Preconstruction Project Manager I - Self Perform

With offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, Pepper Construction is a national general contracting and construction management firm that primarily serves the private sector. Pepper Construction provides clients the experience and resources of a national company, combined with the hands-on approach of a local company.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Commercial Construction Estimator with self-perform experience to join our Preconstruction Team. This position is responsible for leading estimates, typically in the $1M to $5M range but also up to $15M-$20M, including conceptual budgets and hard bid proposals. The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of building systems and self-perform trades, including concrete, masonry, steel erection, rough and finish carpentry, doors/frames/hardware install, metal stud framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, and Division 10 specialties. The estimator will coordinate closely with project managers, superintendents, and subcontractors to ensure accurate and competitive bids that align with the company's strategic goals.

Key responsibilities include preparing detailed quantity takeoffs, analyzing plans and specifications, attending site visits to analyze existing conditions, and developing complete cost estimates across multiple trades. This role also involves leading budgeting efforts through various phases of design, identifying value engineering opportunities, and assisting with project buyout strategies. The successful candidate will have strong communication and leadership skills, an analytical mindset, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Experience with estimating software and a solid understanding of construction means and methods are essential. Safety is the number one priority at Pepper Construction and this position is expected to promote and exemplify safe work practices and ensure safety is appropriately budgeted in every project

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Preconstruction Management/Estimating:

Strategic Projects - Lead turnkey estimates direct to our clients

Self-Perform - Lead estimates for self-perform bid packages to our internal CM team

Perform detailed quantity take-offs

Develop detailed pricing

Detailed scope analysis and bid leveling from our subcontractors

Build detailed scopes of work, by trade, and communicate with our trade partners to receive complete budgets and bid proposals

Properly analyze labor productivity rates for each of our self-perform scopes

Execute and effectively communicate Value Engineering/Value Analysis to owner

Properly analyze risks and include appropriate contingencies and escalations

Create conceptual estimates from limited information

Leadership:

Lead by building relationships, motivating others, providing clear and concise direction, and demonstrating cooperative teamwork

Clearly communicate, at all levels internally and externally, both in writing and in conversation

Provide timely training and guidance and serve as a mentor to less experienced team members

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

B.S. in Construction Management, Engineering, or related technical area

5-15+ years' experience preferred with at least 3 years in self-perform work

Prior experience in a Preconstruction role with projects up to $10 million

Proficient in estimating software (Destini Estimator, Win-Est, MC2, Excel, Quick Bid, Etc.)

Skilled in digital take-off tools (Bluebeam Revu, On-Screen Take-Off, PlanSwift, Construct Connect, Etc.)

Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.

Pepper Construction is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Pepper Construction to recruit, hire, train and promote, into all job classifications, the most qualified p