Director of Preconstruction

We are seeking an experienced Preconstruction & Estimating Director to lead and develop our Central Florida preconstruction team within a growing mechanical and specialty contracting organization. This leadership role oversees estimating operations, departmental strategy, team development, and preconstruction activities across a diverse portfolio of projects. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in mechanical construction estimating, strong commercial judgment, and a proven ability to lead estimating teams while delivering accurate, competitive, and profitable project proposals. Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Department Management Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 5+ estimators, overseeing workload distribution, performance management, training, and succession planning. Establish consistent estimating standards, processes, procedures, quality controls, and approval workflows across branches and project types. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth. Develop departmental goals, KPIs, and reporting to track bid performance, estimate accuracy, productivity, risk, backlog quality, and profitability. Direct all phases of estimating and preconstruction for conceptual, schematic, design development, negotiated, design-build, and plan-and-spec projects. Oversee quantity takeoffs, labor estimates, equipment and material pricing, subcontractor coverage, general conditions, escalation, contingencies, and final estimate reviews. Lead bid strategy meetings, risk assessments, go/no-go decisions, and executive presentations for major project pursuits. Ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, well-documented, and aligned with project scope, schedules, contract requirements, and margin objectives. Validate estimating assumptions and exclusions and ensure effective project handoffs to operations following contract award. Establish change-order pricing standards and support operational teams on significant scope, schedule, and commercial matters. Required Qualifications: 10+ years of progressive experience in construction estimating and preconstruction. Demonstrated success managing an estimating department or team of 5+ estimators. Extensive experience with complex mechanical and specialty contracting estimates and large-scale project pursuits. In-depth knowledge of HVAC&R systems and associated utilities. Expert understanding of construction estimating, labor productivity, procurement, scheduling, constructability, and preconstruction best practices. Experience with Trimble MEP estimating software. Advanced ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, addenda, schedules, and technical documentation. Strong commercial acumen, including risk assessment, margin analysis, escalation, contingencies, and competitive bid strategy. Exceptional leadership, coaching, negotiation, analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with executives, clients, and operational teams. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with estimating, takeoff, CRM, ERP, scheduling, and document-management platforms. Ability to manage multiple high-priority pursuits, deadlines, and stakeholders without compromising quality or accuracy. Working knowledge of applicable building codes, safety requirements, industry standards, and market practices. #J-18808-Ljbffr Unify Recruit