Director of Pre-Construction

Phillips & Jordan, Inc.•Knoxville, TN

36d

About The Position

The Director of Pre-Construction for Phillips Heavy is a leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's pre-construction and estimating functions for heavy civil and infrastructure projects. This role directs the strategic planning, leadership, and execution of pre-construction operations to ensure accurate, competitive, and profitable bids. The Director serves as a key link between business development, estimating, engineering, procurement, operations, and project delivery teams-driving the pursuit, development, and award of heavy civil infrastructure projects that align with the company's long-term objectives.

Requirements

Strong leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills.
In-depth understanding of heavy civil construction means, methods, equipment, and production rates.
Proficiency with estimating and scheduling software (e.g., AGTEK, Primavera P6, Bluebeam, Civil 3D).
Proven ability to lead large teams and manage multiple concurrent pursuits under tight deadlines.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in heavy civil construction estimating, pre-construction, or operations, with at least 5 years in a senior or executive leadership role.
Experience with municipal, federal, and large infrastructure projects (e.g., dams, reservoirs, canals, pump stations, site development and mining to include earthwork, concrete and underground utility scopes).
Demonstrated success in both competitive bid and negotiated contract environments.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the company's pre-construction and estimating strategies for water resources, industrial & commercial, mining and related infrastructure markets.
Partner with executive leadership to identify target markets, evaluate opportunities, and align pre-construction practices with growth and profitability goals.
Establish consistent pre-construction standards, methodologies, and best practices across all markets.
Champion the use of advanced technologies (e.g., InEight, AGTEK, P6, Civil 3D, BIM, for infrastructure, propeller, AI) to improve estimating accuracy and efficiency.
Direct all pre-construction and estimating operations, including staffing, budgeting, scheduling, and performance management.
Lead, train and mentor Estimators, procurement coordinators, Pre Construction Managers, schedulers, survey managers and administrative staff, fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
Manage the bid schedule and resource assignments.
Develop standard estimating policies and procedures.
Ensure that all estimates and proposals are prepared in accordance with company policies, client specifications, and project requirements.
Oversee conceptual estimates, feasibility analyses, value engineering, constructability reviews, and risk assessments for complex heavy civil projects.
Collaborate with design engineers, owners, general contractors and operations teams during pre-bid and pre-construction phases to develop cost-effective, buildable solutions.
Guide the preparation of detailed work breakdown structures, cost models, and production rate analyses.
Oversee procurement planning and strategy during pre-construction, ensuring alignment between estimating, subcontractor selection, and project delivery goals.
Collaborate with project management and field operations teams to develop procurement schedules, bid packages, and subcontractor award recommendations that optimize safety, project cost and delivery timelines.
Direct the procurement process for key materials and subcontracted work during the pre-construction phase, including solicitation, evaluation, and negotiation of vendor and subcontractor proposals.
Review and approve subcontractor and vendor scopes, bid comparisons, and recommendations for award.
Collaborate with the marketing department to develop best in class proposals, presentations, technical approach and capability statements.
Pursue teaming and potential JV opportunities at the early stages of Project pursuits
Partner with business development and operations teams to pursue and secure new opportunities with municipalities, federal government, utilities, general contractors and private clients.
Participate in pre-bid meetings, client presentations, and proposal interviews to promote company capabilities and close new business.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, engineers, vendors and subcontractors to enhance the company's reputation and market reach.
Participate in marketplace and industry specific associations.
Oversee the development and maintenance of a comprehensive cost history database and performance metrics to inform future bids.
Analyze bid results, market trends, and competitor performance to improve pre-construction strategies and win rates.
Promote innovation, collaboration, and integrity across all pre-construction activities.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements, including DBE/MBE/WBE participation goals and other project-specific mandates.
Lead and manage Estimators, Pre-Construction Managers, procurement coordinators, schedulers, survey managers and administrative support staff.
Oversee recruitment, training, and performance evaluations within the department.
Establish clear expectations, accountability metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.