Preconstruction Manager / Senior Estimator - Warren

Warren, NJ, USA Job Description Posted Monday, April 20, 2026 at 4:00 AM About the Company – Celebrating 100 Years of Building Community & 100% Employee-Owned Higley Construction has been one of the most experienced and respected construction firms in the region. The company surpassed 100 years in business—a century shaped by an unwavering commitment to its core values of people, ethics, respect, commitment, and excellence. Since its founding in 1925, Higley Construction has partnered with clients to bring their goals and visions to life, consistently guided by honesty, integrity, and mutual respect. At Higley Construction, we build more than buildings — we build trust, relationships, and communities. From the offices where you work, to the schools where you learn, and the hospitals where you heal, we create environments where people can live, work, and thrive. With every project, we go beyond bricks and mortar to connect people and place, delivering spaces that stand the test of time. As a 100% Employee-Owned Company, we foster a culture of shared success, job stability, and long-term financial growth for all employees. Within the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), you’re building more than a career — you’re building ownership. Position Overview Higley Construction is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager / Senior Estimator to oversee and lead our preconstruction services across a diverse range of commercial construction projects. This role is integral to setting projects up for success by lump sum bidding, quantifying building systems, managing budgets, schedules, constructability, and risk analysis from the earliest stages of development through contract award. The Preconstruction Manager / Sr. Estimator will work closely with owners, architects, engineers, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers, to ensure design & construction solutions align with project goals and budget constraints. This position is ideal for an experienced construction professional who thrives on early project involvement, strategy development, and team leadership. Responsibilities Lead and manage the entire preconstruction process from project pursuit /bidding through final pricing and contract execution. Participate in competitive bidding, GMP development, and contract negotiations, supporting clear scope definitions and pricing strategy. Coordinate and manage the design schedule and deliverables, ensuring alignment with project milestones and overall project delivery plans. Coordinate Lump Sum Bidding deliverables, including securing & executing proper bid requirements from owner. Collaborate with external design teams to ensure that scope, performance, and constructability are integrated into the evolving design. Work with internal stakeholders to identify and mitigate project risks during early design phases, including scope gaps, schedule impacts, and budget constraints. Manage all estimating functions during the preconstruction phase, including assigning and allocating appropriate resources for project pursuits, regardless of delivery method. Oversee and maintain accountability for Estimating staff reimbursement and costs related to General & Administrative (G&A) expenses. Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, architects, the design community, and trade partners to support and enhance future business development opportunities. Coordinate, develop, and review General Conditions and General Requirements (GC/GR) estimates to ensure accuracy and consistency with project scope. Partner with the estimating team to provide accurate and timely conceptual and schematic-level budgets, incorporating allowances where documentation is incomplete. Coordinate the efforts of estimators, schedulers, and other support staff to develop complete and consistent preconstruction deliverables. Manage preconstruction efforts in strict alignment with the terms and requirements of the owner contract, including scope deliverables, schedule, and communication protocols. Provide value engineering input and alternative solutions that meet or exceed the design intent while improving budget, schedule, or operational goals. Prepare and deliver preconstruction reports, including cost projections, risk assessments, and timeline forecasts, to clients and senior management. Collaborate closely with the Business Development team to align project strategies with sales objectives and ensure seamless integration with pursuits, interviews, and client-facing deliverables. Track and report performance metrics for assigned projects, pursuits, and deliverables to ensure alignment with company goals and continuous improvement efforts. Lead preconstruction presentations, cost updates, and strategy meetings with owners, design teams, and internal stakeholders. Support the transition from preconstruction to operations, ensuring project intent and deliverables are well-communicated to the project team. Performs other related duties as assigned. Skills and Abilities Proven leadership in guiding complex preconstruction efforts on commercial construction projects. Understanding of Subcontractor/Supplier markets including fostering & maintaining relationships to attract bidders on CMR, D/B and Lump Sum deliveries. Strong insight of construction sequencing means and methods, and systems across all major trades. Ability to assess and manage design documentation and provide cost input during early and evolving stages. Highly effective communicator—comfortable presenting to executives, owners, and design teams. Skilled in strategic planning, risk mitigation, and value engineering. Proficient in preconstruction tools including OST (On-Screen Takeoff), Bluebeam, Building Connected and Excel. Comfortable managing multiple active projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to meet deadlines. Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor and guide junior staff. Collaborative, solutions-driven mindset with strong interpersonal and leadership skills. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred (or equivalent industry experience). 10+ years of construction industry experience, experience in a preconstruction leadership role at a general contractor, construction management firm, or related field is a plus. Experience with Beck DESTINI software a plus. Why Higley Construction? Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – 100% Employee-Owned 25 days of Paid Time Off 9 Paid Holidays Pet Insurance Health/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts 401k Contributions/Match Life Insurance/AD&D Employee Assistance Program Paid Family Leave Paid Military Leave Short & Long Term Disability Years of Service Awards $1, 500 Referral Bonus Capability for up to 16 hours per week of remote work. Casual Friday Policy Cell Phone Reimbursement Enterprise/National Rental Benefits Drug and Alcohol Screening Requirement As part of your employment with Higley Construction, an initial pre-employment drug and alcohol test is required. This is followed by company-wide annual and random drug and alcohol testing for all employees for the duration of your employment. Higley Construction prohibits employees from being under the influence of substances such as drugs or alcohol during work hours. Higley Construction is dedicated to the Safety of all individuals in our offices and our job sites.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

The following outlines the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Activities: This role requires driving to and from office, jobsites, meetings, client locations, events, and other work-related locations as necessary. It primarily involves working at a desk with prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Frequent use of hands and fingers is required for typing, writing, and handling documents or office tools. Repetitive hand and wrist motions are common during computer and data entry tasks. Effective communication is essential, including in-person, phone, and digital interactions. This role may occasionally require lifting or moving office materials or small equipment up to 20 pounds. Environmental Conditions: Work is primarily performed in an office or remote/home-based setting, with quiet to moderate noise levels. There may also be occasional visits to construction sites, where exposure to outdoor environmental factors may occur. This list of job requirements is subject to change at any time due to the needs of the business. Higley Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer Higley Construction is strongly committed to a workplace that is free of discrimination for all employees and candidates. It is the policy and practice that Higley Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and candidates for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, socio-economic status, age, disability, physical and mental ability, genetic information, service in the military, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. #J-18808-Ljbffr Higley Construction