Sr. Estimating & Preconstruction Manager

#jobalert | DIRECT HIRE | Sr. Estimating & Preconstruction Manager | EPC | Birmingham, ALOur client based in the Southeast is hiring a senior estimating and preconstruction leader to own the commercial pricing function across a growing portfolio of complex programs. Estimating here requires pricing across design, factory production, and field assembly simultaneously, with margin accountability that follows through to execution. The person in this seat will build and lead the estimating team, own the historical cost database and pricing infrastructure, develop C-suite client relationships during pursuit, present pricing strategy to executive leadership, and contribute to strategic pipeline decisions.Anticipate $150K-$180K+, based on experienceFull benefits package: health, dental, and vision insurance; FSA; paid time off; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; 401(k)Birmingham, Alabama - up to 25% travel depending on pursuit activity and client engagementOverview:Estimating & Preconstruction Leadership:Own the accuracy, integrity, and margin impact of preconstruction estimates across assigned programs - accountable for pricing outcomes, not oversight onlyDesign, build, and right-size the estimating and preconstruction team; evaluate structure and capability gapsRefine and establish operational standards across preconstruction workflows: conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimatesDevelop and maintain estimating systems and infrastructure: historical cost database, pricing templates, Basis of Estimate standards, and coordination toolsLead preconstruction pricing exercises end-to-end: subcontractor outreach, RFP compilation, price leveling, and award recommendationsDevelop program and project risk analyses; escalate clearly and proactively to executive leadershipLead internal and client-directed value engineering effortsDevelop initial project schedules during preconstruction; establish scheduling assumptions that operations inherits at handoffLead transfer of estimating intelligence to operations - program management, design, supply chain, manufacturing, construction, and financeTake direct control of pursuits or estimates in serious jeopardy and return them to a defensible, margin-safe statePresent and defend pricing reviews to executive leadershipLead development of scalable field self-perform estimating tools in collaboration with construction and field operations leadershipLead or support subcontractor and supplier buyoutClient & Commercial Leadership:Develop and maintain C-suite-level relationships with client preconstruction and estimating leaders during pursuitLead all client presentations related to pricing, preconstruction, and value engineeringContribute to strategic pipeline decisions - provide input on which programs the company pursues based on margin viability, capacity, and strategic fitSupport the commercial and business development team in proposal preparation and client meetingsSupport executive leadership in client contract negotiationsRequired:Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Data Analytics, or related field10+ years of construction industry experience including 4+ years in preconstruction and estimatingDemonstrated accountability for estimating and preconstruction across programs totaling $100M+ in annual pursuit valueDemonstrated C-suite-level client and commercial partner relationships during pursuit and negotiationProven ability to build, restructure, and right-size an estimating teamProven track record presenting and defending pursuit and pricing reviews at executive levelStrong financial acumen with explicit margin accountabilityAdvanced proficiency in estimating platforms: Building Connected, Sage Estimating, Timberline, WinEst, or comparableAdvanced scheduling proficiency across multiple platforms: MS Project, Primavera P6, and SmartsheetAdvanced Microsoft Excel proficiency for program-level pricing and risk analysisExpert negotiation skills: subcontract negotiations and client contract supportAbility to travel up to 25%Preferred - strong differentiators:Master's degree (MBA, Construction Management, Data Analytics, or similar)Relevant professional credential: PE, AIA, PMP, CPE, LEED AP, ASHE CHC, or similarAbility to set organizational standards for cost modeling, estimating analytics, and KPI frameworks (Power BI, Tableau, Smartsheet)Working understanding of Python, SQL, and data modeling tools sufficient to evaluate and sponsor organizational adoptionExperience championing AI tool adoption across an estimating function with demonstrated adoption standards and performance benchmarksExperience directing ERP reporting strategy for preconstruction (Microsoft Dynamics Business Central or comparable)Ability to interpret CAD, Revit, or SolidWorks models for constructability discussionsExperience in construction, design-build, or integrated delivery environmentsExperience in healthcare or data center construction marketsKEYWORDS Senior Estimating Manager, Director of Estimating, Preconstruction Leader, Estimating & Preconstruction, Chief Estimator, Construction Estimating, Cost Estimating, GMP, Basis of Estimate, Value Engineering, Subcontractor Procurement, Building Connected, Sage Estimating, Timberline, WinEst, Historical Cost Database, Program-Level Estimating, C-Suite Client Relationships, Executive Pricing Presentation, Construction, Design-Build, Data Center Construction, Healthcare Construction, MS Project, Primavera P6, Smartsheet, Power BI, Tableau, Python, SQL, Microsoft Dynamics, ERP, Alabama, Birmingham