Preconstruction Manager/ Senior Cost Estimator

Job DetailsJob Location: Broward / Corporate Office - Pembroke Pines, FL 33027Salary Range: $145,000.00 - $165,000.00 Salary/yearJob Category: Construction
Position Title: Preconstruction Manager/ Senior Cost Estimator
Location: Corporate, Pembroke Pines Office – On-site with occasional travel to other project sites
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $145,000 – $165,000 annually
Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM 

Reports To: 

This position reports directly to the Department Senior Leader within the Corporate Office. The role includes occasional interaction with clients and external stakeholders for coordination, communication, and oversight purposes.

Position Overview

CES Construction is seeking a highly experienced Preconstruction Manager / Senior Cost Estimator to establish and lead its internal preconstruction department. This role is strategic and operational—responsible for building systems, standardizing processes, and delivering accurate, defensible cost and schedule intelligence across a diverse portfolio of projects.

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in municipal, commercial, governmental, and High-end residential construction, with the ability to translate conceptual designs into executable budgets and procurement strategies. This individual will play a critical role in positioning CES Construction for larger, more complex pursuits, including CMAR, Design-Build, and negotiated work.

Key Responsibilities

1. Department Leadership & Development

Build and lead the Preconstruction Department, including staffing, workflows, and SOP integration.
Develop standardized processes for conceptual estimating, GMP development, value engineering (VE), and cost benchmarking and historical data tracking.
Establish estimating templates, cost databases, and production metrics aligned with South Florida market conditions.
Collaborate with executive leadership on go/no-go decisions, pursuit strategy, and risk evaluation.

2. Cost Estimating & Budget Development

Prepare detailed estimates across all project phases: conceptual / feasibility, schematic design (SD), design development (DD), construction documents (CD), and GMP / final pricing.
Perform quantity takeoffs (manual and digital) and validate design completeness.
Develop trade-level scopes, qualifications, clarifications, and bid packages.
Analyze drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, and permitting requirements for cost impacts.

3. Subcontractor & Vendor Engagement

Build and maintain a robust network of qualified subcontractors and suppliers.
Solicit, level, and analyze bids; ensure scope coverage and identify gaps.
Lead pre-bid meetings and scope reviews with trades.
Enforce insurance, bonding, and compliance requirements aligned with CES standards.
Have experience writing and reviewing contracts.

4. Scheduling & Constructability

Work closely with Operations to develop preliminary and baseline schedules, identify critical path risks, and align cost with schedule (phasing, logistics, escalation).
Perform constructability reviews and identify design conflicts early.
Provide input on site logistics, phasing, and procurement strategies.
Produce Cashflow requirement studies.

5. Risk Management & Procurement Strategy

Identify and quantify risks related to design gaps, market volatility (materials, labor), and permitting and regulatory constraints.
Develop procurement strategies for long-lead items (e.g., electrical gear, generators, specialty systems).
Support contract structuring, including CM agreements, GMP development, and scope packaging.

6. Client Interface

Serve as the primary preconstruction point of contact for owners, architects and engineers (A/E teams), and public agencies.
Present estimates, budgets, and VE options in a clear, client-facing format.
Support business development efforts, including proposal preparation and interviews.

7. Integration with Operations

Ensure seamless transition from preconstruction to operations by delivering complete bid packages and scopes and transferring assumptions, clarifications, and risk logs.
Support Project Managers during buyout and early construction phases.
QualificationsRequired Experience:

Minimum 10+ years of construction experience in estimating/preconstruction roles.
Proven experience across municipal / infrastructure projects, commercial and governmental projects, and high-end residential and or multifamily construction.
Experience with CMAR, Design-Build, and negotiated work strongly preferred

Technical Skills:

Strong proficiency in estimating software (e.g., Sage Estimating, OST, Bluebeam), scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project), and Excel (advanced level; cost modeling, escalation, scenario analysis).
Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and MEP drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
Familiarity with South Florida permitting processes and agency requirements (MDAD, DERM, SFWMD)

Leadership & Soft Skills:

Demonstrated ability to build and lead teams.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
High level of accountability and attention to detail.
Ability to operate in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
Additional duties as assigned by Management. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, or related field.
Professional certifications (e.g., American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE), DBIA, PMP) are a plus.
Experience building or scaling a preconstruction department

Compensation & Growth:

Competitive salary based on experience.
Opportunity to build and lead a core department within a growing construction firm.
Direct exposure to executive leadership and strategic initiatives

Position Impact:

This role is foundational to CES Construction’s growth strategy. The Preconstruction Manager will directly influence:

Project profitability
Risk mitigation
Client satisfaction
Ability to secure and execute larger, more complex projects

Company Overview

CES Companies is a fast-growing, civil infrastructure engineering, program management, construction management, and project controls and technology firm with offices in Miami, Broward, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville, Florida, the DC Metro area, New York City, and New Jersey.

At CES, we work as a team to deliver exceptional service and build lasting relationships with our employees and clients. We are looking for the right professionals to join us on our mission to provide cutting-edge, sustainable innovations that build resilient communities through smart solutions. Being part of our culture means:

Thriving on challenges and the effort needed to solve them.
Working with people who are positive, adaptable, and growth minded.
Delivering quality work for our clients and investing in their success.
Supporting fellow teammates by work sharing and collaborating

Company Benefits:

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package to qualified candidates. The employee compensation package includes Employer premium cost share contributions to all employees and their families. The benefit healthcare coverage package includes medical, dental, and vision, 401k with company contributions, Personal Time Off (PTO), and 100% company-paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability. Additional Voluntary benefits include Long-Term Disability, Voluntary Life Insurance for employee/spouse/child(ren), and the opportunity to enroll in Health Flex Spending.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CES is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative-action employer.  We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law or regulations in the locations where we work.