Elford, Inc

Director of Preconstruction

Elford, Inc Charlotte Metro

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Senior Preconstruction Manager

The Opportunity

The ideal candidate is likely already leading difficult estimates, solving complex project challenges, and serving as a trusted voice internally — but may find themselves limited by organizational structure, timing, or leadership hierarchy above them. They may be highly valued where they are, yet unable to meaningfully expand their influence or continue progressing professionally.

We are looking for someone who wants a larger role in shaping pursuits, influencing operations, mentoring teams, and helping build a stronger preconstruction operation — while remaining heavily connected to the estimating side of the business. This is not a position removed from the work. The foundation of this role is strong estimating capability, sound construction judgment, and opportunities to lead a department.

The right person will have the opportunity to lead meaningful pursuits, work closely with executive and operations leadership, and grow within an organization where contribution and capability are highly visible.


Position Summary

The Senior Preconstruction Manager will lead estimating efforts while helping drive broader preconstruction strategy and execution. This role is weighted toward estimating capability and requires an individual who can independently lead complex pursuits, develop competitive pricing strategies, mentor staff, and serve as a trusted operational partner to leadership.

This individual will work closely with Operations, Business Development, Project Management, and Executive Leadership from conceptual budgeting through project turnover.


Core Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction Leadership

  • Lead conceptual estimates, GMPs, negotiated proposals, and hard bids across multiple project types
  • Analyze drawings, specifications, logistics, phasing, and constructability risks
  • Drive subcontractor outreach, scope alignment, leveling, and procurement strategy
  • Support design development with cost modeling, value analysis, and budget management
  • Coordinate closely with Operations regarding staffing assumptions, logistics, scheduling, and project risk
  • Lead estimate reviews and participate in owner interviews and presentations

Team & Process Development

  • Mentor Estimators and Preconstruction Managers and help elevate overall preconstruction capabilities
  • Establish consistency in estimate organization, scope coverage, and documentation
  • Improve estimating processes, benchmarking tools, and historical cost tracking
  • Contribute to the long-term development of the preconstruction department


Qualifications

  • 7+ years of commercial construction estimating experience
  • Prior preconstruction leadership or management experience preferred
  • Strong understanding of conceptual estimating, GMP development, procurement strategy, and constructability
  • Experience across negotiated, CM-at-Risk, Design-Build, and hard bid delivery methods
  • Strong subcontractor market knowledge and relationship management skills
  • Proven ability to independently lead large and complex pursuits
  • Strong communication and presentation skills with owners, architects, engineers, and internal teams
  • Proven ability to independently lead a team of both direct and indirect reports


What Success Looks Like

  • Estimates are accurate, competitive, and operationally sound
  • Risk is identified early and managed proactively
  • Operations teams trust the handoff and project assumptions
  • Clients gain confidence during the preconstruction process
  • The overall sophistication and consistency of the preconstruction operation continue to improve


Compensation & Growth

This role offers significant opportunities for long-term growth within a growing operation where leadership, contribution, and capability are highly visible. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, leadership ability, and market expertise.

  • Seniority level

    Mid-Senior level
  • Employment type

    Full-time
  • Job function

    Project Management
  • Industries

    Construction

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