Preconstruction Manager

Location: Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland area (Relocation Assistance Available)

Build the Estimating Function. Shape the Future.

We're partnering with a well-established, family-owned commercial general contractor that's entering an exciting phase of growth. As the company continues to expand, they're looking for a hands-on Preconstruction & Estimating Manager who wants to own the estimating function today and help build it for tomorrow.

This role is the future Head of Bidding & Estimating for the company.

Unlike many preconstruction leadership positions, this isn't a role where you'll inherit a team of estimators. Instead, you'll become the company's lead estimator; personally driving estimates, leading bid efforts, partnering with owners and design teams, and helping win work. As the company grows, you'll have the opportunity to build the estimating department, hire additional talent, and shape the long-term vision of the function.

If you're someone who still enjoys rolling up your sleeves, building estimates, and being directly involved in winning projects, while also wanting a clear path into leadership, this is a rare opportunity.

• Personally prepare conceptual budgets, quantity takeoffs, detailed estimates, and bid proposals for commercial construction projects.
• Lead the bidding process from initial review through final submission.
• Solicit, qualify, scope, and level subcontractor proposals.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and project documents to identify scope gaps, risks, and value engineering opportunities.
• Partner directly with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors throughout the preconstruction process.
• Present estimates and budgeting recommendations while helping clients understand project costs and options.
• Help improve estimating systems, processes, and technology as the company continues to grow.
• Play a key role in building and eventually leading the company's estimating function.

• 8+ years of commercial estimating and preconstruction experience with a General Contractor.
• Strong experience personally developing estimates from the ground up - not simply reviewing work prepared by others.
• Experience with conceptual estimating, negotiated work, hard bids, GMP development, value engineering, and subcontractor bid leveling.
• Comfortable communicating directly with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, pricing, and subcontractor markets.
• Experience with estimating software such as Bluebeam, Building Connected, On-Screen Takeoff, Destini, Sage Estimating, Autodesk Takeoff, Pro Est, or similar platforms.
• Interest in leveraging technology and AI to improve estimating workflows is a plus.
• A builder's mindset; someone who enjoys creating estimates, solving problems, and helping win work.

This isn't just another estimating position.

You'll become the trusted leader of the company's estimating efforts, working directly alongside executive leadership and playing a major role in the growth of the business. Your ideas will have immediate impact, you'll help influence how projects are pursued, and you'll have a clear path to building and leading the estimating department as the company continues to expand.

If you've reached a point in your career where you're looking for more ownership, more visibility, and the opportunity to help build something meaningful while still doing the work you enjoy, we'd love to connect with you.

Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.