Preconstruction Director for Innovative Projects

4 days ago


Chicago, Illinois, United States Richard Group Full time
About Richard Group

At Richard Group, we are a purpose-driven construction company transforming the industry with our dynamic approach to building efficient and sustainable spaces. With nearly 200 diverse contracts since 2016 and a passionate team across the nation, we offer the resources of a large firm combined with the agility and personal touch of a boutique operation.

We believe in creating an impact that extends beyond our projects. Our commitment to culture-first principles and innovation drives us to deliver exceptional results for our clients while fostering a collaborative and caring work environment for our team members.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Preconstruction Director to lead our team in business development, estimating, and capture. This pivotal role is crucial to our success across public and private markets, focusing on hard bid processes, strategic growth, and excellence within the preconstruction team.

Key Responsibilities
  • Leadership & Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing preconstruction team to ensure growth and alignment with organizational goals. Provide mentorship and training to estimators while developing recruitment and personnel strategies.
  • Estimating & Scope Development: Review project plans, requirements, and specifications to create comprehensive scopes of work, labor, and equipment costs. Prepare accurate quantity takeoffs and pricing scopes using self-perform production-based or unit price estimating methods. Assist in estimating preparation using ITB software.
  • Bid Preparation & Analysis: Initiate RFIs to ensure precise and competitive pricing. Solicit subcontractor bids, build trade packages, and prepare competitive bid proposals. Review all subcontractor bids for pricing accuracy and completeness, ensuring all missing items are accounted for.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct meet-and-greet presentations with subcontractors and suppliers to foster trade relationships. Partner with the project management team for contract buy-out and project execution.
  • Market & Cost Analysis: Understand market conditions, labor costs, and material costs to prepare competitive bids. Utilize expertise in FAR clauses, self-performance requirements for government contracts, and Davis Bacon-Prevailing wage or union projects. Conduct SWOT analysis and leverage technology for bid analytics and win strategies.
  • Federal & Healthcare Expertise: Bid federal sector projects, including Department of Veterans Affairs, GSA, USACE, Army, Navy, and NAVFAC projects. Develop estimates for healthcare projects, applying knowledge of specialized requirements.
Requirements
  • 10-15+ years of lead estimating experience (less experience acceptable if an expert in Federal Contracting)
  • Proficient in estimating software and advanced Excel usage; self-sufficient in software application
  • Expertise in commercial building projects, design-bid-build, and design-build delivery systems
  • Extensive knowledge of construction means, methods, costs, and engineering principles
  • Ability to lead and mentor a team of estimators effectively
  • Strong organizational and communication skills in high-pressure bidding environments
  • Ability to travel to site visits and owner meetings within a 400-mile radius
  • Pass a background investigation and drug test
Preferred Qualifications
  • Led bid teams of at least 3 junior estimators
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil, MEP Engineering, or Construction Management
  • Experience in a competitive hard bidding environment, particularly with healthcare projects
  • Knowledge of Davis Bacon-Prevailing wage or union-required projects
  • Expertise in federal contracting, including Department of Veterans Affairs, GSA, USACE, Army, Navy, and NAVFAC
Compensation & Benefits

We offer a highly competitive salary based on your level of experience, with benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a Health Savings Account option, 15 days of paid time off, 7 paid holidays, company 401(k) matching contributions, parental leave policy, and more.



  • Chicago, Illinois, United States GPAC Full time

    I am pleased to present an exciting opportunity for a Senior Preconstruction Director with a premier General Contractor in Chicago, IL. This is a pivotal role within an organization renowned for delivering large-scale projects and fostering a culture of trust, teamwork, and excellence.This firm's continued success is built on innovation, technical expertise,...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States Jobot Full time

    Job Title: Chief Preconstruction DirectorAbout the Role:We are seeking an experienced Senior Preconstruction Manager to lead our bidding efforts for both conceptual and hard-bid estimates across various markets in the Chicagoland area.About Us:Our company, Jobot, is a Premier Design-Build Contractor based in Chicago. We pride ourselves on delivering...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States Clayco Full time

    About ClaycoWe are a collaborative design-build firm specializing in industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential projects. Our team works together to deliver high-quality solutions, safely and efficiently.The JobWe are seeking a Preconstruction Manager to join our team, providing expert guidance and services across all business units. This role...

  • Project Director

    4 weeks ago


    Chicago, Illinois, United States Clayco Full time

    About ClaycoWe are a full-service construction firm delivering high-quality solutions nationwide.Why Choose UsClayco specializes in efficient design-build approaches, providing fast track solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional and residential projects.The RoleWe seek an experienced Preconstruction Manager to lead our preconstruction team. As a...

  • Preconstruction Lead

    2 weeks ago


    Chicago, Illinois, United States Connect Search, LLC Full time

    Project Coordinator RoleWe are seeking an experienced Project Coordinator to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for coordinating preconstruction activities, including estimating, budgeting, and design coordination for commercial construction projects. You will work closely with project teams to ensure accurate cost models, schedules, and...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States ZipRecruiter Full time

    Job Title: Technical Director for Innovative IT ProjectsEstimated Salary Range: $170,000 - $200,000 per year (dependent on experience and qualifications)Company Overview

  • Project Director

    2 days ago


    Chicago, Illinois, United States F.H. Paschen Full time

    Job OverviewF.H. Paschen is a leading construction company with over 110 years of experience in the industry. We offer versatility, tenacity, ingenuity, and pride in everything we do. Our extensive experience across various projects, including transit and rail, has put us in a unique position to deliver successful results.We are currently seeking a highly...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States Jobot Full time

    As a leading Design-Build Contractor in Chicago, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional construction services to improve our communities, while creating lasting relationships and partnerships.We are seeking an experienced Senior Preconstruction Manager to lead the bidding process for both conceptual and hard-bid estimates across various markets in the...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States Clayco Full time

    About Us:Clayco is a leading provider of construction services in North America. As a full-service firm, we deliver high-quality solutions to our clients across the continent.We specialize in industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential projects, with a focus on heavy/advanced manufacturing, industrial, and mission-critical markets.The Electrical...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States Clayco Full time

    About Clayco:We are a turnkey real estate development and construction firm with a reputation for delivering high-quality solutions on time and on budget. Our commitment to safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction drives our success in the industry.Job Description:This Electrical Preconstruction Manager position is responsible for developing accurate...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States Clayco Full time

    About the RoleThis is a challenging opportunity for a seasoned Preconstruction Electrical Systems Specialist to take on a key role in our preconstruction process. The successful candidate will work closely with engineers, architects, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers, and project teams to develop accurate cost estimates for electrical systems.The ideal...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States Clayco Full time

    Job OverviewWe are seeking a highly skilled Electrical Preconstruction Manager to join our team at Clayco. As an integral part of our preconstruction process, this role will be responsible for developing accurate cost estimates for electrical systems on heavy/advanced manufacturing, industrial, and mission-critical projects.The ideal candidate will have 5+...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States Clayco Full time

    About the RoleThe ideal candidate will have 5-10 years of experience in estimating for commercial construction, with a proven track record in leading project pursuits across multiple market sectors. You will be responsible for managing design-build project pursuits and preconstruction activities across various business units, including Commercial,...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States The Lactation Network Full time

    The Director of Technology Innovation position at The Lactation Network is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a highly skilled and motivated leader to join our team. As a key member of our technology department, you will be responsible for driving innovation and delivering high-quality solutions that meet the needs of our customers.We are a...

  • Project Director

    4 weeks ago


    Chicago, Illinois, United States F.H. Paschen Full time

    F.H. Paschen, a leading construction company with over 110 years of experience, is seeking a seasoned Project Manager to join their team.About the RoleThis is an excellent opportunity for a skilled professional to oversee multiple projects, manage teams, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.Key ResponsibilitiesRepresent the values of F.H. Paschen:...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States JLL Full time

    Job OverviewJLL is seeking an experienced Portfolio Innovation Director to lead technological innovation and digital transformation in our Portfolio Services business line. This role will drive close collaboration with the global Leasing Advisory business on JLL's integrated digital leasing platform.ResponsibilitiesThe Portfolio Innovation Director will be...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States Jobot Full time

    Senior Manager Quality ManagementJoin a reputable Premier Design-Build Contractor in Chicago as they seek a seasoned Senior Preconstruction Manager to spearhead their bidding efforts for conceptual and hard-bid estimates across diverse markets.This exciting opportunity offers a unique blend of leadership, relationship-building, and technical expertise,...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States Clayco Full time

    Job OverviewWe are seeking a seasoned Preconstruction Manager to lead high-level management of preconstruction efforts at Clayco. As a key member of our team, you will provide expert guidance and services across all business units, collaborating with Business Unit Leaders, Project Executives, and Senior Management to drive project success.


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States The Lactation Network Full time

    Engineering Leadership OpportunityThe Lactation Network is seeking a highly skilled engineering leader to join our team. As Director of Engineering, you will drive innovation by staying ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies. You will also lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of software engineers, business analysts, quality assurance...


  • Chicago, Illinois, United States Clayco Full time

    About Clayco:We are a full-service construction firm specializing in turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction. Our expertise lies in delivering high-quality solutions on time, on budget, and above expectations nationwide.The Mechanical Preconstruction Director RoleThis leadership position involves...