Director of Preconstruction/Chief Estimator-General Construction

Kimmel & Associates • Chattanooga, TN

6d • $150,000 - $175,000

About The Position

Our client is a privately held commercial general contractor with a long history of stable success and a strong reputation in its market. With annual revenue below $100 million, the company offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a close-knit organization that values leadership, relationships, and long-term performance. Its success is built on consistent project delivery, strong client relationships, and a disciplined approach to construction.

The Director of Preconstruction/Chief Estimator will lead estimating and preconstruction operations and work closely with company leadership on business strategy and project development. The position is expected to evolve into a broader executive leadership role, with the potential for the successful candidate to assume the President position in approximately 3–4 years as the current President approaches retirement. The role includes working directly with the current President on a structured leadership transition and developing an understanding of all aspects of the business in preparation for future executive responsibilities.

Requirements

• Significant experience in commercial construction estimating and preconstruction.
• Proven experience leading estimating or preconstruction functions for a general contractor.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, costs, scheduling, and project delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong client and industry relationships.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to evaluate opportunities from both a construction and business perspective.
• Experience managing, mentoring, and developing team members.
• Strong understanding of contracts, scopes of work, subcontractor procurement, and project risk.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to contribute to broader company strategy beyond estimating.
• Willingness and ability to assume increasing executive responsibilities over the next several years.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience with a privately held or closely managed construction company.

Responsibilities

• Lead all estimating and preconstruction activities for the company.
• Oversee conceptual estimating, budgeting, bidding, and proposal development.
• Review plans, specifications, scopes of work, and contract documents.
• Establish accurate project budgets and provide cost guidance throughout preconstruction.
• Develop and maintain relationships with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Evaluate project opportunities and help leadership determine which projects align with the company's capabilities and objectives.
• Lead bid strategy, subcontractor solicitation, scope review, and bid leveling.
• Identify project risks, cost considerations, and potential constructability issues.
• Work with operations and project management teams to support successful project turnover.
• Mentor and develop estimating and preconstruction personnel.
• Participate in client presentations, negotiations, and project pursuits.
• Contribute to company-wide strategic planning and long-term growth initiatives.
• Develop a strong understanding of all aspects of the business in preparation for future executive leadership responsibilities.
• Work directly with the current President to facilitate a structured leadership transition.

Benefits

• $150,000–$175,000 base salary, depending on experience.
• Significant long-term career advancement opportunity.
• Potential succession path to President within approximately 3–4 years.
• Opportunity to have a direct impact on the future direction of an established privately held general contractor.
• Stable company with a long history of success.
• Leadership role with substantial visibility and responsibility.
• Collaborative, close-knit company culture.
• Competitive benefits package.

What This Job Offers

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