Estimator Preconstruction Manager

Estimator / Preconstruction Manager

Department: Preconstruction

Reports To: Director of Preconstruction / Vice President of Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Location: Corporate Office with travel to project sites across the eastern seaboard

Founded in 1974 Ashland Construction Company is a general contracting firm specializing in retail construction across eleven eastern seaboard states. Our work spans grocery store builds big-box and retail remodels and shopping center construction delivered through strong preconstruction services disciplined field operations and collaborative subcontractor relationships.

The Estimator / Preconstruction Manager supports the estimating and preconstruction effort for assigned projects from initial pursuit through buyout and handoff to operations. This role is responsible for producing accurate competitive estimates developing constructible budgets managing the bid process and partnering with owners design teams and subcontractors to align scope schedule and cost. The ideal candidate combines retail construction expertise with strong analytical skills and the ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously.

Estimating & Budgeting

Prepare conceptual schematic design-development and hard-bid estimates for new-build and remodel construction projects.

Perform quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications using digital estimating tools.

Develop and maintain detailed cost models unit pricing and historical cost databases.

Analyze project documents to identify scope gaps constructability issues and value engineering opportunities.

Bid & Subcontractor Management

Solicit evaluate and level subcontractor and supplier bids to ensure complete scope coverage.

Build and maintain relationships with qualified subcontractors and vendors across all trades.

Manage the buyout process and assist in developing subcontract scopes of work.

Preconstruction Services

Lead preconstruction efforts including budgeting scheduling input phasing and logistics planning.

Coordinate with owners architects and engineers during design to manage cost and constructability.

Track multiple preconstruction pursuits and deliverables across concurrent projects and clients including permitting and interface with associated agencies.

Prepare and present cost reports proposals and qualifications to clients and internal leadership.

Handoff & Support

Lead estimate-to-operations turnover meetings to transition awarded work to project teams.

Support project managers during construction with cost questions change estimates and scope clarifications.

Required

Bachelors degree in Construction Management Engineering Architecture or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Five or more years of estimating and/or preconstruction experience with a general contractor preferably in retail grocery or commercial construction.

Proven ability to produce accurate estimates across all design phases.

Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software (e.g. ProEst Bluebeam or similar) and Microsoft Excel.

Strong understanding of construction means methods materials and building systems.

Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.

Excellent organizational communication and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Valid drivers license and willingness to travel to project sites as needed.

Preferred

Experience with national retail and grocery clients (e.g. Publix Walmart Harris Teeter).

Familiarity with multi-state retail remodel and ground-up programs.

Knowledge of self-perform and subcontracted trade scopes common to retail builds.

Primarily office-based with periodic travel to active construction sites.

Ability to walk job sites including uneven terrain and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds (plans samples equipment).

Ashland Construction Company offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience along with a comprehensive benefits package including health dental and vision insurance retirement plan paid time off and opportunities for professional development and advancement.