Director of Preconstruction
B.L. Harbert International, Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29408
Lead all preconstruction services including budgeting, conceptual estimating, GMP development, and value engineering.
Oversee quantity take-offs, pricing strategy, and cost validation across all commercial projects.
Establish preconstruction schedules and ensure timely delivery of all estimates and proposals.
Develop and implement division-wide estimating standards, processes, and best practices.
Ensure seamless handoff from Preconstruction to Operations with complete scope alignment.
Strategic & Financial Oversight Develop and manage annual preconstruction budgets and forecasting. Analyze historical cost data and market trends to improve pricing accuracy and competitiveness. Review and approve final bid strategy, subcontractor coverage, and contingency planning. Protect margin through disciplined risk assessment and scope analysis.
Client & Consultant Engagement Serve as primary preconstruction contact for owners, developers, and design teams. Lead conceptual budgeting and cost modeling during early design phases. Provide constructability input and value engineering solutions. Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants in the Charleston market. Support Business Development in pursuit strategy and interviews. Recruit, develop, and mentor estimators and preconstruction managers. Establish clear performance expectations and accountability metrics. Provide training on estimating systems, subcontractor engagement, and cost analysis. Foster a culture of collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement.
Systems & Process Ensure proficiency and proper utilization of estimating software including: a. Timberline b. ISqFt c. On-Screen Takeoff Maintain working knowledge of design software platforms including: a. AutoCAD b. Revit c. Navisworks d. SketchUp Drive continuous improvement in preconstruction workflows and technology integration.
Market & Corporate Leadership Participate in strategic planning for commercial market growth in Charleston. Represent the company in industry associations and community events. Contribute to corporate initiatives focused on innovation and operational excellence. Ensure positive representation of the company within the local community.
Corporate Culture Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and proactive leadership. Embody and promote company core values. Serve as a role model across the division. Promote collaboration between Preconstruction, Operations, and Executive Leadership.
Education and Experience 10+ years of experience in commercial estimating or preconstruction. Minimum 5 years of leadership experience overseeing estimating teams. Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred. Strong knowledge of commercial construction markets in the Southeast (Charleston market experience preferred).
Core Competencies Strategic thinker with strong business acumen. High-level negotiation and relationship-building skills. Strong financial and analytical capabilities. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Strategic & Financial Oversight Develop and manage annual preconstruction budgets and forecasting. Analyze historical cost data and market trends to improve pricing accuracy and competitiveness. Review and approve final bid strategy, subcontractor coverage, and contingency planning. Protect margin through disciplined risk assessment and scope analysis.
Client & Consultant Engagement Serve as primary preconstruction contact for owners, developers, and design teams. Lead conceptual budgeting and cost modeling during early design phases. Provide constructability input and value engineering solutions. Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants in the Charleston market. Support Business Development in pursuit strategy and interviews. Recruit, develop, and mentor estimators and preconstruction managers. Establish clear performance expectations and accountability metrics. Provide training on estimating systems, subcontractor engagement, and cost analysis. Foster a culture of collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement.
Systems & Process Ensure proficiency and proper utilization of estimating software including: a. Timberline b. ISqFt c. On-Screen Takeoff Maintain working knowledge of design software platforms including: a. AutoCAD b. Revit c. Navisworks d. SketchUp Drive continuous improvement in preconstruction workflows and technology integration.
Market & Corporate Leadership Participate in strategic planning for commercial market growth in Charleston. Represent the company in industry associations and community events. Contribute to corporate initiatives focused on innovation and operational excellence. Ensure positive representation of the company within the local community.
Corporate Culture Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and proactive leadership. Embody and promote company core values. Serve as a role model across the division. Promote collaboration between Preconstruction, Operations, and Executive Leadership.
Education and Experience 10+ years of experience in commercial estimating or preconstruction. Minimum 5 years of leadership experience overseeing estimating teams. Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred. Strong knowledge of commercial construction markets in the Southeast (Charleston market experience preferred).
Core Competencies Strategic thinker with strong business acumen. High-level negotiation and relationship-building skills. Strong financial and analytical capabilities. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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