Sr. Estimating & Preconstruction Manager

#jobalert | DIRECT HIRE | Sr. Estimating & Preconstruction Manager | EPC | Birmingham, AL

Our client based in the Southeast is hiring a senior estimating and preconstruction leader to own the commercial pricing function across a growing portfolio of complex programs. Estimating here requires pricing across design, factory production, and field assembly simultaneously, with margin accountability that follows through to execution. The person in this seat will build and lead the estimating team, own the historical cost database and pricing infrastructure, develop C-suite client relationships during pursuit, present pricing strategy to executive leadership, and contribute to strategic pipeline decisions.

• Anticipate $150K-$180K+, based on experience
• Full benefits package: health, dental, and vision insurance; FSA; paid time off; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; 401(k)
• Birmingham, Alabama — up to 25% travel depending on pursuit activity and client engagement

Overview:

Estimating & Preconstruction Leadership:

• Own the accuracy, integrity, and margin impact of preconstruction estimates across assigned programs — accountable for pricing outcomes, not oversight only
• Design, build, and right-size the estimating and preconstruction team; evaluate structure and capability gaps
• Refine and establish operational standards across preconstruction workflows: conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates
• Develop and maintain estimating systems and infrastructure: historical cost database, pricing templates, Basis of Estimate standards, and coordination tools
• Lead preconstruction pricing exercises end-to-end: subcontractor outreach, RFP compilation, price leveling, and award recommendations
• Develop program and project risk analyses; escalate clearly and proactively to executive leadership
• Lead internal and client-directed value engineering efforts
• Develop initial project schedules during preconstruction; establish scheduling assumptions that operations inherits at handoff
• Lead transfer of estimating intelligence to operations — program management, design, supply chain, manufacturing, construction, and finance
• Take direct control of pursuits or estimates in serious jeopardy and return them to a defensible, margin-safe state
• Present and defend pricing reviews to executive leadership
• Lead development of scalable field self-perform estimating tools in collaboration with construction and field operations leadership
• Lead or support subcontractor and supplier buyout

Client & Commercial Leadership:

• Develop and maintain C-suite-level relationships with client preconstruction and estimating leaders during pursuit
• Lead all client presentations related to pricing, preconstruction, and value engineering
• Contribute to strategic pipeline decisions — provide input on which programs the company pursues based on margin viability, capacity, and strategic fit
• Support the commercial and business development team in proposal preparation and client meetings
• Support executive leadership in client contract negotiations
  

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Data Analytics, or related field
• 10+ years of construction industry experience including 4+ years in preconstruction and estimating
• Demonstrated accountability for estimating and preconstruction across programs totaling $100M+ in annual pursuit value
• Demonstrated C-suite-level client and commercial partner relationships during pursuit and negotiation
• Proven ability to build, restructure, and right-size an estimating team
• Proven track record presenting and defending pursuit and pricing reviews at executive level
• Strong financial acumen with explicit margin accountability
• Advanced proficiency in estimating platforms: Building Connected, Sage Estimating, Timberline, WinEst, or comparable
• Advanced scheduling proficiency across multiple platforms: MS Project, Primavera P6, and Smartsheet
• Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency for program-level pricing and risk analysis
• Expert negotiation skills: subcontract negotiations and client contract support
• Ability to travel up to 25%

Preferred — strong differentiators:

• Master's degree (MBA, Construction Management, Data Analytics, or similar)
• Relevant professional credential: PE, AIA, PMP, CPE, LEED AP, ASHE CHC, or similar
• Ability to set organizational standards for cost modeling, estimating analytics, and KPI frameworks (Power BI, Tableau, Smartsheet)
• Working understanding of Python, SQL, and data modeling tools sufficient to evaluate and sponsor organizational adoption
• Experience championing AI tool adoption across an estimating function with demonstrated adoption standards and performance benchmarks
• Experience directing ERP reporting strategy for preconstruction (Microsoft Dynamics Business Central or comparable)
• Ability to interpret CAD, Revit, or SolidWorks models for constructability discussions
• Experience in construction, design-build, or integrated delivery environments
• Experience in healthcare or data center construction markets

KEYWORDS Senior Estimating Manager, Director of Estimating, Preconstruction Leader, Estimating & Preconstruction, Chief Estimator, Construction Estimating, Cost Estimating, GMP, Basis of Estimate, Value Engineering, Subcontractor Procurement, Building Connected, Sage Estimating, Timberline, WinEst, Historical Cost Database, Program-Level Estimating, C-Suite Client Relationships, Executive Pricing Presentation, Construction, Design-Build, Data Center Construction, Healthcare Construction, MS Project, Primavera P6, Smartsheet, Power BI, Tableau, Python, SQL, Microsoft Dynamics, ERP, Alabama, Birmingham

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