Preconstruction Manager / Estimator

CORE•Roseville, CA

9d•$110,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Preconstruction Manager/Estimator leads and supports preconstruction efforts for public sector projects, including K–12, higher education, and civic or municipal work delivered through progressive design-build, lease leaseback, and CM at Risk. Reporting to the Director of Preconstruction, the role manages project scoping and cost estimating from early concept through construction documents, works directly with design teams, owners, and subcontractors, and carries projects through GMP development and subcontractor buyout. This is a client-facing position requiring polished communication, sound judgment, teamwork, and a servant leadership mindset. The role manages multiple pursuits and active preconstruction assignments concurrently. The position is based in person at CORE’s Roseville or Emeryville office and is not remote. It includes occasional site visits and local or regional travel, primarily in the Sacramento/Roseville region, with periodic travel to Bay Area and rural Northern California projects. Compensation is $110,000–$140,000 annually, commensurate with experience, with eligibility for a discretionary year-end bonus. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision options; HSA/FSA; life and disability insurance; paid time off and paid leave; tuition reimbursement; an Employee Assistance Program; a 401(k) plan with company match options; and company-provided or reimbursed phone service and work equipment. Work-related gas is covered; no company vehicle is provided.

Requirements

At least 2 years of progressive experience in construction estimating and/or preconstruction management with a general contractor, construction manager, or design-build firm.
Demonstrated experience scoping and estimating projects from concept or schematic design through construction documents.
Direct experience with progressive design-build, lease leaseback, and/or CM at Risk delivery, including GMP development.
Ability to develop detailed trade-specific scope and unit-rate pricing and to solicit, review, and negotiate subcontractor bids through buyout.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and comfort presenting cost information to clients and design teams.
Working knowledge of California public contract law, prevailing wage requirements, skilled and trained workforce rules, and the DSA/HCAI review process.
Proficiency with standard estimating and project tools, including Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Project, and Excel.
Valid California driver’s license and ability to travel as needed within Northern California.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent pursuits and active preconstruction assignments.
Ability to perform occasional site visits, including walking active construction sites, climbing stairs or ladders, and wearing required PPE.

Nice To Haves

Five to ten years of progressive construction estimating and/or preconstruction management experience is preferred.
Experience estimating California public sector work, including K–12, higher education, and/or civic or municipal projects, is strongly preferred.
Experience with Destini (Beck Technology) is highly desired but not required.
A bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Lead cost estimating from conceptual through construction-document phases, scoping projects at schematic design, design development, and construction-document milestones for progressive design-build, lease leaseback, and CM at Risk assignments.
Break down project scope into detailed trade-specific line items and quantities; prepare unit-rate pricing and detailed cost estimates.
Develop and maintain project cost models, budgets, and GMP proposals with the project team.
Solicit, review, level, and negotiate subcontractor and vendor bids and proposals; lead subcontractor buyout through contract award.
Partner with architects, engineers, owners, and internal project teams throughout design development to align scope, budget, and schedule.
Identify and communicate cost, schedule, constructability, and scope risks, and support mitigation strategies.
Support constructability reviews and value-engineering efforts to keep projects within budget.
Contribute to preconstruction schedules and monitor design and procurement milestones.
Prepare and present cost estimates, GMP packages, and preconstruction status updates to clients, design teams, and CORE leadership.
Maintain organized project files, cost databases, and estimate documentation in company systems, including tools such as Destini and Smartsheet.
Support pursuit and proposal efforts, including cost narratives, comparable project data, and interview preparation.
Ensure compliance with California public contract requirements, DSA/HCAI processes, prevailing wage, and skilled and trained workforce rules.
Collaborate with preconstruction and construction operations team members and contribute to a close team environment.
Travel as needed for project assignments in Northern California.