Sr. Preconstruction Manager (Commercial Group)

Senior Preconstruction Estimator

Position Summary

The Senior Preconstruction Estimator is responsible for leading and managing the complete preconstruction and estimating process for commercial construction projects, from initial project evaluation through final bid submission and transition to project operations. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of commercial building systems, construction methods, market conditions, subcontractor pricing, and project delivery strategies.

The Senior Preconstruction Estimator develops accurate, competitive, and comprehensive cost estimates while identifying potential risks, evaluating constructability, and establishing strategies to support successful project execution. This individual works closely with business development, design partners, subcontractors, vendors, and operations personnel to develop project budgets, schedules, scopes of work, and bid proposals. The position may oversee multiple projects simultaneously and provide leadership, guidance, and quality control for other estimators throughout the estimating process.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Vice President of Estimating or Director of Estimating

Supervises: Estimators and other estimating personnel as assigned

Likely Advancement Position: Director of Estimating

Educational and Experience Requirements

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Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Building Science, Engineering, or another relevant field from an accredited college or university; or a minimum of 10 years of relevant commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience.

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Demonstrated experience estimating commercial building projects, preferably including complex, large-scale, or multi-discipline construction.

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Experience leading estimates, managing estimating teams, and coordinating with project management and operations personnel.

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A demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and deliver accurate, competitive estimates in a fast-paced construction environment.

Technical Requirements

Software Proficiency

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Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Microsoft Office applications.

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Proficiency in Timberline Estimating and On-Screen Takeoff, or comparable estimating and digital quantity takeoff software.

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Ability to organize, analyze, and present project cost data, estimate summaries, and bid documentation.

Estimating and Construction Knowledge

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Advanced ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, addenda, and other contract documents.

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Advanced knowledge of quantity takeoffs, cost estimating, subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and scope analysis.

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Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, building systems, and trade coordination, including:

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Sitework, earthwork, grading, and underground utilities.

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Concrete foundations, slabs, and structural systems.

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Structural steel, miscellaneous metals, and building framing.

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Building envelope systems, roofing, waterproofing, and exterior finishes.

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Interior framing, drywall, doors, finishes, and architectural components.

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Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.

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General trades, specialty systems, and site improvements.

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Advanced understanding of construction sequencing, scheduling, logistics, and constructability.

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Ability to develop and evaluate conceptual budgets, schematic design estimates, design development estimates, and detailed construction estimates.

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Knowledge of subcontractor and vendor procurement, prequalification, scope development, and contract negotiation.

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Understanding of construction contracts, insurance and bonding requirements, permitting, local codes, and applicable regulatory requirements.

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Strong knowledge of construction risk assessment, contingency development, cost forecasting, and value engineering.

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Ability to identify scope gaps, design inconsistencies, cost-saving opportunities, and potential schedule impacts.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

1. Preconstruction Strategy and Project Evaluation

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Participate in evaluating potential projects and making recommendations regarding which opportunities the business unit should pursue.

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Collaborate with business development and company leadership to identify prospective commercial construction opportunities and support pursuit strategies.

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Review project requirements, owner expectations, delivery methods, budget constraints, schedules, and contractual obligations to determine project feasibility.

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Complete Go/No-Go evaluations, approval-to-proceed documentation, Builders Risk questionnaires, and other required internal forms.

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Develop project-specific estimating plans, checklists, milestones, and deliverables.

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Establish estimating strategies based on project complexity, design completeness, schedule requirements, procurement conditions, and available resources.

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Identify major cost drivers, schedule constraints, long-lead materials, procurement risks, and potential project execution challenges.

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Coordinate with operations to incorporate field experience, construction means and methods, labor considerations, logistics, and lessons learned from similar projects.

2. Estimate Development and Cost Management

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Lead the development of comprehensive and competitive cost estimates throughout all phases of preconstruction, including conceptual budgeting, design development, construction documents, and final bid preparation.

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Perform detailed reviews of drawings, specifications, addenda, and related documents to identify scope requirements, discrepancies, omissions, and unusual construction conditions.

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Determine the appropriate level of estimating detail based on the design phase and project requirements.

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Assign, coordinate, and review quantity takeoffs and pricing responsibilities among estimating personnel.

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Perform detailed quantity surveys and enter or validate quantities and pricing within the company’s estimating systems.

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Develop accurate labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general conditions costs.

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Evaluate productivity assumptions, crew requirements, equipment needs, material escalation, and other factors affecting project costs.

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Prepare and review estimates for sitework, structural systems, building envelope, interior construction, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other applicable scopes.

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Develop and evaluate value engineering alternatives, cost-saving opportunities, and material or system substitutions while maintaining project quality and performance requirements.

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Prepare estimate summaries, cost comparisons, bid analyses, and supporting documentation for internal leadership and clients.

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Validate estimate accuracy, completeness, and consistency with the project scope, schedule, budget, and contractual requirements.

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Develop appropriate allowances and contingencies based on design maturity, market conditions, and identified project risks.

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Maintain organized electronic and physical project files, estimating records, and supporting documentation.

3. Subcontractor and Vendor Management

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Lead the solicitation, prequalification, and evaluation of subcontractors and vendors for assigned projects.

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Establish competitive bid lists that reflect project requirements, subcontractor qualifications, market conditions, and procurement schedules.

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Distribute plans, specifications, bid packages, and scope documents to prospective subcontractors and vendors.

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Develop clear scopes of work and identify trade interfaces to minimize scope gaps, overlaps, and exclusions.

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Maintain consistent communication with subcontractors and vendors throughout the bidding process to ensure timely and complete pricing.

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Analyze subcontractor and vendor proposals for scope compliance, exclusions, qualifications, schedule impacts, and cost competitiveness.

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Prepare bid comparisons and leveling analyses and make recommendations regarding subcontractor and vendor selection.

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Negotiate pricing, scope clarifications, commercial terms, and proposed alternatives to support the project budget and overall company objectives.

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Establish and maintain productive relationships with qualified subcontractors, suppliers, and specialty trade partners.

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Monitor market pricing, subcontractor availability, material lead times, and procurement trends affecting commercial construction projects.

4. Design Coordination and Constructability

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Collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, owners, and internal project teams to evaluate design documents and identify cost, constructability, and coordination concerns.

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Participate in design reviews to identify incomplete details, conflicting requirements, inefficient building systems, and potential cost or schedule impacts.

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Develop and coordinate Requests for Information (RFIs) and communicate design clarifications to the appropriate project stakeholders.

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Support design-assist and design-build projects by coordinating estimating activities with the design team throughout preconstruction.

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Evaluate alternative building systems, materials, assemblies, and construction methods to improve cost efficiency, constructability, and schedule performance.

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Coordinate estimates with preliminary project schedules, logistics plans, phasing requirements, site access, temporary facilities, and other project-specific considerations.

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Conduct pre-bid meetings and site visits to evaluate existing conditions, access, utilities, adjacent properties, site logistics, and other factors affecting project execution.

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Identify permitting, inspection, licensing, local code, tax, and other jurisdictional requirements that may affect the estimate.

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Work with operations and design partners to develop practical construction strategies that align the estimate with anticipated field execution.

5. Bid Management and Proposal Development

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Lead the preparation, review, and submission of complete and accurate bid packages in accordance with client instructions and company requirements.

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Establish and manage estimating schedules, bid milestones, deliverables, and internal review deadlines.

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Coordinate with the marketing department to develop technical proposals, project narratives, qualifications, and other pursuit materials.

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Prepare cost summaries, clarifications, exclusions, alternates, allowances, and other required bid documentation.

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Review bid forms, bid bonds, insurance requirements, and other submission documents for completeness and accuracy.

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Coordinate internal estimate reviews and obtain necessary approvals before bid submission.

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Present estimates, pricing strategies, risk considerations, and recommendations to company leadership and clients as appropriate.

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Ensure all bid submissions reflect the project scope, contractual requirements, current pricing, and established company standards.

6. Project Transition, Procurement, and Operations Support

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Develop a project buyout strategy and procurement timeline in coordination with operations and project management.

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Facilitate a thorough transition of estimating documentation, assumptions, scope clarifications, exclusions, subcontractor comparisons, and identified risks to the project team.

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Support subcontractor and vendor buyout activities to ensure alignment between the approved estimate, negotiated agreements, and project requirements.

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Assist operations in resolving scope gaps, pricing discrepancies, and estimating-related questions identified during procurement or construction.

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Provide estimating support for change proposals, scope revisions, material substitutions, and other cost-related project requirements as needed.

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Review lessons learned and actual project cost information to improve future estimating accuracy and processes.

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Maintain accountability for estimate quality and support alignment between preconstruction assumptions and field execution.

7. Team Leadership and Development

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Manage and coordinate the workload of assigned estimators to ensure resources are allocated effectively across multiple pursuits.

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Establish expectations for estimate quality, accuracy, documentation, communication, and timely completion.

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Review the work product of estimators and provide technical guidance, feedback, and coaching.

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Mentor estimating personnel in quantity takeoffs, cost development, bid analysis, scope review, subcontractor negotiations, and commercial construction practices.

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Promote consistency in estimating procedures, documentation, cost coding, and internal review processes.

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Identify opportunities to improve estimating systems, workflows, and team productivity.

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Encourage collaboration between estimating, business development, design, procurement, and operations teams.

Relationship Management and Business Development

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Establish and maintain strong professional relationships with subcontractors, vendors, architects, engineers, consultants, owners, and other industry partners.

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Support business development efforts by identifying prospective clients, monitoring market opportunities, and contributing to pursuit strategies.

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Represent BL Harbert professionally during preconstruction meetings, project interviews, industry events, and client presentations.

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Maintain an understanding of regional commercial construction markets, subcontractor capacity, labor availability, and material pricing trends.

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Participate in at least one industry organization and one community service organization, consistent with company expectations.

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Promote positive relationships within the construction industry and the communities in which BL Harbert operates.

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Demonstrate an understanding of the company’s business development process and contribute to long-term client and partner relationships.

Corporate Culture and Professional Development

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Demonstrate BL Harbert’s corporate values through professional conduct, leadership, decision-making, and daily interactions.

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Maintain a proactive, collaborative, and solutions-oriented approach to estimating and preconstruction challenges.

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Promote accountability, accuracy, integrity, and continuous improvement within the estimating team.

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Seek feedback and pursue ongoing professional development to strengthen technical expertise and leadership capabilities.

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Develop direct reports and support their professional growth and advancement.

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Collaborate across business units and departments to support company-wide objectives.

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Demonstrate an understanding of BL Harbert’s strategic priorities, business goals, and operational requirements.

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Support continuous improvement in estimating standards, technology, processes, and best practices.

Mental Effort

Requires substantial analytical thinking, attention to detail, mathematical reasoning, and sustained concentration. The position involves managing complex construction documents, evaluating multiple cost variables, solving problems, and meeting demanding bid deadlines while managing frequent interruptions and competing priorities.

Physical Effort

Requires moderate and varied physical activity, including extended periods of sitting and computer work, occasional standing and walking, and movement throughout offices and construction sites. Must be able to communicate effectively and perform required site visits safely.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with regular interaction with internal personnel, clients, design professionals, subcontractors, and vendors. Occasional construction site visits, pre-bid meetings, client meetings, and industry events are required. Work schedules may vary based on project demands, bid deadlines, and business needs.

Requirements for Advancement to Director of Estimating

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Demonstrated mastery of BL Harbert’s estimating systems, procedures, and standards.

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Comprehensive knowledge of commercial building systems, construction methods, materials, and cost drivers.

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Proven ability to lead estimating efforts for multiple complex projects simultaneously.

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Demonstrated success in managing, mentoring, and developing estimating personnel.

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Advanced expertise in subcontractor and vendor solicitation, bid leveling, scope development, and commercial negotiations.

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Ability to communicate and present estimates, pricing strategies, risk assessments, and recommendations effectively to senior leadership and clients.

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In-depth knowledge of construction contracts, risk management, procurement, and project delivery methods.

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Proven ability to build and maintain effective internal and external business relationships.

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Demonstrated commitment to BL Harbert’s corporate values and ability to reinforce those values within the estimating team.

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Understanding of company-wide objectives, business development strategies, and long-term growth opportunities.

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Commitment to professional development, process improvement, and estimating team advancement.

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Understanding of the strategic planning, resource allocation, forecasting, and budgeting required to support the division.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prohibit or restrict other tasks that may be assigned and is subject to change at any time.