Director of Preconstruction/Chief Estimator-General Construction

Kimmel & Associates • Chattanooga, TN

4d

About The Position

Our client is a privately held commercial general contractor with a long history of stable success and a strong reputation within its market. With annual revenue below $100 million, the company offers the opportunity to have a meaningful impact in a close-knit organization where leadership, relationships, and long-term performance are highly valued. The company has built its success through consistent project delivery, strong client relationships, and a disciplined approach to construction. This is an opportunity to join an established organization at an important stage of its leadership transition and play a significant role in shaping the company's continued growth. Our client is seeking a Director of Preconstruction / Chief Estimator to lead estimating and preconstruction operations while working closely with company leadership on business strategy and project development. This position is expected to evolve into a broader executive leadership role, with the potential for the successful candidate to assume the President position within approximately 3–4 years as the current President approaches retirement. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in commercial construction estimating and preconstruction, combined with the business judgment, leadership ability, and relationship-building skills necessary to eventually lead an established construction company.

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 with the ability to think beyond estimating and contribute to broader company strategy.
• Previous experience with a privately held or closely managed construction company is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to assume increasing executive responsibilities over the next several years.

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 the preconstruction process.
• Develop and maintain relationships with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Evaluate project opportunities and assist leadership in determining 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 closely with operations and project management teams to ensure 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 GC.
• 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