Director of Preconstruction

Chief Estimator / Director of Preconstruction

ICI Construction | General Contracting

Woodstock | Full-Time | Permanent | On-Site

About the Opportunity

Envy Consulting Group is partnering with an established, privately owned general contractor in Southwestern Ontario to recruit an experienced Chief Estimator or Director of Preconstruction.

This is a senior leadership opportunity with a growing construction organization that has an established presence in the ICI sector, a strong pipeline of secured projects, and ambitious plans for continued expansion. With a longstanding senior leader preparing for retirement, our client is looking for someone who can bring both technical estimating expertise and the strategic leadership needed to guide the next phase of growth. We're looking for someone who can lead an experienced team, influence which projects the business pursues, strengthen estimating processes, and contribute to broader business decisions. Depending on experience, the successful candidate may join as Chief Estimator or take on the expanded responsibilities of Director of Preconstruction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor an established team of senior and junior estimators, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional development.
• Oversee estimating activities for commercial, institutional, industrial, and other complex construction projects.
• Develop competitive, accurate estimates while maintaining profitability and managing project risk.
• Partner with executive leadership on bid/no-bid decisions, project selection, pricing strategies, and business development opportunities.
• Lead tender reviews, bid closings, and final estimate approvals.
• Evaluate construction drawings, specifications, subcontractor quotations, and project requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating systems, processes, technology, and departmental performance.
• Collaborate with project management and operations teams to ensure seamless transitions from estimating through construction.
• Support expansion into new markets, project types, and construction delivery models.
• Participate in senior leadership discussions and contribute to the organization's long-term growth strategy.

For candidates considered at the Director of Preconstruction level, responsibilities will also include broader oversight of preconstruction activities, design coordination, and project planning through to mobilization.

Qualifications & Experience

We're interested in speaking with accomplished construction professionals who bring a combination of technical estimating expertise, leadership experience, and commercial judgment.

Ideal candidates will possess:

• 12+ years of progressive estimating experience within the ICI construction sector, preferably with an established general contractor.
• At least 3 years of experience managing or leading estimating professionals.
• Demonstrated success estimating complex commercial, institutional, industrial, or large-scale construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of Construction Management, Lump Sum, and Design-Build delivery models.
• Familiarity with CCDC contracts, tendering processes, and construction risk management.
• Experience overseeing competitive bids, multimillion-dollar estimates, and subcontractor negotiations.
• A proven ability to improve estimating processes, implement best practices, and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• The confidence to challenge assumptions, provide strategic recommendations, and work closely with executive leadership.

Above all, we're looking for a leader who takes ownership, thinks commercially, and can balance technical precision with the bigger picture.

Compensation & Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract an experienced construction leader.

Base Salary:

• Chief Estimator: $190,000–$220,000
• Director of Preconstruction: $225,000–$275,000

Additional Compensation & Benefits:

• Annual performance bonus of up to 25% of base salary
• Vehicle allowance of approximately $12,000 annually or company vehicle
• Employer RRSP contribution of 3%, with no employee matching requirement
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits effective from day one
• 4–5 weeks of paid vacation
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• Opportunity for long-term career advancement and expanded leadership responsibilities

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to join a financially established construction business at an important stage in its evolution. You'll inherit a capable estimating team, work closely with executive decision-makers, and have a genuine voice in shaping how the organization approaches future projects.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence estimating strategy, expand into new construction markets, and help build the next generation of leadership within the department.

For someone who has spent their career developing technical expertise and is ready to make a broader organizational impact, this is an excellent next step.

Candidates open to relocating to Southwestern Ontario are also encouraged to apply.

Interested in Learning More? Envy Consulting Group is managing this search on behalf of our confidential client. If you're an experienced Chief Estimator, Estimating Manager, Director of Estimating, or Preconstruction Director considering your next career move, we'd welcome a confidential conversation. Apply directly through LinkedIn or contact our recruitment team at Envy Consulting Group. All applications and inquiries will be handled with complete confidentiality.