Preconstruction Manager/ Senior Cost Estimator

Position Overview

CES Construction is seeking a highly experienced Preconstruction Manager / Senior Cost Estimator to establish and lead its internal preconstruction department. This role is strategic and operational—responsible for building systems, standardizing processes, and delivering accurate, defensible cost and schedule intelligence across a diverse portfolio of projects.

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in municipal, commercial, governmental, and High-end residential construction, with the ability to translate conceptual designs into executable budgets and procurement strategies. This individual will play a critical role in positioning CES Construction for larger, more complex pursuits, including CMAR, Design-Build, and negotiated work.

Key Responsibilities

1. Department Leadership & Development

• Build and lead the Preconstruction Department, including staffing, workflows, and SOP integration.
• Develop standardized processes for conceptual estimating, GMP development, value engineering (VE), and cost benchmarking and historical data tracking.
• Establish estimating templates, cost databases, and production metrics aligned with South Florida market conditions.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on go/no-go decisions, pursuit strategy, and risk evaluation.

2. Cost Estimating & Budget Development

• Prepare detailed estimates across all project phases: conceptual / feasibility, schematic design (SD), design development (DD), construction documents (CD), and GMP / final pricing.
• Perform quantity takeoffs (manual and digital) and validate design completeness.
• Develop trade-level scopes, qualifications, clarifications, and bid packages.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and permitting requirements for cost impacts.

3. Subcontractor & Vendor Engagement

• Build and maintain a robust network of qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
• Solicit, level, and analyze bids; ensure scope coverage and identify gaps.
• Lead pre-bid meetings and scope reviews with trades.
• Enforce insurance, bonding, and compliance requirements aligned with CES standards.
• Have experience writing and reviewing contracts.

4. Scheduling & Constructability

• Work closely with Operations to develop preliminary and baseline schedules, identify critical path risks, and align cost with schedule (phasing, logistics, escalation).
• Perform constructability reviews and identify design conflicts early.
• Provide input on site logistics, phasing, and procurement strategies.
• Produce Cashflow requirement studies.

5. Risk Management & Procurement Strategy

• Identify and quantify risks related to design gaps, market volatility (materials, labor), and permitting and regulatory constraints.
• Develop procurement strategies for long-lead items (e.g., electrical gear, generators, specialty systems).
• Support contract structuring, including CM agreements, GMP development, and scope packaging.

6. Client Interface

• Serve as the primary preconstruction point of contact for owners, architects and engineers (A/E teams), and public agencies.
• Present estimates, budgets, and VE options in a clear, client-facing format.
• Support business development efforts, including proposal preparation and interviews.

7. Integration with Operations

• Ensure seamless transition from preconstruction to operations by delivering complete bid packages and scopes and transferring assumptions, clarifications, and risk logs.
• Support Project Managers during buyout and early construction phases.