Preconstruction Manager / Senior Estimator – Commercial Construction
Columbia, SC | On-Site | Full-Time
We are partnering with an established commercial general contractor seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager / Senior Estimator to join its team in Columbia, South Carolina.
This is a key preconstruction role for someone who can take ownership of projects from early conceptual budgeting through final bid and turnover to operations. The ideal candidate has strong commercial estimating experience, understands subcontractor markets, and is comfortable leading estimates and presenting directly to clients and project teams.
What You’ll Do
- Lead preconstruction and estimating efforts for commercial construction projects
- Develop conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, design development estimates, and final bid pricing
- Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analysis for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontracted work
- Manage competitive bid processes and subcontractor solicitation
- Review and scope subcontractor proposals to ensure complete coverage
- Develop bid packages, scope sheets, clarifications, alternates, and value-engineering options
- Work closely with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal operations teams
- Review plans and specifications for constructability, scope gaps, and potential cost impacts
- Lead bid-day analysis, leveling, pricing, and final estimate preparation
- Present project budgets and estimates to clients and project stakeholders
- Support project handoff from preconstruction to operations following award
- Help identify and qualify new subcontractors and strengthen trade partner relationships
What We’re Looking For
- 8+ years of commercial construction and estimating/preconstruction experience
- Strong background with a commercial general contractor
- Experience managing complex competitive bids and negotiated projects
- Knowledge of retail, healthcare, industrial, mixed-use/multifamily, or similar commercial construction
- Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, schedules, logistics, and trade scopes
- Ability to develop estimates from conceptual design through construction documents
- Experience working directly with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors
- Strong communication, leadership, organization, and presentation skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related field preferred
Software Experience
Experience with estimating and construction technology such as:
- On-Screen Takeoff / PlanSwift
- Bluebeam
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Project
- AGTEK or comparable estimating/takeoff platforms
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This is an opportunity to join an established commercial construction team where you can have significant ownership over the preconstruction process, work on a diverse portfolio of projects, and collaborate directly with both clients and operations leadership.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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