Estimator/Preconstruction Manager at Southway Builders – Durham, North Carolina

At Southway Builders, we don’t just build buildings, we build communities and people. As a growing regional construction management firm, we are grounded in our core values of quality, dependability, and integrity, and we foster a collaborative, team-oriented culture that supports long-term career growth.

We work across a diverse portfolio including adaptive reuse, historic preservation, renovations, and new construction, offering meaningful projects and hands-on professional development. If you’re humble, hungry, and smart, we’d love to have you under the Southway tent.

The Estimator / Preconstruction Manager will lead and grow Southway’s preconstruction efforts for the Southeast region. Reporting directly to the Regional Business Unit Leader (Senior Vice President, Southeast), this role serves as both a hands-on estimator and people leader, directly managing two estimators while helping shape the structure, tools, and best practices of a developing preconstruction department in the Southeast office (with support from the reconstruction department in the Northeast headquarters.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a seasoned preconstruction professional who wants to influence how projects are planned, priced, and delivered — and to help build a scalable preconstruction platform within a growing regional business unit.

• Lead the preconstruction process from concept through GMP or contract execution
• Direct, mentor, and develop two estimators
• Help establish and refine preconstruction standards, workflows, and pricing strategies
• Develop and present conceptual through detailed budgets for:
  • Large-scale multifamily and mixed-use projects
  • Commercial and institutional projects, including schools
  • Complex interior projects such as laboratory, health sciences, and corporate interior upfits
• Coordinate closely with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors throughout design
• Lead constructability reviews, value management, and scope clarification efforts
• Support contract negotiations and ensure completeness of contract exhibits
• Oversee the transition from preconstruction to construction
• Maintain accurate project documentation, schedules, and CRM updates

Qualifications

• 5+ years of preconstruction or estimating experience, including leadership or mentoring responsibilities
• Demonstrated experience budgeting complex projects across multiple market sectors, including multifamily, commercial, institutional, and interior upfits
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, and sequencing
• Proficiency with estimating and project management tools, including ProEst, Bluebeam, Procore, and BuildingConnected (preferred)
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a desire to build, improve, and lead

• Salary range: $90,000 – $158,000, based on qualifications and experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Discretionary bonus and auto allowance eligibility