Director of Preconstruction

About the role

You will own the end to end preconstruction execution for ground up tilt up industrial projects in the DFW region, guiding each opportunity from initial client conversations through fully developed budgets and proposals. You will analyze complex drawings and market conditions to produce defensible cost estimates and value engineering strategies that position projects for success. You will partner directly with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to clarify scope, manage risks, and align expectations before construction starts. You will lead the preparation of conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, GMP proposals, and turnover documentation while mentoring team members on best practices. You will monitor labor, material, and subcontractor capacity trends to inform bidding decisions and client discussions. You will coordinate closely with business development and operations teams to ensure alignment during pursuit activities and project transitions. You will take ownership of projects from early concept through construction turnover, ensuring continuity and clarity for all stakeholders. You will represent Uprite professionally while building long term relationships that support repeat business and market expansion.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the preconstruction process for ground up tilt up industrial projects from conceptual budgeting through final proposal and turnover to operations.
• Prepare conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, GMP proposals, and value engineering options that address client constraints and project risks.
• Develop complete estimates for tilt up concrete panels, structural steel, roofing, foundations, civil work, utilities, paving, site lighting, and interior buildouts.
• Analyze architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings to identify scope gaps, risks, constructability concerns, and cost opportunities.
• Understand tilt up construction sequencing, panel design, panel erection, temporary bracing, structural coordination, and related safety considerations.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier proposals to ensure competitive and reliable pricing.
• Develop detailed scopes of work and ensure complete subcontractor coverage for each bid package.
• Lead scope reviews, bid comparisons, budget reconciliations, and subcontractor selection discussions with internal stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, engineers, and consultants.
• Participate in design meetings and provide cost, schedule, and constructability feedback throughout project development.
• Partner with Business Development and Operations during client presentations, interviews, and project pursuits.
• Identify project risks and recommend practical solutions before construction begins.
• Monitor labor conditions, material pricing, subcontractor capacity, and market trends throughout the DFW region.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Superintendents to ensure a complete and organized transition into construction.
• Support and mentor estimators and other members of the preconstruction team.
• Represent Uprite professionally while developing long term relationships with clients and industry partners.
• Drive proactive communication and documentation practices that reduce ambiguity and support decision making.
• Use historical data and market benchmarks to continuously improve estimating accuracy and proposal quality.
• Coordinate with procurement and scheduling teams to align subcontractor timelines with project needs.
• Maintain organized project records that support future planning, audits, and knowledge transfer.

Requirements

• Five or more years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience.
• Proven ground up tilt up industrial construction experience is required.
• Experience estimating large industrial, warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, or logistics facilities.
• Strong understanding of tilt up concrete construction, structural systems, civil work, site development, and interior scopes.
• Experience preparing conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, GMP proposals, and value engineering options.
• Ability to independently estimate a complete ground up tilt up industrial project.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings.
• Experience managing multiple projects and pursuits in different stages of preconstruction.
• Strong knowledge of subcontractor procurement, bid leveling, scope development, and risk assessment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client and subcontractor interactions.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross functional teams in a professional setting.
• Willingness to travel regionally for project visits, owner meetings, and industry events as needed.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills to prepare clear and concise project documentation.
• Commitment to maintaining client and subcontractor confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet firm deadlines in a fast paced environment.
• Understanding of project management tools, estimating software, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Willingness to adhere to Uprite Construction policies, safety standards, and quality procedures.
• Demonstrated reliability and integrity in managing sensitive project information.
• Compliance with employment eligibility and work authorization requirements as defined by applicable law.

Nice to have

Preferred experience with project management information systems and estimating platforms.

Preferred background in multiple project types within industrial and logistics sectors.

Preferred familiarity with regional DFW subcontractor capabilities and market conditions.

Preferred experience supporting business development activities during pursuit and proposal phases.

Preferred understanding of lean construction principles and value engineering methodologies.

Preferred experience mentoring junior estimators or leading cross functional preconstruction reviews.

Practical notes

This role requires regional travel to project sites, owner meetings, and subcontractor interviews as needed.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship for this position.

Uprite Construction does not accept resumes from third party agencies for this role, and no fees are paid for unsolicited referrals.