About this role
About Company
This client is one of nation’s top Specialty Contractors in the Midwest specializing in drywall, acoustical ceilings (ACT), and specialty interior finishes. The organization is a trusted trade partner across commercial, institutional, and multifamily projects, having built its reputation on craftsmanship, reliability, and long-standing client relationships. As a company, we combine a warm, collaborative culture with a drive for world class excellence. Dedicated to building a team that reflects the community-minded spirit of the Midwest while delivering the best results for our clients nationwide.
About the Position
The Director of Preconstruction will lead and modernize the company's estimating and preconstruction function, serving as a bridge between leadership, estimating, and project delivery teams. This newly created leadership role goes beyond managing bids and pricing, it involves building the systems, tools, and workflows that will drive long-term efficiency and growth. Responsibilities include overseeing all estimating operations (bid selection, pricing reviews, and approvals), managing pipeline and business development alignment with leadership, defining preconstruction KPIs such as hit rate and margin performance, and coaching the estimating team on both technical skill and business acumen. The role requires close collaboration with Operations to ensure a smooth handoff from preconstruction to project execution, all while preserving the personal, relationship-driven culture that defines the company.
Qualifications and Requirements
- 10+ years of estimating and preconstruction experience within commercial construction; strong preference for drywall, ACT, or building envelope trades.
- Proven ability to build or overhaul systems and teams, not just maintain them.
- Expertise in estimating processes, cost modeling, and bid management for negotiated and hard-bid projects.
- Experience managing CRM tools and estimating software (e.g., OST, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, BuildingConnected, or similar).
- Strong grasp of business development fundamentals, including market intelligence, customer relationship management, and pipeline reporting.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to build trust quickly across ownership, field, and office teams.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on, collaborative style; comfortable in a family-owned, entrepreneurial environment.
- Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience in lieu of degree will be considered.
Benefits
- Performance-Based Incentive – Competitive base salary plus bonus
- Retirement Savings Plan
- Health Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Professional Development Support
- Advancement and Growth Opportunities