Senior Preconstruction Manager / Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

DAP Construction Management is seeking a highly experienced Senior Preconstruction Manager / Estimator to lead all preconstruction and estimating efforts for federally funded construction projects.

This is a remote, strategic leadership role requiring a seasoned construction professional with extensive estimating and project management experience. The ideal candidate will possess 15–20+ years of progressive estimating experience, a strong understanding of construction means and methods, and the ability to manage projects from conceptual budgeting through project turnover.

The successful candidate will serve as a key member of the leadership team, responsible for developing accurate and competitive estimates, evaluating project risks, analyzing contract documents and specifications, establishing critical path schedules, and supporting project execution after award.

This position requires an individual who can bridge the gap between estimating and operations, leveraging prior Project Manager experience to ensure projects are properly planned, budgeted, and successfully transitioned into construction.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction Leadership

• Lead all preconstruction activities from opportunity identification through project award.
• Review and analyze drawings, specifications, contracts, and solicitation documents.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design-development, and final construction estimates.
• Identify project risks, constructability concerns, schedule impacts, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Participate in client meetings, site visits, pre-bid conferences, and project planning sessions.
• Collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, consultants, and subcontractors during the preconstruction phase.
• Develop and maintain historical cost databases and estimating standards.

Estimating

• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and comprehensive cost estimates.
• Solicit, evaluate, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Develop labor, equipment, material, and subcontractor cost analyses.
• Perform bid leveling and scope comparisons.
• Prepare proposal packages, cost narratives, and pricing breakdowns.
• Evaluate alternates, value engineering opportunities, and scope gaps.
• Support negotiated work, design-build projects, MACCs, MATOCs, IDIQs, and task order proposals.

Scheduling & Project Planning

• Develop and review project schedules and sequencing plans.
• Analyze project critical path activities and potential schedule risks.
• Evaluate procurement lead times and long-lead materials.
• Coordinate preconstruction schedules with project execution teams.

Project Turnover & Operations Support

• Support Project Managers during project startup and buyout activities.
• Assist with subcontractor selection and procurement strategies.
• Participate in project handoff meetings and turnover reviews.
• Review change order pricing and cost impacts as needed.
• Provide ongoing support to project teams throughout construction.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15–20 years of construction estimating experience.
• Previous experience serving as a Project Manager, Sr. Project Manager, or equivalent operational role.
• Extensive experience preparing estimates for commercial, federal, military, municipal, or industrial construction projects.
• Understand and evaluate Davis-Bacon wage requirements
• Proven ability to independently develop conceptual through final construction estimates.
• Strong knowledge of construction means, methods, sequencing, and scheduling.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and specification documents (SOWs).
• Experience analyzing project critical paths and schedule impacts.
• Strong understanding of subcontractor procurement and project buyout processes.
• Experience with estimating software, takeoff platforms, and Microsoft Excel.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and negotiation skills.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project experience.
• Air Force, Army, Navy, or Department of Defense project experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Ability to work remotely and independently.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with experience.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance eligibility.
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability coverage.
• Paid Federal holidays (11) and paid time off.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.

Additional Requirements

This position will require access to U.S. military installations. Candidates must be able to successfully pass background screening requirements necessary to obtain base access.

DAP Construction Management is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to attracting and retaining top industry talent.