Preconstruction Manager - Commercial Construction - DMV

About the Opportunity

An established and highly respected general contractor with more than a century of success is seeking a Senior Estimator / Preconstruction Manager to join its growing Mid-Atlantic operations. This organization has built a reputation for delivering complex projects across sectors including infrastructure, transportation, aviation, education, healthcare, municipal, and commercial construction.

This position offers the opportunity to play a critical role in business development, pursuit strategy, preconstruction planning, cost management, and client-facing leadership. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor throughout the preconstruction process while helping secure and deliver some of the region's most impactful construction projects.

Position Summary

The Senior Estimator will lead all aspects of the preconstruction process, from conceptual budgeting through GMP development and project handoff. This individual will work closely with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal operations teams to develop accurate budgets, identify value engineering opportunities, and create winning project strategies.

This is an ideal opportunity for a seasoned estimator who enjoys both the technical and relationship-building aspects of construction and is looking to have a substantial influence on project pursuits and overall business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction & Estimating

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates.
• Develop detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing analyses.
• Lead GMP development and budget validation efforts.
• Review drawings and specifications to establish complete project scope.
• Analyze project logistics, phasing, scheduling, and constructability considerations.
• Identify and implement value engineering opportunities throughout the design process.
• Build and maintain historical cost databases for future estimating efforts.
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals and perform bid leveling analyses.
• Develop bid packages and manage the subcontractor solicitation process.

Client & Business Development

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers, and industry partners.
• Participate in pursuit strategy and proposal development efforts.
• Attend project interviews, presentations, and preconstruction meetings.
• Identify potential project opportunities within target markets.
• Act as a primary point of contact during the preconstruction phase.

Project Planning & Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with operations teams to ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction to construction.
• Assist in developing preliminary schedules and execution plans.
• Participate in design meetings and strategy sessions.
• Visit active project sites to validate assumptions and enhance estimating accuracy.
• Support and mentor junior estimating staff as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• 10+ years of estimating and preconstruction experience with a General Contractor or Construction Manager.
• Strong experience preparing conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, and GMPs.
• Proven ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, sequencing, and logistics.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Experience estimating civil, structural, infrastructure, or transportation projects.
• Background working on public sector and negotiated work.
• Experience with Design-Build, CMAR, and alternative delivery methods.
• OSHA certification or similar industry credentials.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Bluebeam
• On-Screen Takeoff (OST)
• PlanSwift
• Sage Estimating
• Procore
• BuildingConnected
• Primavera P6
• Microsoft Project
• Cost Modeling & Benchmarking Software

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a Senior Estimator or Preconstruction Manager with 12-20+ years of experience who has evolved beyond traditional estimating into a true preconstruction leadership role. They possess strong owner-facing communication skills, understand how to build and maintain long-term industry relationships, and have a history of successfully leading pursuits from concept through contract award.

Candidates with experience in aviation, transportation, infrastructure, education, healthcare, government, heavy civil, or large-scale commercial construction environments will be especially well positioned for success in this role.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Annual performance bonus opportunity
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Professional development assistance
• Long-term career growth opportunities within a well-established and financially stable organization

This is an excellent opportunity for a high-level estimating professional seeking greater influence in project pursuits, meaningful interaction with industry stakeholders, and a long-term leadership path within a respected construction organization.