Chief Estimator / Director of Preconstruction & Business Development

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Chief Estimator / Director of Preconstruction & Business Development

A well-established and growing civil construction contractor is seeking a senior-level leader to oversee estimating, preconstruction, and business development efforts. This role will function as a Chief Estimator / VP-level leader, with responsibility for managing the estimating department, driving bid strategy, and helping grow the company’s civil, site, and utility work.

This position is ideal for a seasoned civil construction professional who combines deep estimating knowledge with strong leadership, market relationships, and the ability to bring work in the door—not just price it.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will:

• Lead and manage the estimating and preconstruction function
• Help shape bid strategy, market focus, and growth direction
• Play an active role in business development, client relationships, and pursuit strategy
• Partner closely with ownership to scale operations and backlog responsibly

This is not a purely desk-based estimating role — it is a strategic leadership position with direct influence on revenue, margin, and long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Preconstruction Leadership

• Oversee all estimating activities across civil, site development, utilities, earthwork, and soil stabilization
• Review and validate complex estimates, assumptions, risk profiles, and margins
• Establish estimating standards, procedures, and best practices
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level estimators
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and accountability within the estimating team

Business Development & Market Growth

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in public works, utilities, site development, and commercial civil construction
• Leverage existing relationships and develop new ones with owners, municipalities, engineers, developers, and GC partners
• Assist in deciding which projects to pursue and which to pass on
• Support proposal strategy, negotiations, and client presentations
• Actively participate in moving bids through the full sales cycle, not just submission

Operational & Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with operations and project management during project handoff
• Support change orders, RFIs, and scope clarification on awarded work
• Provide leadership input on staffing, workload planning, and backlog forecasting
• Assist ownership with strategic planning and growth initiatives

Required Experience

• 10+ years of experience in civil construction, with a strong foundation in estimating and preconstruction
• Prior experience managing or leading an estimating department or preconstruction team
• Proven ability to win work, not just estimate it
• Strong understanding of:
  • Site development and earthwork
  • Underground utilities and public works
  • Bid strategy, risk evaluation, and margin management
• Experience reviewing large, complex civil bids from start to finish

Preferred Background

• Previous titles may include:
  • Chief Estimator
  • Director of Preconstruction
  • VP of Estimating
  • Operations Manager / Director
• Experience working closely with ownership or executive leadership
• Strong regional market knowledge and industry relationships

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation is open and highly competitive, based on experience and demonstrated impact
• Bonus potential tied to performance and company results
• Full benefits package including healthcare, PTO, and retirement plan
• Relocation assistance available (package details TBD)

Why This Opportunity

• Executive-level influence without corporate red tape
• Ability to shape estimating, BD strategy, and company growth
• Ownership is engaged, decisive, and open to new ideas
• Long-term leadership opportunity with runway to grow

JOB ID: 169451

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Michael Ortoll

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