Pre-Construction Cost​/Estimating Management

Position: Pre-Construction Cost / Estimating Management
About Overwatch Mission Critical

Overwatch is a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOB) certified through the national veterans business development council (NVBDC), offering construction professional services, talent acquisition, and general contractor for the mission-critical infrastructure industry. Our mission is the construction and management of state-of-the-art data centers with the precision and reliability this industry demands. From high-end engineers to seasoned professionals, we deploy the people you need to get your data center off the ground.

At Overwatch, it's more than a job. It's purpose.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly detail-oriented and commercially-minded professional to serve as the critical bridge between our Cost and Project Management teams. This is not just an estimating role; you will be the gatekeeper of the project's financial integrity from preconstruction through final close-out. The ideal candidate is someone who masters the fine print, understands the leverage within a contract, and isn't afraid to be the first line of defense in cost negotiations.

Key Responsibilities

• The "Contract Expert": Maintain an absolute mastery of every contract, subcontract, document release, and bulletin. You will be the point of truth for what is-and is not-included in the scope of work.
• Change Order Management: Co-lead all change order meetings. You will serve as the primary point person for the initial review and rejection of invalid change requests.
• Negotiation & Cost Control: Provide detailed summary data for all valid change orders and partner with the cost team to aggressively negotiate values down to ensure fair pricing.
• Operational Liaison: Act as the functional "bridge" between the Estimating/Cost department and the field Project Management team to ensure financial alignment at every stage.
• Project Lifecycle Oversight: Remain embedded with the project through the close-out phase. Monitor project speed and trade performance to ensure billings accurately reflect progress and prevent over-payment.

What We Are Looking For

We value technical expertise and a "protective" mindset over specific company pedigree or years of tenure. If you can navigate a complex contract and hold the line on costs, you are the right fit.

• Deep Technical Knowledge: Strong background in preconstruction, estimating, and industrial/commercial costing.
• Contractual Literacy: The ability to read, interpret, and defend construction contracts and document releases with precision.
• Assertive Communication: Comfortable being the "no" person when changes are invalid and capable of defending that position with data.
• Analytical Rigor: Ability to synthesize complex data sets into clear summaries for negotiation purposes.
• Financial Stewardship: A natural instinct to protect the project budget and ensure every dollar billed by trades is earned

Driver's License Requirement:

For roles that require on-site presence or travel between work locations as an essential function of the position, candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver's license appropriate for the role and be eligible to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with applicable laws.

Communication Skills:

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a professional work environment, including preparing written reports and documentation, conveying information clearly to team members, clients, and stakeholders, and responding appropriately to verbal and written communications related to job duties.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This position operates primarily in an active data center construction environment, encompassing both indoor and outdoor work settings. The role requires the physical ability to perform essential job functions safely and effectively in a dynamic environment that includes ongoing construction activity and evolving site conditions.

The work environment includes areas and temporary structures owned, leased, or controlled by third parties over which Overwatch may have limited or no control. Because the project remains under construction, certain areas of the site - including access routes, staging zones, and temporary structures - may not yet be fully ADA-compliant until construction is complete or those third-party areas are finalized.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to walk, stand, stoop, twist, bend, and climb stairs or ladders for extended periods while navigating uneven, unpaved, or obstructed terrain.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to drive between job sites and access all areas of an active construction zone, including raised platforms, scaffolding, and confined spaces.
• Must be able to tolerate exposure to outdoor weather conditions, dust, and construction-related noise, vibrations, and odors.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with contractors, engineers, and site personnel, and maintain situational awareness in high-activity environments.
• Personal protective…