Job Title: Estimator / Preconstruction Manager (Ground-Up Projects & Large Scale Office-to-Residential Conversions)

Location: New York City

Salary: $150K - $200K

Please Note: Must have ground-up project experience

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Estimator to join a Tier One General Contractor in New York City. We need a preconstruction leader who can evaluate each project fully and bring discipline, clarity, and structure to the front end of the construction process, working within complex ground-up developments and office-to-residential conversions in all boroughs in New York City.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the preconstruction lifecycle, ensuring that project intent is translated into well-defined pricing, executable scopes, aligned procurement strategies, and true construction readiness.

You will operate as a key connector between design, operations, and finance—setting the foundation for successful project delivery in a fast-paced, detail-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction Leadership

Understand the full scope of each project from early concept through construction execution
Define and validate scope boundaries at a detailed, trade-by-trade level across ground-up and conversion projects
Establish clarity, completeness, and accountability within all bids and proposals
Develop and maintain scalable estimating and preconstruction systems to drive consistency and accuracy

Estimating & Cost Planning

Produce accurate estimates across all phases: conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents
Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and pricing analysis for complex urban construction conditions
Account for unique challenges in office-to-residential conversions (e.g., structural modifications, MEP retrofits, code compliance, façade upgrades)
Continuously refine cost benchmarks and historical data to improve forecasting accuracy

Bid Management & Scope Development

Break down project scopes into comprehensive, levelable bid packages for subcontractors and vendors
Lead the full bid process: distribution, walkthroughs, RFIs, clarifications, bid leveling, and award recommendations
Ensure full bid coverage and eliminate scope gaps or overlaps
Write clear, enforceable scopes of work aligned with project requirements

Procurement & Buyout

Develop procurement strategies aligned with project schedules and logistics constraints in NYC
Lead subcontractor and vendor buyout processes with a focus on risk mitigation and value optimization
Maintain procurement logs, including long-lead item tracking, submittal timelines, and delivery coordination
Understand and manage how bids translate into contracts, logistics planning, and execution risk

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Finance teams to ensure continuity from estimate to budget to execution
Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to align scope, design intent, and constructability
Support project handoff by ensuring full clarity of scope, assumptions, and procurement status

Qualifications

5–7+ years of direct estimating or preconstruction experience within the NYC construction market
Experience with ground-up construction and/or office-to-residential conversion projects required
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (preferred)
Strong trade knowledge across structural systems, demolition, interiors, finishes, MEP systems, façade work, waterproofing, and specialty scopes
Proven ability to write detailed scopes and manage bid coverage—not just collect pricing
Deep understanding of procurement processes, subcontracting, and construction logistics in dense urban environments
Familiarity with NYC building codes, permitting processes, and construction constraints is a strong plus
Proficiency with tools such as Bluebeam, Excel, Procore, or similar platforms
Strong understanding of CSI divisions and cost coding structures (required)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead discussions across technical and non-technical stakeholders

Why Join Us

Competitive salary aligned with experience
Comprehensive benefits package
Consistent pipeline of active and upcoming projects across ground-up and conversion work
Collaborative, high-performance team environment with real ownership and impact - can help leave your mark on each project.

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Estimator / Preconstruction Manager

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