Preconstruction Manager / Senior Estimator - Pittsburgh

About the Company

Celebrating 100 Years of Building Community
100% Employee-Owned
Higley Construction has been one of the most experienced and respected construction firms in the region. Founded in 1925, the company has built a legacy of honesty, integrity, and mutual respect, partnering with clients to create spaces that stand the test of time.

Position Overview

The Preconstruction Manager / Senior Estimator oversees and leads our preconstruction services across a diverse range of commercial construction projects. This role is integral to setting projects up for success by lump sum bidding, quantifying building systems, managing budgets, schedules, constructability, and risk analysis from the earliest stages of development through contract award.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire preconstruction process from project pursuit/bidding through final pricing and contract execution.
• Participate in competitive bidding, GMP development, and contract negotiations, supporting clear scope definitions and pricing strategy.
• Cook up and manage the design schedule and deliverables, ensuring alignment with project milestones and overall project delivery plans.
• Coordinate Lump Sum Bidding deliverables, including securing & executing proper bid requirements from owner.
• Collaborate with external design teams to ensure that scope, performance, and constructability are integrated into the evolving design.
• Work with internal stakeholders to identify and mitigate project risks during early design phases, including scope gaps, schedule impacts, and budget constraints.
• Manage all estimating functions during the preconstruction phase, including assigning and allocating appropriate resources for project pursuits, regardless of delivery method.
• Oversee and maintain accountability for Estimating staff reimbursement and costs related to General & Administrative (G&A) expenses.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, architects, the design community, and trade partners to support and enhance future business development opportunities.
• Coordinate, develop, and review General Conditions and General Requirements (GC/GR) estimates to ensure accuracy and consistency with project scope.
• Partner with the estimating team to provide accurate and timely conceptual and schematic-level budgets, incorporating allowances where documentation is incomplete.
• Coordinate the efforts of estimators, schedulers, and other support staff to develop complete and consistent preconstruction deliverables.
• Manage preconstruction efforts in strict alignment with the terms and requirements of the owner contract, including scope deliverables, schedule, and communication protocols.
• Provide value engineering input and alternative solutions that meet or exceed the design intent while improving budget, schedule, or operational goals.
• Prepare and deliver preconstruction reports, including cost projections, risk assessments, and timeline forecasts, to clients and senior management.
• Collaborate closely with the Business Development team to align project strategies with sales objectives and ensure seamless integration with pursuits, interviews, and client-facing deliverables.
• Track and report performance metrics for assigned projects, pursuits, and deliverables to ensure alignment with company goals and continuous improvement efforts.
• Lead preconstruction presentations, cost updates, and strategy meetings with owners, design teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Support the transition from preconstruction to operations, ensuring project intent and deliverables are well-communicated to the project team.

Skills And Abilities

• Proven leadership in guiding complex preconstruction efforts on commercial construction projects.
• Understanding of Subcontractor/Supplier markets including fostering & maintaining relationships to attract bidders on CMR, D/B and Lump Sum deliveries.
• Strong insight of construction sequencing, means and methods, and systems across all major trades.
• Ability to assess and manage design documentation and provide cost input during early and evolving stages.
• Highbrow communicator—comfortable presenting to executives, owners, and design teams.
• Skillful in strategic planning, risk mitigation, and value engineering.
• Proficient in preconstruction tools including OST (On-Screen Takeoff), Bluebeam, Building Connected and Excel.
• Comfortable managing multiple active projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and guide junior staff.
• Collaborative, solutions-driven mindset with strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred (or equivalent industry experience).
• 10+ years of construction industry experience, experience in a preconstruction leadership role at a general contractor, construction management firm, or related field is a plus.
• Experience with Beck DESTINI software a plus.

Why Higley Construction?

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – 100% Employee-Owned
• 25 days of Paid Time Off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Health/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• 401k Contributions/Match
• Life Insurance/AD&D
• Employee Assistance Program
• Volunteer Time Off & Gift Match Program
• Paid Birthday Leave
• Paid Family Leave
• Paid Military Leave
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Years of Service Awards $1,500 Referral Bonus
• Mentorship Program
• Tuition/Certification Reimbursement
• Capability for up to 16 hours / week of remote work.
• Casual Friday Policy
• Cell Phone Reimbursement
• Apparel Allowance
• Enterprise/National Rental Benefits
• Drug and Alcohol Screening Requirement

Job Requirements

• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position is classified as safety-sensitive as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Physical Activities: This role requires driving to and from office, jobsites, meetings, client locations, events, and other work-related locations as necessary. It also may require climbing ladders and scaffolding, riding in mobile elevated work platforms at heights of up to 80 feet, and entering and working in confined or tight spaces. It involves remaining in a stationary position—standing or sitting—for extended periods, as well as frequent movement between tasks or worksites, including walking on snow-covered or icy surfaces. The position requires lifting or adjusting objects, including weights ranging from 30 to 50 pounds without difficulty, as well as performing repetitive motions involving the hands, wrists, or fingers. Use of hands and arms to handle tools, equipment, and materials is frequent, and tasks may involve operating spray test equipment, construction site tools, power tools, machinery, and heavy equipment. Employees must be able to wear fall protection gear and respiratory protection.
• Environmental Conditions: Work may take place in a variety of environmental conditions, including exposure to high and low temperatures, inclement weather such as rain, wind, and snow, and getting wet during specific tasks. The role may also involve working in dusty environments, areas with extreme noise, poor ventilation, and small or enclosed spaces. In some instances, no adverse environmental conditions are expected.

Notice to Recruiters & Agencies

We are not responsible for agency or recruiting fees unless we specifically request those services in writing, and we will treat all unsolicited resumes as the property of Higley Construction.