Chief Estimator/ Preconstruction Manager

Kapella Group • Centennial, CO

2d • $130,000 - $155,000

About The Position

A fast-growing $15M commercial general contractor in the Denver metro area is hiring a hands-on Chief Estimator and Director of Preconstruction as the company grows toward $50M and beyond. This is an active, tactical builder’s role, focused on personally estimating complex, ground-up commercial projects each week while establishing the standards, templates, and team that will support the company’s long-term growth.

The role leads preconstruction from initial pursuit through project turnover, including constructability reviews, value engineering, Guaranteed Maximum Price development, and technical contract negotiations. It also involves building and refining department infrastructure, mentoring junior estimating staff, cultivating regional trade partner relationships, and working directly with clients during project alignment and bidding.

Requirements

• 5–10+ years of commercial general contractor estimating experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience with ground-up construction, beyond tenant improvements or renovations.
• A verifiable list of completed commercial GC projects demonstrating range and depth in hard-bid and conceptual estimating.
• Deep understanding of conceptual budgeting, quantity takeoffs, and market pricing trends.
• Experience with commercial contract negotiations.
• Direct personal experience assembling complete project estimates in a commercial general contractor background.

Responsibilities

• Personally prepare comprehensive estimates for ground-up commercial projects.
• Lead and mentor junior estimating staff.
• Oversee preconstruction from initial pursuit through project turnover.
• Conduct constructability reviews and value engineering.
• Develop Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposals and participate in technical contract negotiations.
• Build and refine department standards, unit-cost databases, and proposal templates.
• Cultivate relationships with regional trade partners.
• Interface directly with clients during project alignment and bidding.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Growth incentives, with compensation scaling directly with company revenue benchmarks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed