Preconstruction Manager / Estimator

Preconstruction Manager / Estimator

Location: Roseville, CA OR Emeryville, CA

Salary Range: $110,000 to $140,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Job Type: Full-Time | Exempt | In-Person

POSITION SUMMARY

The Preconstruction Manager/Estimator leads and assists with preconstruction efforts on public sector projects, including K through 12, higher education, and civic/municipal projects delivered via progressive design build, lease leaseback, and CM at Risk. Reporting to the Director of Preconstruction, this role owns project scoping and cost estimating from early concept through construction documents, partners directly with design teams, owners, and subcontractors, and carries projects through GMP development and subcontractor buyout. This is a client facing role requiring polished communication, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple pursuits and active preconstruction assignments at once. Success in this role depends on close teamwork and a servant leadership mindset applied to every interaction.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

- Lead cost estimating from conceptual through construction document phases, scoping projects at each design milestone (SD, DD, CD) for progressive design build, lease leaseback, and CM at Risk assignments

- Break down project scope into detailed, trade specific line items and quantities; prepare unit rate pricing and detailed cost estimates

- Develop and maintain project cost models, budgets, and GMP proposals in coordination with the project team

- Solicit, review, level, and negotiate subcontractor and vendor bids/proposals; lead subcontractor buyout through contract award

- Partner with architects, engineers, owners, and internal project teams throughout design development to align scope, budget, and schedule

- Identify and communicate project risks, including cost, schedule, constructability, and scope, and support development of mitigation strategies

- Support constructability reviews and value engineering efforts to keep projects within budget

- Contribute to preconstruction schedules and monitor milestones through design and procurement

- Prepare and present cost estimates, GMP packages, and preconstruction status updates to clients, design teams, and CORE leadership

- Maintain accurate, organized project files, cost databases, and estimate documentation within CORE’s standard systems (e.g., Destini, Smartsheet)

- Support pursuit and proposal efforts, including cost narratives, comparable project data, and interview preparation

- Ensure compliance with California public contract requirements, DSA/HCAI processes, prevailing wage, and skilled and trained workforce rules

- Collaborate with preconstruction and construction operations team members, and work effectively within a close team environment

- Travel as needed, primarily within the Sacramento/Roseville region, with periodic travel to support Bay Area and rural Northern California project assignments

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Minimum 2 years; prefer 5 to 10 years of progressive experience in construction estimating and/or preconstruction management with a general contractor, construction manager, or design build firm

- Demonstrated experience scoping and estimating projects from concept/schematic design through construction documents

- Direct experience with progressive design build, lease leaseback, and/or CM at Risk delivery, including GMP development

- Experience estimating California public sector work, including K through 12, higher education, and/or civic/municipal, strongly preferred

- Proven ability to develop detailed, trade specific scope and unit rate pricing, and to solicit, review, and negotiate subcontractor bids through buyout

- Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable presenting cost information to clients and design teams

- Working knowledge of California public contract law, prevailing wage requirements, skilled and trained workforce rules, and the DSA/HCAI review process

- Proficiency with standard estimating and project tools (Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Project, Excel); experience with Destini (Beck Technology) is highly desired but not required

- Valid California driver’s license and the ability to travel as needed within Northern California

- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

CORE COMPETENCIES

- Confident, organized self starter with a strong work ethic and high personal accountability

- Team oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively across offices, disciplines, and project delivery teams

- Sound analytical and problem solving skills; exercises good judgment under deadline pressure

- High attention to detail and accuracy in cost estimating, scope documentation, and correspondence

- Ability to identify and manage project risk through constructability review, scheduling awareness, and proactive problem solving

- Ability to manage multiple concurrent pursuits and active preconstruction assignments simultaneously

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

- Primarily an in office role based at CORE’s Roseville, CA or Emeryville, CA office; this is not a remote position

- Occasional site visits to active project sites and design meetings; may require walking active construction sites, climbing stairs/ladders, and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working at a computer

- Occasional local and regional travel, including day trips and occasional overnight travel to support Bay Area and rural Northern California projects

BENEFITS

Retirement 401(k) retirement plan, HSA

Insurance Full standard benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage

Equipment Company provided cell phone or monthly cell reimbursement, laptop, and all necessary hardware, software, and job related tools

Travel Costs Gas covered for work related travel; no company vehicle is provided

Work Arrangement Full time, in office. This position does not offer remote work.

Bonus Eligible for a discretionary year end bonus

CORE provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.