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

•       Bachelor's 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 driver's 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.