Construction Industry Advisor

Flow Manual is a construction AI company for contractors, backed by Y Combinator (S26). We automate manual, repetitive tasks across the preconstruction process for general and specialty contractors in commercial construction, including quantity takeoffs, estimating, scope review, bid leveling, and bid preparation. Flow Manual helps specialty contractors, including mechanical, electrical, and concrete contractors, win more work while helping general contractors deliver better outcomes for owners.

Role Description

Flow Manual is putting together a group of advisors (construction executives and preconstruction leaders) to help shape what we build. We want to go deeper into the problems we’re solving and learn from people who understand preconstruction workflows, how construction companies evaluate and purchase software, how to reach the right decision-makers, and the challenges of operating in the industry.

Who we're looking for

Current or recent leaders at construction contractors (general and specialty). We’re open to experience in all categories of construction, including residential, commercial, civil, and industrial, regardless of the size of the company. We welcome experience at contractors of all sizes, from small businesses to enterprise firms.

• Presidents, CEOs, and owners:
  Leaders involved in preconstruction strategy and company profitability.
• COOs:
  Leaders responsible for operational performance and the handoff from estimating to project execution.
• VPs of Preconstruction or Estimating:
  Executives who lead teams and evaluate tools and processes.
• Chief Estimators and Directors of Preconstruction or Estimating:
  Experienced leaders close to the details of how bids are built and reviewed.
• CFOs with relevant operational experience:
  Finance leaders directly involved in project margins, procurement, or preconstruction investment decisions.

Requirements

• Seven or more years in construction, with experience leading a company, business unit, or estimating/preconstruction function.
• Direct experience supporting estimating teams or contributing to bid review, project selection, procurement, or project profitability.
• Hands‑on knowledge of or familiarity with some combination of takeoff, labor/material pricing, drawing revisions, scope review, subcontractor or vendor quotes, and/or bid leveling.
• Experience evaluating or implementing software used by construction teams.
• The ability to analyze software and assess what is useful, what creates extra work, and what needs to be improved or developed further.
• No particular degree, software certification, or prior startup advisory experience is required or preferred.

What the role involves

• A 30-minute call with our team once or twice a month.
• Input on product adoption, go-to-market strategy, and product development.
• Occasional questions between calls by email or text.
• Introductions, where it makes sense, to contractors in your network.

Commitment and compensation

• Part‑time and fully remote, anywhere in the United States. Commitment is around one to two hours a month, with equity and/or cash compensation depending on your experience and involvement. We begin with a couple of conversations to assess mutual fit.