership, helping position us as an industry leader while driving operational excellence, innovation, and profitable growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all Preconstruction, Estimating, Bidding Services, and Virtual Construction functions across the organization.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of preconstruction standards, processes, and best practices that support operational excellence and company growth.
• Oversee more than $30 billion in annual bid volume, ensuring accuracy, consistency, competitiveness, and risk mitigation across all pursuits.
• Prepare and facilitate preconstruction strategy meetings to establish project approach, pursuit strategy, estimating methodology, and client engagement plans.
• Develop and oversee conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and competitive bid estimates.
• Analyze cost models and pricing strategies throughout all phases of design and project development.
• Build and sustain a preconstruction talent pipeline with structured mentorship, clear career paths, and technical training programs.
• Collaborate with Operations, Business Development, Safety, Quality, and Executive Leadership to support company-wide priorities.
• Champion the adoption and integration of AI-assisted workflows and advanced analytics to support early risk identification, estimate accuracy and team efficiency.
• Champion the adoption and integration of model-based estimating workflows
• Participate in client presentations, project interviews, proposal development, and business development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in commercial construction, preconstruction, estimating, or project management leadership roles.
• Proven experience overseeing large-scale commercial construction pursuits, complex project portfolios, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational initiatives, developing high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence.
• Strong expertise in conceptual estimating, budgeting, value engineering, procurement strategies, risk management, and project delivery methods.
• Advanced knowledge of commercial construction means and methods, scheduling, constructability reviews, and cost management practices.
• Experience supporting complex commercial projects across sectors such as mission critical, healthcare, government, hospitality, multifamily, industrial, advanced manufacturing and corporate office.
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) certification preferred.
• Ability to think strategically and efficiently manage resources while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership competencies including strategic orientation, talent development, innovation, collaboration, and executive presence.

The base salary range for this position is: