Chief Estimator​/Preconstruction Manager

Confidential Search | Direct Hire San Clemente, CA | On-Site | Full-Time $165,000 to $200,000 per year

Lead Preconstruction for a Respected Southern California GC

Our client is a well-established commercial general contractor with a reputation for consistency, reliability, and delivering high-quality, profitable projects on time and on budget. Their portfolio spans Healthcare, Commercial, Laboratory/Technical, Industrial, Educational, Automotive, Corporate Office, and Tenant Improvement work across Southern California.

They are looking for a Chief Estimator / Preconstruction Manager to own the estimating function from first budget to contract award. Reporting directly to the President, you will lead the estimating team and have a real voice in preconstruction strategy and operations. This is a permanent, direct-hire position. The company name will be shared with qualified candidates as the process moves forward.

• Manage, mentor, and develop the estimating team through hands‑on coaching and a collaborative leadership style.
• Set estimating standards, procedures, and quality controls, and assign workload across multiple concurrent pursuits to hit every bid deadline.
• Run estimate review meetings and give final approval on all estimates before submission.
• Continuously improve processes, cost databases, and historical cost data to sharpen accuracy and competitiveness.
• Lead conceptual, schematic, design‑development, GMP, and lump‑sum estimates, interpreting drawings, specs, and contract documents to define scope and identify risk.
• Build detailed take‑offs and cost estimates using Pro Est, Bluebeam, Building Connected, and Excel.
• Develop winning, profitable bid strategies and lead constructability reviews and value engineering.
• Evaluate risk, recommend contingencies, and support early procurement planning for long‑lead materials.
• Attend pre‑bid meetings and job walks, prepare CSI bid‑package scopes, and manage RFIs.
• Develop strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, owners, and consultants.
• Solicit, level, and negotiate subcontractor proposals for complete coverage and best overall value.
• Participate in client interviews, project presentations, preconstruction meetings, and industry events.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Operations, Marketing, and Executive Leadership on RFQs, RFPs, design‑build, negotiated, and hard‑bid pursuits.

• 10+ years of commercial construction estimating experience, including 5+ years in a senior estimating leadership role.
• A strong track record estimating Healthcare, Commercial, Laboratory, Educational, Corporate Office, and Tenant Improvement projects.
• Expert knowledge of plans, specifications, quantity take‑offs, constructability, and commercial means and methods.
• Proficiency with Pro Est, Bluebeam, Building Connected, and Excel. Procore and Autodesk Construction Cloud experience is a plus.
• Deep experience with conceptual estimating, GMP development, negotiated work, design‑build, and hard‑bid procurement.
• Proven results in cost control, value engineering, pricing strategy, and risk analysis.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, communication, and presentation skills, with the composure to perform under tight deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred, or equivalent industry experience.

This is a chance to lead an experienced team, shape how a respected contractor wins work, and put your name on landmark projects across Southern California.