Pre-Construction Manager

Calista Corporation

1d•$130,000 - $160,000•Remote

About The Position

As the Pre-Construction Manager, you will lead the Pre-Construction function and will be responsible for the overall development, accuracy, and delivery of project estimates and proposals. This role oversees the full pre-construction process for projects pursued and awarded by the company, ensuring consistent estimating standards, effective risk evaluation, and alignment with operational and financial objectives. The Pre-Construction Manager collaborates with senior leadership, operations, and project teams to support strategic pursuits, establish standardized procedures, manage estimating systems and cost data, and develop pre-construction staff to ensure high-quality, competitive project bids. This is a U.S. based remote position. Applicants must reside and be authorized to work in the United States. Preferred locations Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; equivalent combination of education, experience, and demonstrated skills may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Minimum of 10 years of relevant construction experience, including pre-construction estimating and project planning.
Experience with federal construction projects, including US Army Corps of Engineers,
Proven experience managing pre-construction processes, including cost estimating, bid preparation, and scope analysis, is highly desirable.
Must be willing to travel for work related purposes.
Valid state driver’s license and must be qualified to operate a vehicle under the conditions of Company’s driving policy.
Ability to pass drug, driving and background screening.
Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate budgets and cost estimates, with in-depth knowledge of fiscal management principles and procedures.
Strong understanding of standard operating practices and procedures in construction.
Knowledge of basic revenue models, project ledgers, and cost-to-completion projections.
Proficient in all Pre-Construction software, with particular emphasis on HCSS and related estimating tools.
Actively participates in industry, client, and community relations to enhance the company’s professional image.
Participate in the transfer of knowledge from completed projects, including leading Job Kick-off Meetings.
Assist with the preparation and review of work plans as requested.
Participate in periodic project reviews and site visits to monitor progress and provide input.
Identify project risks during pre-construction, quantify potential impacts, and integrate mitigation strategies into estimates and proposals.
Assist Project Managers in evaluating and pricing change impacts.
Maintain a bid calendar and ensure timely completion of all estimates and job hand-offs.
Analyze historical project data to identify trends and opportunities for improving estimating accuracy and efficiency.
Manage and organize Pre-Construction job folders effectively.
Compile and maintain a comprehensive database of information on products, vendors, subcontractors, and government requirements.
Possess strong mathematical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Knowledgeable in one or more specialized areas of construction.
Ability to break down construction operations into a logical sequence of tasks and activities.
Effectively collaborate and contribute in a team environment.
Communicate professionally the rationale behind individual work products, even under high-pressure conditions.
Comply consistently with all company policies and procedures.
Able to meet deadlines while dedicating the necessary time and effort to complete work to standard.
Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.
Exhibit a strong work ethic and personal accountability.
Maintain strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Maintain attention to detail and ability to identify discrepancies or issues accurately.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.
Ability to travel for work-related purposes.

Nice To Haves

Department of Transportation (DOT), or other federal agencies, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee the analysis of past project performance and establish standardized Pre-Construction procedures to support the development of future estimates.
Assist with the oversight and maintenance of the historical cost database, bid management systems, and Pre-Construction software platforms.
Collaborate with senior company managers to maintain departmental standards for deliverables, including bid packages, formatting requirements, and budget tracking tools.
Work directly with senior company managers to finalize and implement processes for the effective use of HCSS HeavyBid.
Serve as the administrator for all HCSS HeavyBid libraries.
Update equipment rates annually to ensure estimating accuracy.
Update labor rates at least quarterly to maintain current cost data.
Ensure consistency and conformity of all project bid estimates for the development and use of reliable budget cost data.
Assign responsibilities to Pre-Construction team members for each project pursuit.
Review project plans and specifications and coordinate with the team to confirm a complete project scope.
Identify project risk issues and assess their magnitude to inform estimating adjustments.
Solicit subcontractor and supplier information and pricing to support estimate development.
Maintain and manage the company’s bid history and tracking of prospective work opportunities.
Prepare instructions to bidders, bid forms, and other solicitation documentation as required.
Review general conditions, project schedules, scopes of work, site logistics, and other exhibits prepared by Operations.
Ensure project information is properly documented and transferred from the estimate phase to the project budget.
Review and/or manage the review and scope evaluation of specialty contractor bids.
Coordinate technical proposal requirements with the Marketing Department.
Review constructability considerations with operational staff to improve project execution planning.
Maintain and communicate data regarding construction and material cost trends that may impact project costs.
Analyze alternative means and methods to determine the most cost-effective construction solutions.
Develop and maintain effective relationships with customers, design teams, specialty contractors, suppliers, and user groups that reflect company core values and meet or exceed customer expectations.
Manage the preparation and submission of two-step design-build proposals, including Phase 1 qualification packages and Phase 2 technical and cost proposals, ensuring compliance with procurement requirements and best-value criteria.
Lead design development meetings from conceptual pricing through design development phases, coordinating with architects, engineers (A/E), and stakeholders to refine scope, incorporate value engineering, and optimize constructability.
Lead the development and preparation of proposal technical narratives, executive summaries, and qualification statements that clearly articulate the company’s approach, experience, and value proposition.
Develop and maintain comprehensive proposal schedules, including milestone timelines for design, estimating, subcontractor solicitation, and proposal submission deadlines.
Conduct thorough analyses of project risks throughout the pre-construction phase, identifying potential issues (e.g., site conditions, regulatory requirements, subcontractor performance), quantifying associated costs, and incorporating mitigation strategies into estimates and proposals.
Review and prepare proposal deliverables, including bid packages, cost breakdowns, schedules, and supporting documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with client requirements.
Facilitate the development and refinement of project budgets following contract award by collaborating with project managers, operations, and finance to transition estimates into baseline budgets and establish cost control mechanisms.
Perform and oversee self-perform estimating for key construction activities (e.g., earthwork, concrete, structural work), including labor, equipment, and material takeoffs to support accurate composite bids.
Lead internal estimate review meetings with senior management, estimators, operations, and other stakeholders to validate assumptions, resolve discrepancies, and approve final bid amounts.
Manage subcontractors, suppliers, and A/E partners throughout the estimating and proposal process, including solicitation, bid leveling, negotiations, and relationship management to ensure competitive and reliable pricing.
Conduct scope review meetings with the project team to confirm a complete understanding of plans, specifications, and exhibits, identifying ambiguities, exclusions, and necessary clarifications.
Analyze subcontractor and supplier quotations to identify gaps, inconsistencies, scope overlaps or omissions, and associated risks, recommending adjustments to ensure comprehensive coverage within the estimate.
Participate in business development activities and Go/No-Go decision processes by providing early cost modeling, feasibility assessments, risk evaluations, and strategic input to support pursuit decisions.
Oversee the integration of value engineering recommendations into proposals and estimates to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or performance.
Identify permitting and regulatory agencies during the pre-construction phase to determine requirements, timelines, and potential impacts on project cost and schedule.
Mentor and develop Pre-Construction team members, including estimators and coordinators, through training on standardized procedures, software tools, and industry best practices.
Maintain awareness of emerging construction technologies, materials, and market trends to support estimating accuracy and maintain competitive positioning.
Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
Perform other duties as directed.

Benefits

Competitive wages and bonus programs
Mentorship Program designed for employees to formalize a working relationship between seasoned professionals and young professionals to develop specific areas of knowledge to grow their careers within the family of companies.
Tuition reimbursement.
Safety Gear Allowance: $350.00 in reimbursement annually
Health insurance through the Federal Employee Benefit Program (FEHB) with many plans to choose from with ridiculously low employee premiums.
FSA health care and/or dependent care/HSA with HDHP.
Dental and Vision Insurance.
Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.
Company paid Life Insurance, AD&D, LTD.
Voluntary paid Life Insurance and AD&D as well as STD, Accident, Cancer/Critical illness, and Whole Life Insurance.
Paid time off (based on an employee having 2080 paid regular hours per year (40 hours per week). May increase per years of service in eligible status.)
10 Regular Holidays, 1 Bonus – Work Anniversary “Floating” Holiday. Eligible after 1 year of service, must be taken within the calendar year.
401(K) match at $0.50 on the dollar up to 6% of your contribution.