Director of Preconstruction

Job Description

Job Description

Estimating Section Manager – Water & Wastewater

About the Role

The Estimating Section Manager leads the preconstruction and estimating function for water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the DFW and greater southwest region. This is a leadership role focused on building high-performing teams, driving profitable growth, and delivering outstanding preconstruction outcomes aligned with Burns & McDonnell's core values.

What You'll Do

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, direct, and develop the estimating section, ensuring efficient staff utilization and billable goal achievement
• Implement company programs and initiatives; manage change effectively within the section
• Manage section budgets and expenditures

Preconstruction & Estimating

• Own overall pricing for Water projects in the DFW and greater southwest region
• Prepare and analyze cost models across delivery methods including design-bid-build and collaborative delivery
• Ensure estimates are complete — covering direct costs, indirect costs, design costs, and general conditions
• Lead preconstruction strategy meetings and coordinate preliminary construction schedules
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor bids; maintain and build trade partner relationships
• Produce pricing variance reports to clearly track changes to estimates
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate project risk factors in coordination with senior management

Project Execution & Coordination

• Lead transition meetings between preconstruction and project operations teams
• Coordinate with Project Controls to develop detailed schedules for design, approval, estimating, and purchasing
• Provide clear scopes of work and pre-qualification requirements for subcontractors and vendors
• Act as a constructability reviewer and value analysis adviser
• Support procurement coordination with the project execution team

Business Development

• Collaborate with business development managers, project managers, and proposal teams to secure new work
• Serve as the key communication link between the WTR Engineering GP and the preconstruction section

Safety & Compliance

• Uphold and promote Burns & McDonnell safety programs across all project team members and subcontractors
• Conduct safety, quality, progress, and financial audits as required

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction, or a related field (applicable experience may substitute)
• 10+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience on water and/or wastewater projects preferred
• Previous leadership or management experience preferred
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly to all audiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Bluebeam experience preferred
• Familiarity with estimating software; HCSS HeavyBid, Agtek, or PlanSwift experience a plus