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.
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.
For employers hiring talent. This 15-minute call is for companies discussing a hiring need. Candidates: submit your profile and resume here.
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 basics. We will call to talk through the job.
No finished job description needed. Ivan or a senior teammate will help you work through the details.
Prefer a conversation? Book a 15-minute employer callFor employers hiring talent. This 15-minute call is for companies discussing a hiring need. Candidates: submit your profile and resume here.
Or call 954-758-9593.
For a standard contingency search, there is no upfront recruiting fee. You pay only if you hire under the signed agreement.
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
Hiring examples
Examples of roles we recruit.
Use these sample roles to describe the title, project type and location you need.
- 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.
Book a 15-minute employer callFor employers hiring talent. This 15-minute call is for companies discussing a hiring need. Candidates: submit your profile and resume here.
Public candidate profiles
Available now in construction.
Every profile is presented without identifying details. We confirm current interest and fit before arranging a private introduction.
How it works
How we fill your job.
Four steps, run by Ivan or a senior teammate.
Tell us who you need
We talk through the job, the projects, location, pay and why someone good would want it.
We find and speak with candidates
We call people with the right experience, including many who are not applying for jobs.
You meet the strongest matches
You get a short list with notes on each person. We set up interviews and share feedback.
We help you complete the hire
We help with the offer, counteroffers, notice and start date.
Relocation and travel
Location is part of the search.
We look locally first and discuss whether relocation or travel makes sense. A traveling superintendent's rotation, a PM's family move and a local commute are different decisions. We cover relocation help, per diem and timing before you meet anyone, not at the offer.
Placement protection
Candidate replacement guarantee
How long is the candidate replacement guarantee?
We offer a candidate replacement guarantee on standard search agreements. The applicable period and exact terms are set out in the signed client recruiting agreement.
Eligibility, exclusions, notification requirements, payment requirements, and replacement terms are governed by the signed client recruiting agreement.