Senior Preconstruction Manager / Estimator

Senior Preconstruction Manager / Estimator
Location: Roseville, CA OR Emeryville, CA
Salary Range: $140,000 to $170,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Job Type: Full-Time | Exempt | In-Person
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Preconstruction Manager/Estimator leads and assists with CORE’s most complex and highest value public sector pursuits and preconstruction assignments, including K through 12, higher education, and civic/municipal projects delivered via progressive design build, lease leaseback, and CM at Risk. Reporting to the Director of Preconstruction, this role owns the full preconstruction lifecycle from early concept and master planning through GMP execution and subcontractor buyout, serves as the primary preconstruction point of contact for owners and design partners, and provides technical leadership and mentorship to project estimators and preconstruction staff. This is a senior, client facing role requiring executive level communication, sound commercial judgment, and the ability to manage multiple concurrent pursuits and complex risk profiles across a multi office region. Success in this role depends on close teamwork and a servant leadership mindset applied to every interaction.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Own preconstruction strategy and execution on CORE’s largest and most complex public sector pursuits, from early master planning/concept through GMP and subcontractor buyout
Serve as primary preconstruction lead and client point of contact, building and maintaining long term owner and design partner relationships
Direct and provide quality control for detailed scope development, unit rate pricing, and line item cost estimating produced by project estimators; provide final review and sign off on GMP packages
Lead subcontractor solicitation, bid review, negotiation, and buyout strategy on high value and high risk trade packages
Identify, quantify, and proactively manage project risk across cost, schedule, constructability, and scope; develop and present mitigation strategies to leadership and ownership
Lead constructability reviews, value engineering workshops, and design phase problem solving to protect project budgets and schedules
Mentor, train, and provide technical oversight to preconstruction managers, estimators, and coordinators; support their professional development
Significantly contribute to major pursuit and proposal efforts, including cost strategy, interview participation, and client presentations
Partner with the Director of Preconstruction on department standards, estimating processes, and continuous improvement initiatives
Maintain accurate, organized project files, cost databases, and estimate documentation within CORE’s standard systems (e.g., Destini, Smartsheet)
Ensure rigorous compliance with California public contract law, DSA/HCAI requirements, prevailing wage, and skilled and trained workforce rules across assigned projects
Collaborate with preconstruction and construction operations team members, and work effectively within a close team environment
Travel as needed, primarily within the Sacramento/Roseville region, with periodic travel to support Bay Area and rural Northern California project assignments
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
10+ years of progressive experience in construction estimating and preconstruction management with a general contractor, construction manager, or design build firm, including demonstrated leadership of preconstruction on complex, high value projects
Demonstrated track record scoping and estimating projects from concept/master planning through construction documents on public sector work
Substantial hands on experience with progressive design build, lease leaseback, and/or CM at Risk delivery, including leading GMP development and negotiation
Strong, verifiable track record on California public sector projects, including K through 12, higher education, and/or civic/municipal, required
Demonstrated leadership of subcontractor solicitation, bid review, negotiation, and buyout on complex, multi package projects
Experience mentoring, training, or technically leading junior estimators and preconstruction staff
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to lead client and design team meetings and presentations at an executive level
Working knowledge of California public contract law, prevailing wage requirements, skilled and trained workforce rules, and the DSA/HCAI review process
Proficiency with standard estimating and project tools (Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Project, Excel); experience with Destini (Beck Technology) is highly desired but not required
Valid California driver’s license and the ability to travel as needed within Northern California
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
CORE COMPETENCIES
Confident, organized self starter with a strong work ethic and high personal accountability
Team oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively across offices, disciplines, and project delivery teams
Sound analytical and problem solving skills; exercises good judgment under deadline pressure
High attention to detail and accuracy in cost estimating, scope documentation, and correspondence
Ability to identify and manage project risk through constructability review, scheduling awareness, and proactive problem solving
Ability to manage multiple concurrent pursuits and active preconstruction assignments simultaneously
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
Primarily an in office role based at CORE’s Roseville, CA or Emeryville, CA office; this is not a remote position
Occasional site visits to active project sites and design meetings; may require walking active construction sites, climbing stairs/ladders, and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working at a computer
Occasional local and regional travel, including day trips and occasional overnight travel to support Bay Area and rural Northern California projects
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Benefits Options include: Medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA, life and disability insurance
Additional Benefits Paid time off, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, CCG Perks; Employee Assistance Program, Basic Life and Long-term disability at no charge to employee
Retirement 401(k) retirement plan with company match options
Equipment Company provided cell phone or monthly cell reimbursement, laptop, and all necessary hardware, software, and job related tools
Travel Costs Gas covered for work related travel; no company vehicle is provided
Work Arrangement