Sr. Preconstruction Manager (Commercial Group)

BL Harbert International LLC - Beirut•Homewood, AL

About The Position

The Senior Preconstruction Estimator leads and manages the complete preconstruction and estimating process for commercial construction projects, from initial project evaluation through final bid submission and transition to project operations. The role requires broad knowledge of commercial building systems, construction methods, market conditions, subcontractor pricing, and project delivery strategies. The estimator develops accurate, competitive cost estimates; identifies risks; evaluates constructability; and establishes strategies that support successful project execution. The position works with business development, design partners, subcontractors, vendors, and operations personnel to develop budgets, schedules, scopes of work, and bid proposals. It may oversee multiple projects and provide leadership, guidance, and quality control to other estimators. The role reports to the Vice President of Estimating or Director of Estimating and may supervise estimators and other estimating personnel as assigned. The likely advancement position is Director of Estimating. Work is primarily in an office, with regular interaction with internal personnel, clients, design professionals, subcontractors, and vendors. Occasional construction site visits, pre-bid meetings, client meetings, and industry events are required. Schedules may vary with project demands, bid deadlines, and business needs. The position involves substantial analytical thinking, attention to detail, mathematical reasoning, and sustained concentration, as well as moderate and varied physical activity, including extended sitting and computer work and occasional standing, walking, and movement through offices and construction sites.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Building Science, Engineering, or another relevant field from an accredited college or university, or at least 10 years of relevant commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience.
Demonstrated experience estimating commercial building projects; experience with complex, large-scale, or multi-discipline construction is preferred.
Experience leading estimates, managing estimating teams, and coordinating with project management and operations personnel.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and deliver accurate, competitive estimates in a fast-paced construction environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Microsoft Office applications.
Proficiency in Timberline Estimating and On-Screen Takeoff, or comparable estimating and digital quantity takeoff software.
Ability to organize, analyze, and present project cost data, estimate summaries, and bid documentation.
Advanced ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, addenda, and other contract documents.
Advanced knowledge of quantity takeoffs, cost estimating, subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and scope analysis.
Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, building systems, and trade coordination, including sitework; concrete and structural systems; steel and framing; building envelope and roofing; interior construction; MEP and fire protection; general trades; specialty systems; and site improvements.
Advanced understanding of construction sequencing, scheduling, logistics, and constructability.
Ability to develop and evaluate conceptual budgets, schematic design estimates, design development estimates, and detailed construction estimates.
Knowledge of subcontractor and vendor procurement, prequalification, scope development, and contract negotiation.
Understanding of construction contracts, insurance and bonding requirements, permitting, local codes, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Strong knowledge of construction risk assessment, contingency development, cost forecasting, and value engineering.
Ability to identify scope gaps, design inconsistencies, cost-saving opportunities, and potential schedule impacts.
Ability to communicate effectively and perform required site visits safely.

Nice To Haves

Experience estimating complex, large-scale, or multi-discipline commercial construction projects.

Responsibilities

Evaluate potential projects and recommend which opportunities the business unit should pursue; support pursuit strategies with business development and company leadership.
Review project requirements, owner expectations, delivery methods, budgets, schedules, and contractual obligations to assess feasibility; complete Go/No-Go evaluations and other required internal documentation.
Develop project-specific estimating strategies, plans, checklists, milestones, and deliverables; identify cost drivers, schedule constraints, long-lead materials, procurement risks, and execution challenges.
Coordinate with operations to incorporate field experience, construction methods, labor considerations, logistics, and lessons learned.
Lead development of cost estimates across preconstruction phases, from conceptual budgets and design development estimates through construction-document estimates and final bids.
Review drawings, specifications, addenda, and related documents; identify scope requirements, discrepancies, omissions, and unusual conditions.
Assign, coordinate, and review quantity takeoffs and pricing responsibilities; validate quantities and pricing in estimating systems and develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and general conditions costs.
Evaluate productivity assumptions, crew requirements, equipment needs, material escalation, value-engineering options, allowances, contingencies, and project risks.
Prepare estimates and supporting cost summaries, comparisons, bid analyses, and documentation; validate estimates against scope, schedule, budget, and contract requirements; maintain project files and estimating records.
Lead subcontractor and vendor solicitation, prequalification, and evaluation; develop competitive bid lists, distribute bid documents, clarify scopes and trade interfaces, and maintain communication during bidding.
Analyze proposals for scope compliance, exclusions, qualifications, schedule impacts, and competitiveness; prepare bid comparisons and leveling analyses; recommend selections and negotiate pricing, scope, and commercial terms.
Maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and specialty trade partners; monitor market pricing, availability, lead times, and procurement trends.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, owners, and project teams on design reviews, cost and constructability concerns, RFIs, design-assist and design-build work, and alternative systems or construction methods.
Coordinate estimates with schedules, logistics, phasing, site access, temporary facilities, and project-specific conditions; conduct pre-bid meetings and site visits; identify relevant permitting, inspection, licensing, code, tax, and jurisdictional requirements.
Lead preparation, review, and submission of complete bid packages; manage estimating schedules and milestones; coordinate technical proposals and pursuit materials with marketing; prepare bid documentation and obtain internal approvals.
Present estimates, pricing strategies, risks, and recommendations to leadership and clients as appropriate; ensure submissions reflect project scope, contract requirements, current pricing, and company standards.
Develop project buyout strategies and procurement timelines; transition estimate assumptions, scope clarifications, exclusions, comparisons, and risks to operations; support buyout and resolve estimating-related questions.
Support change proposals, scope revisions, material substitutions, and other cost-related needs; review lessons learned and actual project costs to improve estimating accuracy and align preconstruction assumptions with field execution.
Manage assigned estimator workloads; set expectations for quality, accuracy, documentation, communication, and timeliness; review work, provide technical guidance and coaching, and mentor estimating personnel.
Promote consistent estimating procedures, cost coding, documentation, and review processes; identify improvements to systems, workflows, and team productivity; encourage collaboration across functions.
Build professional relationships with industry partners, support business development and pursuit strategies, represent BL Harbert professionally, and maintain awareness of regional markets, subcontractor capacity, labor availability, and material pricing.
Participate in at least one industry organization and one community service organization, consistent with company expectations; demonstrate corporate values, pursue professional development, develop direct reports, and support continuous improvement and company objectives.