• Director of Pre-Construction

    NewGround (St. Louis, MO)


    The Director of Pre Construction serves as the senior leader responsible for all preconstruction activities across the organization. This role oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of preconstruction efforts, including estimating, cost modeling, bid management, and strategic project planning. The Director leads and mentors a team of preconstruction professionals, ensuring estimates are accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with project goals at every design phase. As a key liaison between clients, design teams, and internal stakeholders, the Director of Preconstruction drives collaboration, provides strategic insight, and ensures a seamless transition from preconstruction to project execution. This role demands a high level of leadership, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to client service and operational excellence.

    PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

    + Coordinate, manage, and supervise all preconstruction staff and support teams

    + Lead preparation and presentation of project estimates to clients

    + Develop cost models during conceptual through bid phases

    + Conduct progress estimates and cost evaluations at design milestones

    + Ensure completeness and accuracy of all estimates including general conditions

    + Lead Preconstruction Strategy Meetings and Bid Management processes

    + Create and maintain variance reports to track estimate changes

    + Develop clear Scopes of Work and manage bidder prequalification/database in Procore

    + Provide cost analysis and oversee department workload

    + Facilitate project transition meetings between preconstruction and operations teams

    + Maintain and build client relationships by providing leadership and planning support

    + Review and approve final estimates and bid documentation before client submission

    + Report actual project status (costs and schedule)

    + Carry out additional tasks as assigned by Senior Management

    EXPECTATIONS

    + Deliver accurate and comprehensive estimates at each design phase

    + Maintain high-quality communication with clients and internal teams

    + Lead meetings effectively and manage collaboration across departments

    + Provide strategic oversight from conceptual design through final contract

    + Ensure alignment between preconstruction deliverables and project execution needs

    + Demonstrate proactive leadership in workload management and client satisfaction

    EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE PREREQUISITES

    + Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or equivalent experience

    + 5–8 years of field construction experience with supervisory responsibilities

    + Demonstrated leadership ability and self-starting mindset

    + Experience with estimating software, cost databases, BIM, and Procore

    + Strong foundational knowledge of project controls and accounting