JR129 Preconstruction Manager

Rycon Construction is an employee-owned company (ESOP) that provides construction management, general contracting, design-build, and program management services nationwide. An ENR Top 400 Contractor, ENR Top 100 Green Contractor, and BD+C Top 150 Contractor with nine offices, Rycon specializes in new construction, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects. From large-scale developments to small, fast-track interior fit-outs, Rycon delivers a comprehensive range of services across aviation, healthcare, higher education, industrial/warehouse, commercial, multi-unit residential, student housing, food service/dining, data centers/mission critical, retail, financial, self-storage, government/municipality, and LEED facilities. The company also operates an in-house Architectural Finishes & Specialty Fabrication Division that ships and installs nationally.

About the role

The Estimator is responsible for independently performing quantity takeoffs, soliciting and leveling subcontractor and vendor pricing, reviewing construction documents, and assembling complete estimate packages on assigned pursuits. Working under the direction of Preconstruction Managers and Senior Preconstruction Managers, the Estimator takes full ownership of assigned scopes and deliverables. On select projects, the Estimator independently leads the estimate from kickoff through final proposal submission, managing all aspects of the process. Project types include ground-up commercial and residential construction and renovation across sectors such as industrial warehouse, cold storage, food processing, manufacturing, self-storage, medical and nursing facilities, multi-family, car dealerships, retail, tenant buildout, grocery conversion, medical office, and corporate office. This role builds strong trade knowledge and develops skills necessary to grow into a Preconstruction Manager position.

Responsibilities

• Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings, specifications, addenda, and other bid documents for assigned trades and scopes.
• Assist with preparation of ROM, conceptual, schematic, design-development, GMP, and hard bid estimates as directed by preconstruction leadership.
• Independently lead select assigned projects from pursuit kickoff through final proposal submission, managing takeoffs, subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and proposal delivery.
• Solicit subcontractor and vendor pricing for assigned scopes; follow up to confirm interest and improve bid coverage.
• Independently evaluate and level subcontractor and vendor bids for scope completeness, accuracy, exclusions, qualifications, and pricing competitiveness.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and construction documents to identify scope gaps, risks, and constructability concerns.
• Prepare scope sheets, bid tabs, quantity summaries, pricing comparisons, and other estimate support documents.
• Support value engineering studies, alternate pricing, and cost-saving analysis as directed.
• Maintain organized estimating files, bid documents, addenda logs, and pricing backups.
• Assist with meeting scheduling, agendas, meeting notes, and action item tracking for assigned preconstruction meetings.
• Handle file sharing, uploading, downloading, printing, and distributing documents through company systems and bid platforms for assigned projects.
• Coordinate with Preconstruction Managers to clarify scope, confirm assumptions, and support timely delivery of deliverables.
• Support subcontractor outreach, bid list updates, and development of new trade partner contacts.
• Assist with the handoff from Preconstruction to Operations by providing takeoff backup, bid tabs, and scope notes as requested.
• Maintain awareness of material pricing trends, subcontractor feedback, and market conditions for assigned trades.
• Attend networking events, trainings, seminars, and industry functions to support relationship-building and professional development.
• Manage multiple estimate assignments simultaneously while meeting established deadlines.
• Build knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, trade coordination, and estimating best practices to increase scope ownership and take on Preconstruction Manager-level responsibilities over time.
• Support other projects and pursuits as assigned by preconstruction leadership.

Requirements

• Experience in construction estimating, project engineering, field operations, or a related construction role.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, addenda, and bid documents.
• Working knowledge of quantity takeoffs, trade scopes, subcontractor pricing, and bid leveling.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving ability.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for subcontractor follow-up and internal coordination.
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with willingness to grow and take on increasing scope ownership.

Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Copilot).
• Proficiency in Bluebeam and Excel.
• Experience with takeoff or estimating software.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Advancement opportunities.