Director of Pre-Construction (Structural Steel)

Location: Pilot Point, Texas
Salary Range: $115,000 – $130,000 / year + Bonus
Benefits: 401(k) with matching, PTO, Medical benefits

About the Role

We are seeking a driven, highly skilled Director of Pre-Construction to lead the estimating and bidding efforts for a specialized structural steel fabrication and erection firm based in North Texas. In this role, you will supervise a small team (3–4 direct reports) and serve as the go-to leader for all preconstruction activities. Estimating is the top priority — we expect this person to bring deep expertise in structural steel takeoffs, margin control, bid sourcing, and managing the bidding process from start to finish.

This is a high-impact role where you will work with autonomy, set standards for urgency and accountability, and help scale the preconstruction function to drive profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a preconstruction team (3–4 staff), providing coaching, performance feedback, and training

• Oversee all structural steel estimating and takeoff processes; ensure accuracy, thoroughness, and competitiveness

• Develop, maintain, and enforce margin targets and cost control strategies

• Identify and pursue bid opportunities in structural steel in our target markets

• Manage the full bidding process: RFP review, scope clarification, subcontractor solicitation, bid compilation, value engineering, and proposal delivery

• Analyze project plans, specifications, and drawings; develop cost models, material schedules, and quantity takeoffs

• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, detailing, fabrication, field, and sales teams to validate assumptions and drive constructability

• Drive continuous process improvements in estimating, workflows, tools, and departmental standards

• Provide regular reporting on bid pipelines, win/loss results, margin variance, and forecasting

• Serve as an escalation point for complex estimating challenges, risk mitigation, and proposal strategy

• Ensure smooth hand-off of awarded jobs to project execution teams and support early-stage startup as needed

• Exhibit a strong sense of urgency, self-motivation, and accountability — you will be expected to work independently and make decisions quickly

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of direct experience in structural steel estimating (takeoffs, cost modeling, proposals)

• Proven track record of managing and leading a small estimating/preconstruction group

• Deep understanding of structural steel fabrication, erection, detailing, and shop/field coordination

• Strong ability to control margins, assess risk, and handle bid-to-execution transition

• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and comfort with calculating complex cost estimates

• Demonstrated ability to source and manage subcontractor bids, vendor relationships, and supplier pricing

• Experience operating independently, making high-impact decisions, and thriving in a dynamic environment

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel especially), takeoff/estimating software, and ability to learn proprietary systems

• Experience interpreting structural drawings, specifications, and design documents

• A proactive problem-solver, able to anticipate issues and respond quickly

Ideal Attributes

• You bring a strong bias for action: you don’t wait for direction

• You have confidence in your estimating judgement, but also collaborate when needed

• You are results-oriented, deadline-driven, and maintain composure under pressure

• You are motivated by ownership, responsibility, and seeing your team and function grow

• You are comfortable with ambiguity and can develop structure where things are not yet defined

What’s in It for You

• Competitive base salary plus bonus opportunity

• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, etc.)

• 401(k) plan with employer matching

• Paid time off and holidays

• Leadership role in a well-established structural steel fabrication business

• A collaborative, fast-paced environment where your contributions will be highly visible

• Opportunity to lead/process improvements and have a measurable impact on profitability

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you send a resume to bmcivor@talentsphere.ca or confidentially call me at 469 498 2002 ext 748. I look forward to speaking with you.

Job# 16815535
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