Job Title: Preconstruction ManagerJob Description
The Preconstruction Manager oversees the estimating function across commercial, renewables, and industrial projects, leading the development of accurate and competitive cost estimates. This role combines strategic planning, team leadership, and cross-functional coordination to ensure high-quality bid proposals and efficient preconstruction processes. The Preconstruction Manager drives continuous improvement in estimating practices, technology adoption, and vendor relationships to support successful project delivery.
Responsibilities
Lead and manage the estimating team, including hiring, training, mentoring, and evaluating staff performance.
Allocate project assignments within the estimating team and ensure appropriate resources are available to complete estimates accurately and on time.
Develop, implement, and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and standards to improve efficiency, consistency, and accuracy in estimating.
Oversee the preparation of detailed cost estimates for commercial, renewables, and industrial projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and other related expenses.
Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to gather all necessary information and clarifications for bid proposals.
Review and approve estimates and proposals prepared by the estimating team, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and competitiveness.
Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, market conditions, and cost data to support competitive and realistic pricing strategies.
Develop and manage relationships with vendors and subcontractors to obtain favorable pricing, reliable quotes, and strong service agreements.
Identify, implement, and optimize software and technology solutions to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the estimating process.
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and internal company standards throughout the estimating and preconstruction processes.
Analyze project outcomes and estimate performance to identify variances and opportunities for improvement in future estimates.
Promote cross-training within the division so team members understand all facets of the department and can provide coverage for absent colleagues.
Continuously expand responsibilities and scope within the division by taking on new initiatives and supporting broader organizational goals.
Coordinate with other departments to align preconstruction activities with project execution, scheduling, and resource planning.
Essential Skills
Proven experience in preconstruction management or estimating within commercial, renewables, or industrial construction environments.
Strong background in electrical construction and related systems, including familiarity with electrical circuits and MEP coordination.
Demonstrated proficiency in preparing detailed cost estimates, including materials, labor, equipment, and indirect costs.
Hands-on experience with estimating software, particularly Accubid, for electrical and MEP estimating.
Ability to lead and supervise an estimating team, including hiring, training, and performance management.
Experience in preconstruction supervision, including oversight of bid preparation and proposal development.
Knowledge of data center construction and other complex commercial or industrial projects.
Ability to read, interpret, and analyze blueprints and construction documents.
Strong understanding of bidding processes, proposal development, and competitive pricing strategies.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to evaluate project outcomes and improve estimating practices.
Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with project managers, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors.
Ability to develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and standards.
Comfort with adopting and implementing technology solutions to streamline estimating processes.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience coordinating with vendors and subcontractors to secure competitive pricing and favorable terms.
background in commercial construction with exposure to renewables and industrial project @types.
Familiarity with industry trends, market pricing, and best practices in preconstruction and estimating.
Experience working on data center or other mission-critical facility projects.
Demonstrated ability to cross-train and support multiple functions within a division.
Interest in continuous professional development and willingness to expand responsibilities over time.
Work Environment
This role operates in a fully remote work environment, providing flexibility in daily work location while maintaining strong collaboration with project teams and the estimating department. The position may require occasional travel to project sites, client meetings, and industry conferences, with frequency and duration varying based on project and organizational needs. Periodic travel to company headquarters or job sites is preferred every few months to support relationship-building, coordination, and on-site review of projects. Work is primarily computer-based, using estimating software and digital construction documents, with regular virtual meetings and coordination sessions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
