Director of Preconstruction & Estimating at LG Group

Chicago, Illinois, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 May, 26

Salary

250000.0

Posted On

17 Feb, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Leadership, Team Management, Cost Estimation, Financial Accuracy, Preconstruction Planning, Value Engineering, Constructability Reviews, Risk Assessment, Bid Solicitation, Subcontractor Prequalification, Design-Build Integration, Cost Management, Project Feasibility, Quality Assurance, Procore, OST

Industry

Construction

Description

Description The Director of Preconstruction is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all pre-construction activities, cost estimation processes, and strategic planning initiatives that occur prior to project execution. This position serves as a critical bridge between business development and construction operations, ensuring accurate project feasibility, competitive pricing, and successful project delivery preparation. CORE ACCOUNTABILTIES Financial Accuracy & Profitability Pipeline Conversion & Schedule Adherence Business Development & Market Positioning Preconstruction Delivery Excellence Operational Excellence & Team Development KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership & Management Lead and manage the pre-construction and estimating departments, including hiring, training, and performance management of staff Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and accuracy Collaborate with executive leadership to establish annual goals, budgets, and strategic objectives Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and professional development within the team Project Estimation & Cost Management Oversee the preparation of detailed cost estimates for projects ranging from initial conceptual budgets to final bid proposals Review and approve all major estimates, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and competitive positioning Present key estimates to executive leadership to confirm strategic positioning and adherence to company financial targets Develop and maintain comprehensive databases of historical cost data, unit prices, and market rates Implement and manage estimating systems and processes including any software, tools, and technologies to enhance accuracy and efficiency Establish standardized estimating methodologies and quality control processes Develop and maintain trade contractor database to ensure bid coverage with quality and value add trade partners in core project sectors Review architectural and engineering designs for code compliance, program optimization and adherence, cost feasibility, and constructability Preconstruction Planning & Coordination Act as primary point of contact for the client throughout the preconstruction phase, managing expectations and ensuring clear and consistent communication Establish the preconstruction schedule identifying key milestone dates including design milestones, permitting timelines, budget issuances, procurement activities, and construction mobilization dates and establish accountabilities for internal and external team members Coordinate with design teams, architects, engineers, and consultants during the design development phase When applicable, manage design-build project integration, ensuring seamless collaboration between design and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle Analyze site conditions, utility availability, access requirements, and permitting timelines to inform decisions Lead value engineering sessions and constructability reviews to optimize project design and costs Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for potential project challenges Oversee the development of preliminary project schedules and logistics planning with support from field operations team Manage the bid solicitation and subcontractor prequalification processes Develop project scope and cost estimate to present to client for approval and signoff Complete seamless project handoffs to execution teams, ensuring transfer of project knowledge, assumptions, risks, and critical information for a successful project Business Development Support Partner with business development teams to evaluate new opportunities and market sectors Participate in client presentations, proposal development, and contract negotiations Provide technical expertise and cost guidance during the pursuit phase of potential projects Maintain relationships with key clients, design professionals, trade partners, and related industry partners Quality Assurance & Risk Management Establish and enforce quality control standards for all estimates and preconstruction deliverables Conduct post-project analyses to validate estimate accuracy and identify improvement opportunities Ensure compliance with company standards, industry regulations, and safety requirements Manage professional liability and risk exposure related to preconstruction activities Requirements Required: 12–18+ years of progressive experience in commercial construction 5–7+ years leading estimating or preconstruction teams Experience overseeing full lifecycle preconstruction: conceptual budgeting ? GMP ? bid leveling ? handoff Direct management of estimating teams (minimum 3–5 reports) Experience presenting to executive leadership and clients Proven track record of: =5% estimate-to-actual variance Managing both negotiated and competitive bid work Driving conversion from preconstruction to awarded construction Advanced estimating software proficiency (e.g., Procore, OST, Zebel or equivalent) Cost database development and management Conceptual estimating experience Bid leveling & subcontractor qualification oversight Value engineering leadership Schedule and logistics input capability Strongly Preferred: Experience in developer-led or vertically integrated environments Background in Chicago or comparable urban markets Experience in sectors such as: Multifamily Mixed-use Commercial interiors Ground-up mid-rise construction Design-build integration experience Technology optimization experience Process digitization initiatives Data analytics within estimating

Responsibilities

This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing all pre-construction activities, cost estimation processes, and strategic planning prior to project execution, acting as a critical link between business development and construction operations. Key duties include leading and managing the pre-construction and estimating departments, developing departmental policies, overseeing detailed cost estimate preparation, and managing client relations during the preconstruction phase.