A well-established and growing commercial general contractor/design-build firm is seeking an experienced Senior Preconstruction Manager / Senior Estimator to join its Dallas operation.
This is not strictly a takeoff-and-bid position. We're looking for someone who understands the entire preconstruction process and can take a project from an early concept or limited set of plans, develop a reliable preliminary budget, work alongside the design and client teams as the project develops, and ultimately deliver a comprehensive estimate and clean handoff to construction.
The firm's work is heavily design-build, with select competitive-bid opportunities. The right candidate will be comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously and working directly with clients, architects, subcontractors, vendors and operations leadership. That design-build emphasis and ability to develop early ROM budgets from limited information are central to the underlying position.
What You'll Do
- Lead preconstruction and estimating efforts for multiple commercial projects at varying stages of design.
- Develop conceptual/ROM budgets from early plans, site plans and limited project information.
- Produce and oversee detailed quantity takeoffs, scopes, estimates and pricing.
- Review drawings and specifications for constructability, scope gaps, design issues and budget efficiency.
- Work directly with architects, engineers and other design consultants throughout preconstruction.
- Develop bid lists and maintain strong subcontractor and supplier relationships.
- Solicit and qualify subcontractor/vendor pricing and ensure appropriate bid coverage.
- Lead scope reviews, clarifications and leveling of subcontractor proposals.
- Identify project risks early and develop practical cost and constructability solutions.
- Develop value-engineering recommendations without compromising project objectives.
- Support design-build projects as well as select competitive-bid opportunities.
- Participate in job walks and preconstruction meetings.
- Prepare comprehensive proposals, exclusions, clarifications and final pricing.
- Partner closely with operations to ensure scope, pricing assumptions and commitments are properly transferred when projects move into construction.
The original position specifically calls for turnkey estimating from project introduction through construction handoff, including competitive subcontractor solicitation, detailed estimates, clarifications and VE recommendations.
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of commercial construction experience with a General Contractor.
- 3+ years specifically in estimating and/or preconstruction.
- Strong experience with commercial design-build construction.
- Ability to develop conceptual estimates with incomplete drawings and limited early-stage information.
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, sequencing, subcontractor scopes and trade pricing.
- Experience managing projects through multiple stages of design and preconstruction.
- Strong subcontractor and supplier relationships within the Dallas/Fort Worth market preferred.
- Excellent understanding of bid leveling, scope development, constructability and value engineering.
- Strong mathematical, analytical and communication skills.
- Proficiency with Excel and Bluebeam.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or related discipline preferred; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary: $140,000–$175,000, depending on experience
Plus a strong overall compensation package including:
- Annual performance bonus
- Vehicle/truck allowance
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
- 401(k) retirement program
- Generous PTO and paid holidays
- Additional employer-sponsored benefits
- Long-term advancement opportunities
- Strong and growing Dallas-area project pipeline
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator/preconstruction professional who wants more ownership than simply producing numbers and enjoys being involved early with clients, designers and operations.
