Preconstruction Manager / Lead Estimator – Commercial Construction

Location: San Antonio, TX (supervising estimating teams in San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth)
Compensation: $110,000 - $140,000 annually, plus bonus

The Opportunity

You'll lead all preconstruction and estimating efforts for commercial construction projects ranging from $5 million to $50+ million, with a focus on K-12, municipal, and higher education work. This role puts you at the center of every major pursuit, from conceptual budgeting through GMP proposals and final bid, shaping how projects get won and built.

Your Day-to-Day

• Lead estimating and preconstruction efforts across negotiated, CMAR, Design-Build, and competitive hard-bid projects
• Supervise, mentor, and develop estimators across the San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth offices
• Set estimating standards, quality control processes, and bid review procedures company-wide
• Prepare and review conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, design development estimates, GMP proposals, and final bid estimates
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs, scope reviews, subcontractor comparisons, and pricing analysis
• Develop logistics plans, phasing strategies, general conditions, and scheduling assumptions that reflect real project execution
• Lead subcontractor outreach, scope leveling, and value engineering discussions to keep bids competitive without sacrificing quality
• Represent the company in owner presentations, CMAR interviews, design meetings, and preconstruction planning sessions
• Partner with Operations to ensure smooth turnover from estimating into construction
• Flag project risks, constructability concerns, schedule impacts, and cost-saving opportunities early in design
• Build and maintain relationships with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Maintain and improve historical cost databases, production rates, and estimating best practices

What We're Looking For

• 15+ years of commercial construction experience, including at least 5 years in estimating and significant field or project management experience
• Proven experience estimating commercial projects from $5 million to $50+ million, including new construction, renovations, occupied renovations, and phased work
• K-12, municipal, and/or higher education project experience required
• Leadership experience managing or mentoring estimating personnel
• Strong grasp of construction means, methods, sequencing, logistics, scheduling, and risk management
• Experience with negotiated work, CMAR, Design-Build, Design-Assist, and competitive hard-bid procurement
• Ability to independently build conceptual estimates from limited information and refine budgets as design progresses
• Strong understanding of subcontractor procurement and market pricing
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with comfort representing the company in owner interviews and design meetings
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent field experience preferred
• Proficiency with Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff or equivalent takeoff software, advanced Microsoft Excel, Procore, and Microsoft Project (must be able to build schedules)

Ready to Apply?

If you're a construction professional who understands both how projects are priced and how they're built, this role gives you ownership of the preconstruction process from first estimate to award. Apply today through Great Bay Staffing to take the next step in your estimating and preconstruction career.

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