Director of Preconstruction & Estimating

LG Group•Chicago, IL

10d

About The Position

The Director of Preconstruction is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all pre-construction activities, cost estimation processes, and strategic planning initiatives that occur prior to project execution. This position serves as a critical bridge between business development and construction operations, ensuring accurate project feasibility, competitive pricing, and successful project delivery preparation.

Requirements

12–18+ years of progressive experience in commercial construction
5–7+ years leading estimating or preconstruction teams
Experience overseeing full lifecycle preconstruction: conceptual budgeting ? GMP ? bid leveling ? handoff
Direct management of estimating teams (minimum 3–5 reports)
Experience presenting to executive leadership and clients
Proven track record of:
=5% estimate-to-actual variance
Managing both negotiated and competitive bid work
Driving conversion from preconstruction to awarded construction
Advanced estimating software proficiency (e.g., Procore, OST, Zebel or equivalent)
Cost database development and management
Conceptual estimating experience
Bid leveling & subcontractor qualification oversight
Value engineering leadership
Schedule and logistics input capability

Nice To Haves

Experience in developer-led or vertically integrated environments
Background in Chicago or comparable urban markets
Experience in sectors such as:
Multifamily
Mixed-use
Commercial interiors
Ground-up mid-rise construction
Design-build integration experience
Technology optimization experience
Process digitization initiatives
Data analytics within estimating

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Management
Lead and manage the pre-construction and estimating departments, including hiring, training, and performance management of staff
Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and accuracy
Collaborate with executive leadership to establish annual goals, budgets, and strategic objectives
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and professional development within the team
Project Estimation & Cost Management
Oversee the preparation of detailed cost estimates for projects ranging from initial conceptual budgets to final bid proposals
Review and approve all major estimates, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and competitive positioning
Present key estimates to executive leadership to confirm strategic positioning and adherence to company financial targets
Develop and maintain comprehensive databases of historical cost data, unit prices, and market rates
Implement and manage estimating systems and processes including any software, tools, and technologies to enhance accuracy and efficiency
Establish standardized estimating methodologies and quality control processes
Develop and maintain trade contractor database to ensure bid coverage with quality and value add trade partners in core project sectors
Review architectural and engineering designs for code compliance, program optimization and adherence, cost feasibility, and constructability
Preconstruction Planning & Coordination
Act as primary point of contact for the client throughout the preconstruction phase, managing expectations and ensuring clear and consistent communication
Establish the preconstruction schedule identifying key milestone dates including design milestones, permitting timelines, budget issuances, procurement activities, and construction mobilization dates and establish accountabilities for internal and external team members
Coordinate with design teams, architects, engineers, and consultants during the design development phase
When applicable, manage design-build project integration, ensuring seamless collaboration between design and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle
Analyze site conditions, utility availability, access requirements, and permitting timelines to inform decisions
Lead value engineering sessions and constructability reviews to optimize project design and costs
Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for potential project challenges
Oversee the development of preliminary project schedules and logistics planning with support from field operations team
Manage the bid solicitation and subcontractor prequalification processes
Develop project scope and cost estimate to present to client for approval and signoff
Complete seamless project handoffs to execution teams, ensuring transfer of project knowledge, assumptions, risks, and critical information for a successful project
Business Development Support
Partner with business development teams to evaluate new opportunities and market sectors
Participate in client presentations, proposal development, and contract negotiations
Provide technical expertise and cost guidance during the pursuit phase of potential projects
Maintain relationships with key clients, design professionals, trade partners, and related industry partners
Quality Assurance & Risk Management
Establish and enforce quality control standards for all estimates and preconstruction deliverables
Conduct post-project analyses to validate estimate accuracy and identify improvement opportunities
Ensure compliance with company standards, industry regulations, and safety requirements
Manage professional liability and risk exposure related to preconstruction activities