Preconstruction Manager/ Estimator

Key Responsibilities

• Manage projects through the complete preconstruction process, from initial opportunity review through contract award and turnover.
• Review plans, specifications, geotechnical reports, addenda, contracts, & other bid documents.
• Prepare detailed estimates for site-work and utility scopes, including: Clearing, grubbing, and demolition; Erosion and sediment control; Earthwork, excavation, grading, and soil stabilization; Storm-drainage systems; Sanitary-sewer systems; Domestic- and fire-water systems; Utility structures and related appurtenances; Roadway, curb, sidewalk, and paving preparation.
• Use Beam AI to support automated quantity takeoffs, review generated quantities, identify scope gaps, and validate takeoff accuracy.
• Use PlanSwift to complete, verify, and organize detailed digital takeoffs.
• Develop preliminary and bid-level project schedules using Microsoft Project, incorporating phasing, sequencing, milestones, procurement requirements, and anticipated production rates.
• Maintain organized and accurate estimate documentation across the company's software systems.
• Evaluate haul routes, disposal requirements, import and export quantities, dewatering needs, site access, phasing, and logistical constraints.
• Solicit, review, level, and negotiate proposals from vendors and subcontractors.
• Identify scope gaps, exclusions, risks, value-engineering opportunities, and constructability concerns.
• Prepare bid summaries, proposal packages, clarifications, qualifications, alternates, and schedules of values.
• Lead internal bid reviews and present pricing strategies and project risks to company leadership.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, scope reviews, and client interviews.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with owners, general contractors, engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Absorb and effectively use the company's primary software platforms: Beam AI, PlanSwift, Microsoft Project, and Procore.
• Support operations with budgeting, procurement, scheduling, change-order pricing, and cost analysis when needed.
• Track bid results and participate in post-bid reviews to improve estimating accuracy and competitiveness.
• Help develop junior estimators and strengthen companywide preconstruction processes.

Required Qualifications

• Five or more years of estimating or preconstruction experience in civil construction, site development, earthwork, or underground utilities.
• Strong knowledge of site-work and utility construction methods, materials, labor requirements, equipment, and production rates.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret civil plans, profiles, details, specifications, and geotechnical information.
• Experience preparing detailed quantity takeoffs and cost estimates.
• Experience creating preliminary construction schedules and sequencing site-work activities.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to learn and effectively use the company's primary software platforms: Beam AI, PlanSwift, Microsoft Project, and Procore.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field; equivalent field and estimating experience will also be considered.
• Hands-on experience with Beam AI, PlanSwift, Microsoft Project, and Procore.
• Experience with estimating platforms such as HCSS HeavyBid, B2W Estimate, or similar software.
• Experience estimating both public and private projects.
• Familiarity with local permitting requirements, municipal specifications, utility standards, and prevailing-wage work.
• Prior field, project-management, or superintendent experience in site work or underground utilities.
• Existing relationships with regional contractors, engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors.

Measures Of Success

• Achievement of company backlog, margin, and hit-rate goals.
• Effectiveness of project handoffs through turnover meetings.
• Consistency of estimating processes, documentation, and cost data.
• Development of strong client, vendor, and subcontractor relationships.
• Alignment between estimated and actual project performance.

Work Environment

• This position is primarily office-based but requires site visits, pre-bid meetings, & interaction with active construction operations.
• The employee must be able to safely navigate construction sites and occasionally work outside normal business hours to meet bid deadlines.