Overview
We are seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager / Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction activities for our site-development and underground-utility projects. This position is responsible for evaluating opportunities, preparing accurate and competitive estimates, managing the bid process, developing preliminary schedules, and supporting projects through turnover to operations.
The ideal candidate understands civil construction means and methods, can interpret complex plans and specifications, and has experience estimating earthwork, grading, drainage, water, sewer, and related site improvements. This person will work closely with clients, engineers, vendors, subcontractors, project managers, and field leadership to develop practical and profitable project paths.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage projects through the complete preconstruction process, from initial opportunity review through contract award and turnover.
- Review plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, addenda, contracts, and other bid documents.
- Prepare detailed estimates for site-work and utility scopes, including:
- Clearing, grubbing, and demolition
- Erosion and sediment control
- Earthwork, excavation, grading, and soil stabilization
- Storm-drainage systems
- Sanitary-sewer systems
- Domestic- and fire-water systems
- Utility structures and related appurtenances
- Roadway, curb, sidewalk, and paving preparation
- Use Beam AI to support automated quantity takeoffs, review generated quantities, identify scope gaps, and validate takeoff accuracy.
- Use PlanSwift to complete, verify, and organize detailed digital takeoffs.
- Develop preliminary and bid-level project schedules using Microsoft Project, incorporating phasing, sequencing, milestones, procurement requirements, and anticipated production rates.
- Maintain organized and accurate estimate documentation across the company’s software systems.
- Develop labor, equipment, material, subcontractor, and production-cost assumptions.
- Evaluate haul routes, disposal requirements, import and export quantities, dewatering needs, site access, phasing, and logistical constraints.
- Solicit, review, level, and negotiate proposals from vendors and subcontractors.
- Identify scope gaps, exclusions, risks, value-engineering opportunities, and constructability concerns.
- Prepare bid summaries, proposal packages, clarifications, qualifications, alternates, and schedules of values.
- Lead internal bid reviews and present pricing strategies and project risks to company leadership.
- Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and client interviews.
- Maintain estimating databases, historical production information, vendor pricing, and current market-cost information.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with owners, general contractors, engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
- Assist with contract review and negotiation to confirm alignment between the estimate, proposal, schedule, and final agreement.
- Conduct thorough turnover meetings with project managers, superintendents, and field teams.
- Support operations with budgeting, procurement, scheduling, change-order pricing, and cost analysis when needed.
- Track bid results and participate in post-bid reviews to improve estimating accuracy and competitiveness.
- Help develop junior estimators and strengthen companywide preconstruction processes.
Required Qualifications
- Five or more years of estimating or preconstruction experience in civil construction, site development, earthwork, or underground utilities.
- Strong knowledge of site-work and utility construction methods, materials, labor requirements, equipment, and production rates.
- Demonstrated ability to read and interpret civil plans, profiles, details, specifications, and geotechnical information.
- Experience preparing detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates.
- Working knowledge of storm, sanitary sewer, water, grading, and earthwork scopes.
- Experience creating preliminary construction schedules and sequencing site-work activities.
- Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Ability to learn and effectively use the company’s primary software platforms:
- Beam AI
- PlanSwift
- Microsoft Project
- Procore
- Valid driver’s license and ability to visit construction sites and attend meetings as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field; equivalent field and estimating experience will also be considered.
- Hands-on experience with Beam AI, PlanSwift, Microsoft Project, and Procore.
- Experience with estimating platforms such as HCSS HeavyBid, B2W Estimate, or similar software.
- Experience estimating both public and private projects.
- Familiarity with local permitting requirements, municipal specifications, utility standards, and prevailing-wage work.
- Prior field, project-management, or superintendent experience in site work or underground utilities.
- Existing relationships with regional contractors, engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Measures of Success
Success in this position will be measured by:
- Accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of estimates.
- Accuracy and verification takeoffs utilizing various software.
- Quality of scope review and risk identification.
- Reliability of preliminary schedules and project-phasing plans.
- Achievement of company backlog, margin, and hit-rate goals.
- Effectiveness of project handoffs through turnover meetings.
- Consistency of estimating processes, documentation, and cost data.
- Development of strong client, vendor, and subcontractor relationships.
- Alignment between estimated and actual project performance.
Work Environment
This position is primarily office-based but requires site visits, pre-bid meetings, and interaction with active construction operations. The employee must be able to safely navigate construction sites and occasionally work outside normal business hours to meet bid deadlines.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Performance-based incentive opportunities.
- Health benefits.
- Paid time off and company holidays.
- Company-provided technology and professional resources.
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
- A practical, team-oriented environment with direct access to company leadership.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
