Estimating Director (Director of Estimating / Preconstruction)

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented Estimating Director to lead all estimating and preconstruction functions across the organization. This executive-level role is responsible for developing accurate cost estimates, bid strategies, and preconstruction planning efforts for large-scale construction projects.

The ideal candidate is a strong construction and cost management leader with deep expertise in conceptual estimating, quantity takeoffs, subcontractor pricing, and bid strategy development across commercial, industrial, or infrastructure projects.

Location Requirement

To support collaboration with leadership teams and project stakeholders, candidates must currently reside in one of the following metropolitan areas in the United States:

• Dallas, Texas

• Houston, Texas

• Austin, Texas

• Atlanta, Georgia

• Jacksonville, Florida

• Miami, Florida

• Nashville, Tennessee

• Charlotte, North Carolina

• Phoenix, Arizona

Candidates outside of these locations will not be considered.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the organization’s estimating and preconstruction strategy across all projects

• Oversee development of conceptual, schematic, design development, and final cost estimates

• Establish estimating standards, methodologies, and pricing benchmarks

• Drive consistency and accuracy in all cost estimating processes

• Align estimating strategies with business development and project acquisition goals

Preconstruction Management

• Lead preconstruction efforts from pursuit through project award

• Collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and project teams during design phases

• Provide value engineering recommendations to optimize cost and constructability

• Support feasibility studies and project budgeting efforts

• Ensure seamless transition from estimating to project execution teams

Cost Estimating & Bid Development

• Oversee preparation of detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analyses

• Review subcontractor and vendor pricing for accuracy and competitiveness

• Develop competitive bid strategies and pricing models

• Ensure alignment between project scope, drawings, and estimates

• Identify cost risks, gaps, and opportunities in project bids

Client & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Serve as key liaison during bidding and preconstruction phases

• Present estimates and cost breakdowns to clients and executives

• Participate in design meetings and project review sessions

• Support business development and client acquisition efforts

• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and vendors

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor estimating managers, engineers, and coordinators

• Build a high-performing estimating and preconstruction team

• Establish training programs and development pathways

• Conduct performance evaluations and ensure accountability

• Foster collaboration between estimating, operations, and project teams

Risk Management & Value Engineering

• Identify cost risks and develop mitigation strategies early in project lifecycle

• Lead value engineering workshops to optimize design and cost efficiency

• Evaluate alternative materials, methods, and construction approaches

• Support risk analysis for large-scale bids and proposals

• Ensure pricing aligns with project execution realities

Tools, Systems & Process Optimization

• Oversee estimating software and tools (e.g., Bluebeam, Sage Estimating, PlanSwift, or similar)

• Improve estimating workflows, databases, and historical cost tracking

• Standardize estimating templates and reporting systems

• Leverage data analytics to improve cost accuracy and forecasting

• Support digital transformation of preconstruction processes

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field

• 10+ years of construction estimating or preconstruction experience

• 5+ years in senior leadership roles (Estimating Manager, Chief Estimator, or Director-level)

• Strong expertise in commercial, industrial, or infrastructure estimating

• Deep knowledge of construction means, methods, and cost structures

• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and leadership skills

• Strong experience with estimating software and tools

• Must currently reside in one of the approved locations listed above

Preferred (Nice-to-Have)

• Experience in design-build, EPC, or large general contracting environments

• Background in multi-million or multi-billion-dollar project estimating

• Strong vendor and subcontractor negotiation experience

• Experience in healthcare, infrastructure, or large commercial construction

• PMP, CCM, or industry certifications

• Experience with BIM-based estimating or 5D cost modeling

• Strong background in value engineering and lean construction practices

• Experience supporting business development or pursuit teams

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Estimating Accuracy

• Accuracy of project cost estimates vs. actuals

• Reduction in cost variance and estimating errors

• Bid success rate (win/loss ratio)

• Consistency of estimating methodologies

Financial & Bid Performance

• Profitability of awarded projects

• Competitiveness of bid pricing

• Margin accuracy and risk pricing effectiveness

• Value engineering savings achieved

Preconstruction Efficiency

• Turnaround time for estimates and bids

• Efficiency of preconstruction workflows

• Timeliness of deliverables during pursuit phase

• Coordination effectiveness with design and operations teams

Leadership & Team Performance

• Performance and development of estimating team

• Retention and growth of key estimating talent

• Cross-functional collaboration effectiveness

• Stakeholder satisfaction (internal and external)

Process Improvement

• Standardization of estimating systems and tools

• Improvement in data-driven estimating practices

• Adoption of digital estimating technologies

• Reduction in manual estimating inefficiencies

Reporting To

• Vice President of Construction / Preconstruction

• Chief Operating Officer (COO)

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Executive Construction Leadership Team

Employment Type & Work Setup

• Full-Time

• On-site / hybrid leadership role (depending on organization)

• Occasional travel for client meetings, site visits, and project pursuits

• Participation in executive and preconstruction strategy meetings

• Availability during active bid and pursuit cycles

Work Environment & Conditions

• Office-based leadership role with exposure to project sites

• Fast-paced bidding and proposal-driven environment

• High-visibility role influencing project acquisition and profitability

• Collaboration with executives, clients, engineers, and field teams

• Strong focus on accuracy, competitiveness, and strategic pricing

• Opportunity to shape organizational estimating strategy and project success