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Estimator / Preconstruction Manager

Insight Executive Solutions, New York, NY, United States


Job Title:

Estimator / Preconstruction Manager (Ground-Up Projects & Large Scale Office-to-Residential Conversions)

Location:

New York City

Please Note: Must have ground-up project experience

Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Estimator to join a Tier One General Contractor in New York City. We need a preconstruction leader who can evaluate each project fully and bring discipline, clarity, and structure to the front end of the construction process, working within complex ground-up developments and office-to-residential conversions in all boroughs in New York City.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the preconstruction lifecycle, ensuring that project intent is translated into well-defined pricing, executable scopes, aligned procurement strategies, and true construction readiness.

You will operate as a key connector between design, operations, and finance—setting the foundation for successful project delivery in a fast-paced, detail-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Understand the full scope of each project from early concept through construction execution

Define and validate scope boundaries at a detailed, trade-by-trade level across ground-up and conversion projects

Establish clarity, completeness, and accountability within all bids and proposals

Develop and maintain scalable estimating and preconstruction systems to drive consistency and accuracy

Produce accurate estimates across all phases: conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents

Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing analysis for complex urban construction conditions

Continuously refine cost benchmarks and historical data to improve forecasting accuracy

Bid Management & Scope Development

Break down project scopes into comprehensive, levelable bid packages for subcontractors and vendors

Lead the full bid process: distribution, walkthroughs, RFIs, clarifications, bid leveling, and award recommendations

Ensure full bid coverage and eliminate scope gaps or overlaps

Write clear, enforceable scopes of work aligned with project requirements

Procurement & Buyout

Develop procurement strategies aligned with project schedules and logistics constraints in NYC

Lead subcontractor and vendor buyout processes with a focus on risk mitigation and value optimization

Maintain procurement logs, including long-lead item tracking, submittal timelines, and delivery coordination

Understand and manage how bids translate into contracts, logistics planning, and execution risk

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Finance teams to ensure continuity from estimate to budget to execution

Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to align scope, design intent, and constructability

Support project handoff by ensuring full clarity of scope, assumptions, and procurement status

Qualifications

5–7+ years of direct estimating or preconstruction experience within the NYC construction market

Experience with ground-up construction and/or office-to-residential conversion projects required

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (preferred)

Strong trade knowledge across structural systems, demolition, interiors, finishes, MEP systems, façade work, waterproofing, and specialty scopes

Proven ability to write detailed scopes and manage bid coverage—not just collect pricing

Deep understanding of procurement processes, subcontracting, and construction logistics in dense urban environments

Familiarity with NYC building codes, permitting processes, and construction constraints is a strong plus

Proficiency with tools such as Bluebeam, Excel, Procore, or similar platforms

Strong understanding of CSI divisions and cost coding structures (required)

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead discussions across technical and non-technical stakeholders

Why Join Us

Competitive salary aligned with experience

Consistent pipeline of active and upcoming projects across ground-up and conversion work

Collaborative, high-performance team environment with real ownership and impact - can help leave your mark on each project.

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