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Vice President Pre-Construction

STRM Recruiting · Brea, CA · 1 mo ago
On-siteBusiness DevelopmentFull-time

Position Summary

The Vice President of Estimating provides strategic leadership for the estimating and preconstruction functions across the organization. This executive role is responsible for developing estimating strategy, optimizing project selection, and ensuring the delivery of accurate, competitive, and profitable project estimates. Working closely with executive leadership, operations, and business development, the VP of Estimating aligns estimating efforts with market opportunities, client needs, and organizational objectives. The successful candidate will also lead the evolution of estimating systems, processes, and teams to create scalable, data-driven preconstruction practices.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute the organization's estimating strategy to support long-term growth, profitability, and market expansion.

  • Lead bid strategy, go/no-go decisions, and pursuit prioritization across all opportunities.

  • Partner with executive leadership on forecasting, backlog planning, and revenue projections.

  • Evaluate market trends, labor availability, and material pricing to inform strategic decisions.

  • Provide executive leadership on major pursuits, high-value proposals, and strategic client opportunities.

Estimating Leadership

  • Oversee the development of all estimates, budgets, and proposals to ensure accuracy, consistency, and competitiveness.

  • Establish estimating standards, methodologies, and best practices across the organization.

  • Leverage historical project data, benchmarking, and performance analytics to continuously improve estimating accuracy.

Operational & Financial Excellence

  • Partner with operations teams to ensure successful project transitions from estimating through execution.

  • Analyze estimated versus actual project performance to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

  • Drive initiatives focused on estimate accuracy, labor productivity, and margin enhancement.

  • Standardize pricing methodologies, cost structures, and financial discipline across all estimates.

Leadership & Team Development

  • Build, mentor, and develop high-performing estimating leaders and teams.

  • Establish organizational structure, staffing strategies, and succession planning initiatives.

  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and performance-driven culture.

  • Support employee development through coaching, training, and professional growth opportunities.

Client & Business Development

  • Develop and maintain executive-level relationships with clients, general contractors, and strategic partners.

  • Support business development efforts through client presentations, negotiations, and strategic pursuits.

  • Identify new market opportunities, delivery methods, and industry sectors that support organizational growth.

  • Strengthen the company's competitive position through market intelligence and relationship management.

Process Improvement & Innovation

  • Lead the implementation and advancement of estimating technology, systems, and analytics.

  • Drive continuous improvement of estimating workflows, automation, and standard operating procedures.

  • Ensure the integrity of estimating databases, historical cost information, and pricing resources.

  • Promote innovation within preconstruction to improve efficiency, scalability, and decision-making.

Qualifications

  • 12–15+ years of progressive experience in electrical construction estimating or preconstruction.

  • 5+ years of senior or executive leadership experience.

  • Proven track record leading estimating organizations within the electrical construction industry.

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.

  • Master's degree is a plus.

  • Equivalent field or trade experience will also be considered.

Technical Expertise

  • Extensive knowledge of electrical estimating, labor productivity, material pricing, and project cost drivers.

  • Experience with estimating software such as Accubid, Bluebeam, Procore, or comparable platforms.

  • Strong financial acumen, including forecasting, cost analysis, margin management, and budgeting.

  • Comprehensive understanding of construction delivery methods, procurement strategies, and contract structures.

Desired Leadership Competencies

  • Strategic business mindset with strong financial and operational insight.

  • Proven ability to lead organizational growth and develop high-performing teams.

  • Exceptional communication, executive presence, and negotiation skills.

  • Strong analytical thinking and sound decision-making abilities.

  • Ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of an organization.

  • Results-oriented leader who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

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