The Role
Leads preconstruction estimating teams, develops conceptual and schematic estimates, manages complex projects, coordinates with executive leadership, clients, operations, designers, and subcontractors, and oversees constructability reviews, negotiations, risk management, deliverables, and team development. Ensures estimating software, ITB processes, subcontractor prequalification, standardized controls, and project milestones are managed effectively while supporting business development and protecting project fees.
Summary Generated by Built In
Job Summary:
An Estimating Director is a leader that holds a unique seat within the Preconstruction Department as he/she communicates with both executive leadership on a consistent basis and is also intimately involved with the daily innerworkings of their respective estimating team and projects. Leadership is provided by working with their team by providing direction and assistance in all aspects of the preconstruction process. They will coordinate directly with VP’s and SVP’s on team assignments, training needs, and growth planning. The Estimating Director will hold a skillset beyond technical proficiencies and can accurately conceptually estimate, manage multiple complex projects at one time, and effectively delegate and manage their team.
Preconstruction Responsibilities:
- Possess the ability to assemble conceptual and schematic estimates across many market sectors.
- Have knowledge of current market pricing, fringes, wage rates, S&D, and trends.
- Must have strong working relationships with reputable subcontractors and have a willingness to foster relationships with new trade partners.
- Must be client-facing and comfortable presenting/interviewing to secure work.
- Understand the metrics involved in valuing buyout with subs and negotiations with clients.
- Possess the ability to effectively communicate complex topics to owners in a way that they may understand.
- Lead constructability reviews and engage Operations and sub partners early in the precon process.
- Create and hold operation milestone meetings during project operations/construction.
- Be able to lead multiple deliverable types: CMaR, Design Build, Public Hard Bid, Private Negotiated Design Assist, Build to Suit.
- Have the ability to remain detailed and aware of their team’s progress throughout the deliverable process without “micro-managing”.
- Be familiar with contract risk and contract types. (actual, liquidated, and consequential damages, etc.)
- Fairly delegate responsibilities amongst team members and be accessible to them.
- Clearly establish expectations for the team and his/herself.
- Can hold their team and themselves accountable and to high scrutiny.
- Can develop a healthy working relationship with his/her team and leadership to ensure the department is continually learning and taking steps to be the best.
- Be willing and eager to help their team with whatever needs to be done to ensure a successful project for our client, aid the design team in the development of construction documents that are biddable and buildable, mitigate our risk, and protect our fee.
Technical Responsibilities:
- Utilize an ITB platform with an ease of use and personal effect for our subcontractors.
- Ensure that all necessary estimating software is current and properly used.
- Establish and adhere to the standardized checks and balances set forth by executive and preconstruction leadership. Moreover, hold our team accountable to ensure adherence.
- Keep an up to date repository of prequalified subs and an update notification on prequal renewals as needed. Work with internal risk management and third-party clearinghouse to ensure we fully understand our risks with new subs.
- Be able to work remotely whether at home or on a job site.
Leadership Responsibilities & Traits:
- Aid in the career development and training of younger associates in the department.
- Foster a culture of comradery and non-isolation.
- Provide concise, productive, and honest feedback to leadership and team members in all matters.
- Work and lead by example.
- Recognize others in PreCon department for promotion from within.
- Look for new ways to be an industry leader through innovation, partnerships, and problem solving.
Skills Required
- Ability to assemble conceptual and schematic estimates across multiple market sectors
- Knowledge of current market pricing, fringes, wage rates, S&D, and industry trends
- Strong relationships with reputable subcontractors and willingness to develop new trade partnerships
- Client-facing experience, including presenting and interviewing to secure work
- Understanding of subcontractor buyout valuation and client negotiations
- Ability to communicate complex construction topics clearly to owners
- Experience leading constructability reviews and engaging operations and subcontractors during preconstruction
- Ability to lead CMaR, Design Build, Public Hard Bid, Private Negotiated Design Assist, and Build to Suit deliverables
- Understanding of contract risk and contract types, including actual, liquidated, and consequential damages
- Ability to manage and delegate work across multiple complex projects without micromanaging
- Ability to use ITB platforms and estimating software effectively
- Ability to maintain subcontractor prequalification records and assess subcontractor risk
- Ability to work remotely from home or on a job site
- Experience training, mentoring, and developing junior preconstruction staff
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The Company
What We Do
Kaufman Lynn Construction is a full-service commercial construction company serving public- and private-sector clients. Founded in 1989, it provides general contracting, construction management, and design-build services, delivering commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects across South Florida and beyond. The company emphasizes high-quality buildings, lasting client relationships, employee ownership, innovative construction technology, and efficient project execution through a collaborative, quality-focused approach to every assignment.
