Senior Glazing Estimator-Preconstruction (G)

TST Tactical Defense Solutions, Inc. • Virginia Beach, VA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Glass Estimator / Preconstruction Manager is responsible for leading the company’s glass estimating and preconstruction efforts while actively performing estimating and bidding on key projects. This role is both strategic and hands-on, responsible for developing accurate, competitive estimates, managing bid pursuits, and overseeing the full preconstruction lifecycle from initial opportunity through turnover to operations. The position provides leadership and mentorship to estimating and preconstruction staff, while also directly preparing and submitting estimates, proposals, and budgets for assigned projects. The role collaborates closely with executive leadership, project management, and business development to secure and execute profitable work. Our search is currently limited to qualified candidates living within the Hampton Roads commuting area.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7–10+ years of commercial glazing estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Strong experience with curtain wall, storefront, windows, entrances, louvers, and architectural metals.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex estimates and managing preconstruction efforts.
• Previous experience supervising, mentoring, or managing estimating/preconstruction personnel.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, contract documents, and risk management.
• Proficiency with estimating software and construction scheduling tools.
• Blueprint reading required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with conceptual estimating, negotiated work, and design-assist projects preferred.
• Some periodic travel may be required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates, takeoffs, and proposals for assigned projects, particularly high-value, complex, or strategic pursuits.
• Lead and manage the glass estimating and preconstruction function while maintaining direct responsibility for estimating and bidding select projects
• Develop and execute bid strategies in coordination with executive leadership, including go/no-go decisions and pursuit planning.
• Prepare, review, and approve estimates, proposals, clarifications, exclusions, and qualifications prior to submission.
• Perform and oversee detailed material takeoffs for glazing systems, including curtain wall, storefront, windows, entrances, louvers, and architectural metals.
• Actively participate in bid day activities, final pricing reviews, and proposal submissions to ensure accuracy and competitiveness.
• Balance individual estimating responsibilities with management of team workload, ensuring both personal production and overall department performance.
• Participate in the material buyout and submittal preparation process to include shop drawing development.
• Lead constructability reviews, scope analysis, and risk identification for all pursuits.
• Direct preconstruction efforts, including conceptual budgeting, design development, pricing, GMP support, and value engineering.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier outreach, scope leveling, and procurement strategy during preconstruction.
• Negotiate scopes of work, pricing, and terms with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Lead pre-bid, pre-award, and preconstruction meetings with internal teams, clients, and partners.
• Establish and maintain estimating standards, pricing databases, and historical cost data.
• Track and report on key performance metrics including bid volume, hit rate, margin performance, and estimate accuracy.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with general contractors, owners, architects, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Collaborate with business development to support negotiated work and strategic pursuits.
• Develop initial project budgets, schedules, and procurement plans in coordination with operations.
• Lead project turnover to project management, ensuring complete transfer of estimate assumptions, risks, scope gaps, and procurement strategy.
• Support operations on complex change orders, scope disputes, and procurement challenges as needed.
• Participate in post-bid and post-award reviews to improve estimating accuracy and processes.
• Mentor, train, and develop junior estimators and preconstruction staff.
• Ensure all preconstruction activities align with company safety standards, contract requirements, and operational goals.
• Maintain knowledge of industry trends, glazing systems, manufacturer requirements, and applicable codes.
• Must reside within commuting distance of our main office in Virginia Beach, VA.
• This is an in-person, on-site position.
• NEED TO BE ABLE TO OBTAIN BASE ACCESS FOR ONGOING PROJECTS!

Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance - Eligible after 30 Days, Enrolled on 1st of month - 50% of employee rate paid for employee for Health & Dental only.
• 401(k) – w/ employer match up to 3% of annual income after (1) year of employment.
• Paid Time Off (8 Days) – New Year, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, & Christmas + 2 additional days, usually utilized at Christmas and Thanksgiving
• Earned Leave (Vacation/Sick) – 80 Total Hours Accrued Annually
• Vacation (24 hours annually, accrued at 0.47 hours a week) – never expires, but caps at 24 hours.
• Sick (up to 56 hours annually, accrued at 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked) – never expires, but caps at 56 hours.
• Voluntary supplemental insurance options are available to employees at their own expense.
• Voluntary life insurance is available to employees at their own expense.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior