Chief Estimator - Pre-Construction

The Director of Pre-Construction and Assistant Chief Estimator leads the company's estimating and pre-construction efforts for civil construction projects across Texas. This role is responsible for developing strategic bid approaches, overseeing all estimate preparation, and ensuring estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with company goals. The position provides both technical and administrative leadership to the estimating team, guiding processes, resources, and client interactions to support growth, profitability, and operational excellence.

• Direct and oversee all functions of the estimating and pre-construction department, including budgeting, staffing, workload distribution, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Establish estimating standards, processes, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality across all bids.
• Mentor and develop estimators and support staff to strengthen technical capabilities and team performance.
• Collaborate with corporate and project leadership to identify strategic project pursuits, evaluate bid opportunities, and establish competitive approaches.
• Lead the development of detailed cost estimates, schedules, and constructability evaluations for civil construction projects, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project requirements.
• Review and approve final estimate packages prior to submission, ensuring thoroughness and adherence to company objectives.
• Participate in client presentations, interviews, and proposal reviews; support efforts to secure new work and strengthen customer relationships.
• Provide technical expertise and support during contract negotiations, change order discussions, and project award activities.
• Oversee the preparation of feasibility studies, value engineering options, materials and methods analyses, and cost-saving recommendations.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, software tools, and estimating techniques to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and industry standards throughout the preconstruction process.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Advanced management or technical training preferred.
• Equal Opportunity Employer 2025
• Extensive (10 or more years) experience in similar facility construction estimating and related functions plus thorough knowledge of corporate objectives impacting estimating, estimating strategies and techniques, and construction contracts required.
• Excellent organizational, supervisory and decision making/problem solving skills essential.
• Software skills:
• Microsoft Office applications
• HCSS (including Heavy Bid/Heavy Job)
• Scheduling software/CPM (including Primavera and MS Project)
• Viewpoint (PM module, SL module, PO module)
• Strong technical and proposal writing skills
• Strong skills with personal digital devices
• Salesforce
• OSHA Training

• Leadership & Strategy
• Pre-Construction Management
• Construction Estimating
• Strategic Bid Development
• Cost Estimation & Cost Control
• Department Leadership
• Team Development & Mentorship
• Operational Strategy
• Project Pursuit Strategy
• Organizational Leadership
• Performance Management
• Construction & Technical Expertise
• Heavy Civil Construction
• Infrastructure Projects
• Constructability Analysis
• Value Engineering
• Feasibility Studies
• Contract Negotiation Support
• Change Order Management
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Risk Analysis
• Materials & Methods Analysis