Preconstruction Manager

$800M General Contractor | Rosemont, IL | Leadership Role

Our client is a $800M, full-service General Contractor headquartered in Rosemont, IL, with a strong reputation for delivering complex projects across commercial, industrial, multifamily, healthcare, education, and mixed-use sectors.

Due to continued growth and a strong forward backlog, the firm is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead and develop its estimating department.

This is a key leadership role within the organization, reporting directly to the Vice President of Construction and overseeing a team of five estimators.

Position Overview

The Preconstruction Manager will be responsible for managing all preconstruction and estimating operations, ensuring accurate, competitive, and strategic pricing across a diverse project portfolio.

This individual will play a critical role in business development strategy, subcontractor relationships, risk evaluation, and overall project success before construction begins.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating department (team of
  5)
• Oversee all conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates
• Develop and refine estimating standards, processes, and best practices
• Review and validate takeoffs, pricing strategies, and bid proposals
• Partner closely with Business Development and Operations teams
• Participate in client presentations and preconstruction meetings
• Build and maintain subcontractor and vendor relationships
• Evaluate project risk and develop mitigation strategies
• Mentor and develop estimating team members

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience
• Prior leadership experience managing estimators preferred
• Strong knowledge of conceptual budgeting and hard bid processes
• Experience across ground-up and renovation projects
• Strong understanding of subcontractor markets in the Chicagoland area
• Excellent communication and leadership skills
• Base Salary: $150,000 – $200,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Annual performance bonus
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Leadership visibility and executive growth path
• Stable, well-capitalized $500M platform with strong backlog

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a critical department within a well-established and financially strong general contractor. The right candidate will have the autonomy to shape estimating strategy, build team culture, and influence the firm’s growth trajectory.