Preconstruction Estimator

Maguire•Sioux Falls, SD

About The Position

Maguire is seeking a Preconstruction Estimator to lead planning, estimating, risk evaluation, and preconstruction for municipal and industrial water storage tank projects across North America. As Maguire builds a strategic Preconstruction Department, this role will help shape how projects are pursued, priced, planned, and prepared for execution. The estimator works with operations, project management, sales, business development, engineering firms, subcontractors, and customers to establish a strong foundation for each project. The position leads preconstruction from bid inception through project handoff, developing complete estimates and evaluating plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, site conditions, contracts, and bid documents. It uses construction expertise, historical cost and production data, and AI-powered estimating tools to support accurate pricing, risk management, project planning, and strategic decisions. The estimator retains accountability for the accuracy, completeness, and execution readiness of each estimate. The role also manages subcontractor and supplier proposals, supports constructability reviews and execution planning, and prepares handoff packages that communicate project assumptions, risks, exclusions, schedules, commitments, and strategy. Most work takes place in an office environment, with prolonged desk and computer use and occasional lifting or moving of items up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Five or more years of experience in estimating, preconstruction, project management, construction operations, or related fields.
Strong understanding of construction means and methods.
Experience reviewing technical drawings, specifications, contracts, and bid documents.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong negotiation and relationship-building capabilities.
Ability to manage multiple opportunities and deadlines simultaneously.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and construction technology platforms.
Comfort adopting and using AI-enabled business tools.
Working knowledge of job-specific operating procedures.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to build solid relationships with internal and external customers.
Dependability, trustworthiness, and accountability.
Advanced computer skills.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
Experience with industrial, municipal, steel, concrete, infrastructure, or water-related construction projects preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead preconstruction activities for new water storage tank construction opportunities.
Develop competitive project estimates from bid inception through project handoff.
Review plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, site conditions, contracts, and bid documentation.
Identify project risks, constructability concerns, scope gaps, schedule challenges, and pricing exposures.
Develop estimating strategies supporting profitability, quality, safety, customer satisfaction, and successful execution.
Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, customer meetings, and internal strategy sessions.
Raise concerns with engineers, owners, and stakeholders when project requirements are unclear, incomplete, inconsistent, or unnecessarily risky.
Perform quantity takeoffs, labor analyses, equipment evaluations, material estimates, and subcontractor scope reviews.
Develop cost models reflecting project requirements and market conditions.
Use historical project data and production information to improve estimating accuracy.
Prepare estimate summaries, bid reviews, risk assessments, schedules, and executive recommendations.
Analyze actual project performance data to refine future estimating assumptions.
Use AI-powered tools to assist with specification analysis, drawing review, quantity validation, bid compliance verification, risk identification, scope comparisons, historical project analysis, proposal development, subcontractor quote evaluation, and preconstruction documentation.
Maintain ownership and accountability for estimate accuracy, completeness, and execution readiness.
Solicit, evaluate, level, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier proposals.
Identify and develop relationships with subcontractors and vendors.
Ensure subcontractor and supplier scopes are complete, competitive, and aligned with project requirements.
Compare subcontractor pricing and qualifications to support best-value selections.
Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Project Management, Safety, Quality, Engineering, and Executive Leadership.
Assist project teams with constructability reviews and execution planning.
Develop project handoff packages communicating assumptions, risks, exclusions, schedules, subcontractor commitments, and project strategy.
Support continuous improvement throughout preconstruction and project delivery.
Perform other duties as assigned.