Preconstruction Estimator

Maguire•Sioux Falls, SD

About The Position

Maguire is seeking a Preconstruction Estimator to lead planning, estimating, risk evaluation, and preconstruction efforts for municipal and industrial water storage tank projects across North America. The role supports Maguire’s transition from a traditional estimating department to a strategic Preconstruction Department, helping 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 sound foundation for each project. The position bridges business development, engineering, operations, and project management. It is responsible for ensuring projects are properly scoped, accurately priced, carefully planned, understood, and strategically positioned for execution. The Estimator uses industry expertise, historical cost and production data, construction knowledge, and AI-powered estimating technology. AI tools support tasks such as specification and drawing review, quantity validation, bid compliance, risk identification, scope comparisons, historical project analysis, proposal development, subcontractor quote evaluation, and documentation; the Estimator remains accountable for estimate accuracy, completeness, and execution readiness. The work is primarily performed in an office environment. It involves prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer, with occasional lifting or moving of items up to 25 pounds. A bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field is preferred, along with five or more years of relevant experience. Experience with industrial, municipal, steel, concrete, infrastructure, or water-related construction projects is preferred.

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 and accept responsibility and accountability.
Ability to build solid relationships with internal and external customers.
Dependable and trustworthy, with advanced computer skills.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead preconstruction activities for new water storage tank construction opportunities.
Develop complete and 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 that support profitability, quality, safety, customer satisfaction, and successful project execution.
Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, customer meetings, and internal strategy sessions.
Challenge engineers, owners, and other stakeholders when project requirements appear unclear, incomplete, inconsistent, or unnecessarily risky.
Perform quantity takeoffs, labor analyses, equipment evaluations, material estimates, and subcontractor scope reviews.
Develop cost models that reflect 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 estimating 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.
Solicit, evaluate, level, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier proposals.
Identify and develop relationships with new subcontractors and vendors.
Ensure subcontractor and vendor 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 that communicate assumptions, risks, exclusions, schedules, subcontractor commitments, and project strategy.
Support continuous improvement across preconstruction and project delivery.
Perform other duties as assigned.