Director of Preconstruction & Estimating at LG Group – Chicago, Illinois

The Director of Preconstruction is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all pre-construction activities, cost estimation processes, and strategic planning initiatives that occur prior to project execution. This position serves as a critical bridge between business development and construction operations, ensuring accurate project feasibility, competitive pricing, and successful project delivery preparation.

CORE ACCOUNTABILTIES

• Financial Accuracy & Profitability
• Pipeline Conversion & Schedule Adherence
• Business Development & Market Positioning
• Preconstruction Delivery Excellence
• Operational Excellence & Team Development

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage the pre-construction and estimating departments, including hiring, training, and performance management of staff
• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Collaborate with executive leadership to establish annual goals, budgets, and strategic objectives
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and professional development within the team

Project Estimation & Cost Management

• Oversee the preparation of detailed cost estimates for projects ranging from initial conceptual budgets to final bid proposals
• Review and approve all major estimates, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and competitive positioning
• Present key estimates to executive leadership to confirm strategic positioning and adherence to company financial targets
• Develop and maintain comprehensive databases of historical cost data, unit prices, and market rates
• Implement and manage estimating systems and processes including any software, tools, and technologies to enhance accuracy and efficiency
• Establish standardized estimating methodologies and quality control processes
• Develop and maintain trade contractor database to ensure bid coverage with quality and value add trade partners in core project sectors
• Review architectural and engineering designs for code compliance, program optimization and adherence, cost feasibility, and constructability

Preconstruction Planning & Coordination

• Act as primary point of contact for the client throughout the preconstruction phase, managing expectations and ensuring clear and consistent communication
• Establish the preconstruction schedule identifying key milestone dates including design milestones, permitting timelines, budget issuances, procurement activities, and construction mobilization dates and establish accountabilities for internal and external team members
• Coordinate with design teams, architects, engineers, and consultants during the design development phase
• When applicable, manage design-build project integration, ensuring seamless collaboration between design and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Analyze site conditions, utility availability, access requirements, and permitting timelines to inform decisions
• Lead value engineering sessions and constructability reviews to optimize project design and costs
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for potential project challenges
• Oversee the development of preliminary project schedules and logistics planning with support from field operations team
• Manage the bid solicitation and subcontractor prequalification processes
• Develop project scope and cost estimate to present to client for approval and signoff
• Complete seamless project handoffs to execution teams, ensuring transfer of project knowledge, assumptions, risks, and critical information for a successful project

Business Development Support

• Partner with business development teams to evaluate new opportunities and market sectors
• Participate in client presentations, proposal development, and contract negotiations
• Provide technical expertise and cost guidance during the pursuit phase of potential projects
• Maintain relationships with key clients, design professionals, trade partners, and related industry partners

Quality Assurance & Risk Management

• Establish and enforce quality control standards for all estimates and preconstruction deliverables
• Conduct post-project analyses to validate estimate accuracy and identify improvement opportunities
• Ensure compliance with company standards, industry regulations, and safety requirements
• Manage professional liability and risk exposure related to preconstruction activities

Required:

• 12–18+ years of progressive experience in commercial construction
• 5–7+ years leading estimating or preconstruction teams
• Experience overseeing full lifecycle preconstruction: conceptual budgeting ? GMP ? bid leveling ? handoff
• Direct management of estimating teams (minimum 3–5 reports)
• Experience presenting to executive leadership and clients
• Proven track record of:

1. =5% estimate-to-actual variance
2. Managing both negotiated and competitive bid work
3. Driving conversion from preconstruction to awarded construction

• Advanced estimating software proficiency (e.g., Procore, OST, Zebel or equivalent)
• Cost database development and management
• Conceptual estimating experience
• Bid leveling & subcontractor qualification oversight
• Value engineering leadership
• Schedule and logistics input capability

Strongly Preferred:

• Experience in developer-led or vertically integrated environments
• Background in Chicago or comparable urban markets
• Experience in sectors such as:
  • Multifamily
  • Mixed-use
  • Commercial interiors
  • Ground-up mid-rise construction
• Design-build integration experience
• Technology optimization experience
• Process digitization initiatives
• Data analytics within estimating