How does a Chief Estimator differ from a Preconstruction Director?
A Chief Estimator may lead estimating work, while a Preconstruction Director may oversee a wider early-project function. We clarify how each employer defines the role.
On standard fee agreements.
Direct-search construction recruiting
Chief Estimator and Preconstruction Director Recruiters
Recruit Chief Estimators and Preconstruction Directors to lead bid strategy, estimating teams and early project planning for construction firms.
We won't waste your time with candidates that don't make sense. We don't cut corners, and we don't rely on job postings. We headhunt.
Construction HeadhuntersWe don't post jobs. We headhunt.
- Elite construction recruiters
- No fee unless you hire
- Local and 100% travel candidates
- GCs, developers and construction managers
Start the search
Tell us who you need.
Share the essentials. We will follow up to understand the work, the team and the person who will make a difference.
No upfront fee. You pay only if you hire.
The search brief
Chief Estimators and Preconstruction Directors shape how a company evaluates, prices and plans upcoming work. We recruit senior estimating leaders for contractors and owners with distinct preconstruction responsibilities.
A direct route to the right hire
How it works.
- 01
Tell us the role
Share the position, location and what the hire needs to own.
- 02
We send vetted candidates
We approach and qualify construction professionals before making introductions.
- 03
Pay only if you hire
A fee is due only for a qualifying placement under the recruiting agreement.
Our approach
Lead estimating and preconstruction
We recruit Chief Estimators, Preconstruction Directors and Preconstruction Managers who oversee teams, bid processes and early project planning. The brief distinguishes technical estimating leadership from broader pursuit or company operations roles, and establishes whether the manager owns pursuits, budgets, design coordination or estimating.
Our approach
Assess the scope and project mix
We discuss delivery methods, estimate types, scope coverage, team leadership, constructability, conceptual budgeting and the role's relationship with operations and business development. Candidates are considered for experience with the projects and clients the employer serves.
Our approach
Local and traveling leadership talent
Our network includes local estimating and preconstruction leaders and professionals willing to travel 100% for work. We clarify office, project, bid-team and travel expectations with the employer before introductions.
The people behind the work
Roles we focus on.
- Chief Estimator
- Preconstruction Director
- Director of Preconstruction
- Chief Preconstruction Officer
- Estimating Director
- Preconstruction Manager
- Senior Preconstruction Manager
Representative searches
Sample Positions Filled.
The kind of construction leadership we know how to find.
- Chief Estimator, Commercial Construction
- Preconstruction Director, Healthcare Construction
- Chief Estimator, Heavy Civil Construction
- Director of Preconstruction, Industrial Construction
- Preconstruction Manager, Multifamily Construction
- Estimating Director, Water and Wastewater
- Preconstruction Manager, Aviation Construction
- Traveling Chief Estimator, Utility Construction
Good questions
Frequently asked questions.
What do you evaluate in senior estimating candidates?
We discuss project and delivery backgrounds, estimate scope, team leadership and bid responsibilities. Candidate experience is matched to the company's work and process.
Can you recruit a leader for a specific construction market?
Yes. Searches can focus on commercial, civil, industrial or other project experience. The employer's portfolio and preconstruction needs guide outreach.
Do you recruit traveling Chief Estimators?
Yes. We consider local professionals and candidates willing to travel to support project or estimating teams. Location and travel expectations are confirmed before introductions.
What are the recruiting fee terms?
The signed recruiting agreement sets the applicable fee and terms. No professional fee is due for a standard contingency search unless we place a candidate you hire.
Do you recruit Preconstruction Managers and Estimators?
Yes. We recruit Preconstruction Managers, junior and senior Estimators and senior preconstruction leaders. Role scope is confirmed, including responsibility for estimating, design coordination, constructability, budgeting or pursuit planning.
Start a conversation
Tell us about the position you cannot afford to leave open.
We won't waste your time with candidates that don't make sense. We don't cut corners, and we don't rely on job postings. We headhunt.
From the field, ready now
Available now in construction.
Every profile is presented without identifying details. Introductions are handled privately by our team.
How it works
A direct path to the right construction hire.
Construction recruitment is all we do. We are construction recruitment experts for GCs, developers, CMs and owners hiring field and office talent.
Tell us who you need
Share the position, location, and essential requirements. We will clarify the brief with you.
We headhunt construction talent
Our experts map the market and directly approach relevant professionals, including people not looking at job postings.
Meet a focused shortlist
We qualify experience and interest before presenting candidates with useful context for your decision.
Relocation and travel
Relocation Placements
Over the last few years we've filled more and more positions with candidates willing to relocate on their own, or with minimal initial relocation help from the client. We always fill with local candidates when possible. But relocation placements are a specialty of ours, and we know how to make them work for clients who are committed to filling the position.
Placement protection
12-month replacement guarantee
On standard (non-reduced) fee agreements, every placement comes with a 3-month free candidate replacement guarantee. From months 4 to 12, we'll still replace the candidate at half off. That's a full year of coverage. We've never needed to use the extended guarantee.
Extended coverage applies to eligible placements billed and paid at the full standard fee under the signed client recruiting agreement.
Three-Month Free Replacement
If a placement billed and paid at the full standard fee separates for a qualifying reason within the first three months, Construction Headhunters will conduct one replacement search for the same or substantially similar position at no additional professional recruiting fee.
Months Four Through Twelve: Half-Fee Replacement
If the hire separates during months four through twelve, the client receives one replacement at half the standard professional fee. Applies only to original placements billed and paid at the full standard fee.
Eligibility, exclusions, notification requirements, payment requirements, and replacement terms are governed by the signed client recruiting agreement.
What does the 12-month replacement guarantee include?
On standard (non-reduced) fee agreements, every placement comes with a 3-month free candidate replacement guarantee. From months 4 to 12, we'll still replace the candidate at half off. That's a full year of coverage. We've never needed to use the extended guarantee.
Eligibility, exclusions, notification requirements, payment requirements, and replacement terms are governed by the signed client recruiting agreement.