Director of Preconstruction-Drywall

Kimmel & Associates•Indianapolis, IN

3d•$180,000 - $225,000

About The Position

The Director of Preconstruction will lead and modernize the company's estimating and preconstruction function, serving as a bridge between leadership, estimating, and project delivery teams. This newly created leadership role goes beyond managing bids and pricing, it involves building the systems, tools, and workflows that will drive long-term efficiency and growth. Responsibilities include overseeing all estimating operations (bid selection, pricing reviews, and approvals), managing pipeline and business development alignment with leadership, defining preconstruction KPIs such as hit rate and margin performance, and coaching the estimating team on both technical skill and business acumen. The role requires close collaboration with Operations to ensure a smooth handoff from preconstruction to project execution, all while preserving the personal, relationship-driven culture that defines the company.

Requirements

10+ years of estimating and preconstruction experience within commercial construction.
Proven ability to build or overhaul systems and teams, not just maintain them.
Expertise in estimating processes, cost modeling, and bid management for negotiated and hard-bid projects.
Experience managing CRM tools and estimating software (e.g., OST, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, BuildingConnected, or similar).
Strong grasp of business development fundamentals, including market intelligence, customer relationship management, and pipeline reporting.
Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to build trust quickly across ownership, field, and office teams.
Strategic thinker with a hands-on, collaborative style; comfortable in a family-owned, entrepreneurial environment.

Nice To Haves

Strong preference for drywall, ACT, or building envelope trades.
Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience in lieu of degree will be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead and modernize the company's estimating and preconstruction function.
Serve as a bridge between leadership, estimating, and project delivery teams.
Build systems, tools, and workflows for long-term efficiency and growth.
Oversee all estimating operations, including bid selection, pricing reviews, and approvals.
Manage pipeline and business development alignment with leadership.
Define preconstruction KPIs such as hit rate and margin performance.
Coach the estimating team on technical skill and business acumen.
Collaborate with Operations to ensure a smooth handoff from preconstruction to project execution.