Preconstruction Manager / Lead Estimator – Commercial Construction

Great Bay Staffing Group•San Antonio, TX

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role leads all preconstruction and estimating efforts for commercial construction projects ranging from $5 million to $50+ million, with a focus on K-12, municipal, and higher education work. The position is central to major pursuits, from conceptual budgeting through GMP proposals and final bid, shaping how projects are won and built. The role involves leading estimating and preconstruction efforts across various project types, supervising and mentoring estimators in San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth, and setting company-wide estimating standards and quality control processes.

Requirements

15+ years of commercial construction experience
At least 5 years in estimating
Significant field or project management experience
Proven experience estimating commercial projects from $5 million to $50+ million, including new construction, renovations, occupied renovations, and phased work
K-12, municipal, and/or higher education project experience required
Leadership experience managing or mentoring estimating personnel
Strong grasp of construction means, methods, sequencing, logistics, scheduling, and risk management
Experience with negotiated work, CMAR, Design-Build, Design-Assist, and competitive hard-bid procurement
Ability to independently build conceptual estimates from limited information and refine budgets as design progresses
Strong understanding of subcontractor procurement and market pricing
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with comfort representing the company in owner interviews and design meetings
Proficiency with Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff or equivalent takeoff software
Proficiency with advanced Microsoft Excel
Proficiency with Procore
Proficiency with Microsoft Project (must be able to build schedules)

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent field experience preferred

Responsibilities

Lead estimating and preconstruction efforts across negotiated, CMAR, Design-Build, and competitive hard-bid projects
Supervise, mentor, and develop estimators across the San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth offices
Set estimating standards, quality control processes, and bid review procedures company-wide
Prepare and review conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, design development estimates, GMP proposals, and final bid estimates
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs, scope reviews, subcontractor comparisons, and pricing analysis
Develop logistics plans, phasing strategies, general conditions, and scheduling assumptions that reflect real project execution
Lead subcontractor outreach, scope leveling, and value engineering discussions to keep bids competitive without sacrificing quality
Represent the company in owner presentations, CMAR interviews, design meetings, and preconstruction planning sessions
Partner with Operations to ensure smooth turnover from estimating into construction
Flag project risks, constructability concerns, schedule impacts, and cost-saving opportunities early in design
Build and maintain relationships with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers
Maintain and improve historical cost databases, production rates, and estimating best practices