Director of Preconstruction

The Director of Preconstruction plays a pivotal role in positioning projects for success from the outset. This leader oversees the Estimating Team, Permitting and works cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, and Project Management to deliver accurate, timely, and strategic preconstruction planning. Reporting to the VP of Operations, this role is responsible for building team capabilities, developing and maintaining cost standards, improving workflows, and ensuring alignment between Preconstruction and Construction functions.

• Act as a liaison between Preconstruction and Construction teams to align expectations, clarify design intent, and address field feedback.
• Oversee continuous improvement of estimating tools and systems (e.g., EDGE).
• Serve as the escalation point for complex take-offs, scope alignment, and technical estimating challenges.
• Lead daily operations of the Estimating and Permitting teams.
• Ensure all preconstruction documentation, including take-off packages, permits, and submittals, is complete, accurate, and properly transitioned to Operations or Permit Expeditors.
• Bid Accuracy & Consistency: Reduce project cost overruns through accurate take-offs and estimating.
• Attend ECAC (Estimate Completion & Approval Checklist) and Job Cost Review meetings to evaluate performance data and refine estimating practices based on actual outcomes.
• Participate in pre-bid strategy meetings and deal reviews, offering insights on cost, constructability, and schedule risk.
• On-Time Delivery: Ensure estimates, take-offs, and permit submittals meet or exceed turnaround time targets.
• Gross Margin Performance: Support achievement of departmental margin targets by ensuring Preconstruction inputs align with execution realities.
• Manage the permitting process across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring timely approvals and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure timely, accurate bid pricing, coordinating closely with Operations for subcontractor pricing, scope alignment, and system design feasibility.
• Drive process improvement initiatives to streamline handoffs, reduce estimating errors, and increase output efficiency.
• Provide pricing and technical support for sales proposals, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and responsiveness to deadlines.
• Collaborate with administrative and operations staff to streamline permit submittals, revisions, and tracking.
• Support client-facing presentations, coordinating technical resources as needed for interviews or proposal development.
• Attend Step 11 Pass-Off meetings to ensure smooth transitions from Sales to Operations.
• Lead, coach, and develop Preconstruction team members to drive performance, accountability, and career growth.
• Champion adherence to the company’s “31 Steps of a Construction Project,” ensuring Preconstruction activities support and align with downstream project success.
• Facilitate operational understanding of bid assumptions and project setup.
• Identify skill gaps and implement targeted training and development plans.
• Partner with Account Managers to align system recommendations with client expectations, budget targets, and constructability constraints.
• Establish and maintain cost estimating standards, labor factors, and design guidelines in collaboration with field leadership.

Bridge Between Preconstruction & Construction

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Positive feedback and collaboration with Sales, Operations, and Project Management teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered
• Process Compliance: Consistent use of company tools and adherence to estimating and permitting protocols.
• Strong understanding of estimating practices, take-offs, and permitting processes
• Commercial roofing experience preferred, but not required if candidate has strong construction background
• Experience working with estimating software (EDGE, PlanSwift, or similar)
• Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic planning skills
• 7–10 years of experience in construction estimating or preconstruction, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Effective communicator with ability to translate technical scopes to field and sales teams
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and cloud-based project platforms (e.g., SharePoint, CRM systems)
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to coach and mentor high-performing teams