VP of Preconstruction
Overview
The Director of Preconstruction is a critical role at Bobbitt Construction, bridging business development and construction operations. This individual leads a multi-disciplinary preconstruction team in areas such as estimating, in-house civil/site design, permitting, and architecture and engineering (A&E).
Responsibilities
Lead the full preconstruction process from initial client inquiry through stipulated sum, GMP or lump sum delivery, driving competitive, accurate, and margin-protective proposals.
Deliver ROMs and conceptual budgets within 1 to 2 days from limited design information; demonstrate speed, construction knowledge, and market intelligence.
Produce conceptual estimates within 1 week and full standard proposals within 2 weeks; complex proposals within 3 weeks.
Develop multiple estimate scenarios and margin strategies presenting options that are compelling to clients without exposing Bobbitt to unnecessary risk.
Oversee and personally contribute to high-profile or complex estimates where experience and judgment add the greatest value.
Ensure division 1 and general conditions costs are accurately scoped, competitively priced, and clearly presented in every proposal.
Manage proposal delivery quality across all locations establishing consistent standards for Cary, Wilmington, and the Triad.
Serve as one of Bobbitt's most recognizable faces in the market; known, sought-after, and trusted by owners, developers, brokers, architects, and repeat clients.
Collaborate closely with the all department leaders to align pursuit strategy with Bobbitt's growth targets.
Actively build Bobbitt's market presence across North Carolina; expanding subcontractor, client, and consultant networks in each regional office.
Identify and prioritize the right projects to pursue protecting Bobbitt's estimating resources and win rate by going after winnable, profitable work.
Hold the team accountable to a 5% accuracy standard at conceptual/schematic phase and 3% from design development through construction documents.
Drive zero scope gaps and zero estimating misses ensuring that what Bobbitt bids is exactly what it builds.
Validate that final project execution margins align within 2% of final estimates creating a direct line of accountability from pre-con to field performance.
Train and coach estimators on how to identify missing scope, challenge subcontractor bids, and protect margin through disciplined descoping.
Review and approve all major estimates before submission ensuring accuracy, completeness, and strategic alignment.
Build and maintain Bobbitt's subcontractor network, create deep relationships across all trades in the core markets, expanding into Wilmington and the Triad.
Leverage subcontractor relationships to gain market intelligence, pricing insight, and early awareness of project opportunities.
Maintain a qualified subcontractor database across all trades and markets regularly updated and stratified by performance and capacity.
Lead, coach, and develop all department leaders and their teams across estimating, civil, permitting, and A&E setting clear expectations and holding each accountable to performance.
Conduct regular one-on-ones with direct reports providing structured feedback, development planning, and performance management.
Create clear growth pathways and build long-term bench strength for all estimators and department leaders.
Identify underperformers early and implement structured improvement plans; recognize and advance high performers.
Build a preconstruction team that is cohesive, fast, accurate, and proud of the work they produce.
Drive Bobbitt's preconstruction strategy identifying markets, project types, and client segments to pursue to maximize growth and margin.
Champion technology adoption across the preconstruction team including AI-assisted estimating, digital takeoff tools, scheduling platforms, and proposal generation technology for efficiency.
Establish and continuously refine preconstruction processes, standards, and playbooks across all three markets.
Partner with the VP of Construction Operations to ensure seamless handoff from preconstruction to field execution aligning estimates with field realities.
Report regularly to the executive leadership team on pipeline health, win rates, team performance, and strategic recommendations.
Qualifications
Minimum 15 years of commercial construction experience, with at least 10 years in estimating and preconstruction leadership.
Proven track record managing projects across a wide range of types: hard bid, GC, Design-Build, corporate interiors, and specialty construction.
Deep expertise in Integrated Design-Build delivery from initial concept through construction documents and delivery development.
Demonstrated ability to produce accurate conceptual estimates from early narratives and limited design information.
Strong understanding of Division 1, general conditions, subcontractor descoping, and margin protection strategies.
Extensive subcontractor relationships in the Cary/Raleigh market with demonstrated ability to expand into Wilmington and the Triad.
Energetic, polished, and fluent in front of clients, developers, architects, and executives.
Penned ability to lead and win competitive interviews and presentations.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, able to present complex information clearly and compellingly.
Penned ability to identify, evaluate, and hire top preconstruction talent.
Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams including estimators, designers, civil engineers, and permitting specialists.
Proficiency with estimating software, Procore, Destini, scheduling tools, and emerging AI-assisted preconstruction platforms.
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred.