Estimating and Preconstruction Manager
WHY JOIN BALLARD MARINE CONSTRUCTION?
Ballard Marine Construction is a specialty marine and underwater contractor based in Washougal, WA, with regional offices and projects throughout North America.
Why join Ballard? It’s simple. You get to work on amazing technical projects with likeminded team members. The Ballard culture is second to none, and because of that we are incredibly protective and particular on who we invite onto the team. We have a unique culture of true excellence; we hold each other accountable from our newest interns and engineers to our most senior leaders. You will always go to work knowing that everyone you are working with cares as much as you do and is working hard to reach common goals. You will get out of it what you put into it. Ballard is an amazing place to work and if what we’ve said resonates with you, you just might be right for us!
Job Summary:
The Estimating and Preconstruction Manager will lead and oversee Western Region preconstruction activities and turnover for our specialized construction projects. Additionally, this role will collaborate with the Chief Estimator managing all Western Region estimates. This position will be responsible for implementing and standardizing best practices in project assessment, estimating, planning, scheduling, and cost-control throughout the Western Region. The role will focus on developing and refining strategies to improve project efficiency, reduce risk, and ensure financial and operational success.
The individual in this role must be a strategic thinker, providing guidance for the long-term success of Ballard, while ensuring tactical and technical throughput through self-directed work and effectively deploying resources to accomplish department goals. Using effective communication, collaboration and time management, this position provides internal counsel to the Executive Leadership Team and Operations.
This position has direct line reporting to the Chief Estimator, while strong accountability to the VP of Western Region Operations.
Ideal Candidate:
Core Attributes:
· Grit and Resiliency - We dig deep to figure out how to make things happen no matter how impossible it seems. We never give up. We take on challenges that nobody else can; or will.
· Comradery and Inspirational - We are a hard-working team of likeminded individuals working toward a common goal. We regularly celebrate wins and like to have fun whether at work or at play. We come together each day looking for ways to instill life and energy into the world around us.
· Driven and Competitive - We love competition. We love to win and love to learn when we lose. Not getting the job done is not an option. We are obsessed with doing our best and we do what it takes to win.
· Trustworthy and Respectful - We are passionate about honesty, authenticity and transparency. No lies. No drama. No politics. We value constructive conflict and ensure that even in conflict we treat others with respect.
· Ownership and Accountability - When something goes wrong, we first “look in the mirror” before we “look out the window”. We ask “what could I have done differently?” and then we share lessons learned. Regularly challenging ourselves and those around us to be better is a way of life. “Me first” belongs here.
Education:
· Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, or a related field (PE License preferred)
Experience:
· 10+ years of experience in pre-construction, estimating, or project management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
· Proven track record of leading preconstruction efforts for complex and high-value projects, preferably in highly specialized or international markets
· Experience in risk management, financial analysis, and contract negotiation Skills:
· Deep knowledge of construction estimating software, project management systems, and industry best practices
Skills:
· Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills
· Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
· Strategic thinker with a strong understanding of market dynamics and project risks
· Proactive and solutions-oriented, with a focus on continuous improvement
· Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong analytical skills
· Collaborative and able to work across departments and with diverse teams
Responsibilities:
· Collaborate with the Director of Engineering and Operational Leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive and standardized preconstruction strategy that aligns with the company’s business objectives and growth goals.
· Enforce standardized preconstruction practices and processes to ensure consistency and effectiveness across all projects.
· Lead a team of operations, estimating, and preconstruction professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
Estimating & Cost Control:
· Focus on collaboration with Chief Estimator to optimize the estimating process, ensuring that bids are;
o Accurate, competitive, and based on reliable data and historical performance metrics. Set up in a manner to translate to a budget to build reliable historical cost and productivity data.
o Leverage internal and external resources to devise appropriate means and methods and benchmark costs and utilize comprehensive cost history databases.
o Establish controls to maintain cost efficiency and minimize profit fade by using best-in-class estimating software and tools.
Preconstruction Operations:
· Collaborate with Operational Leadership and the Director of Engineering on a standardized process to transition projects from estimating to operations, ensuring seamless turnover and operational readiness for project execution.
· Develop, audit review, and approve all major preconstruction deliverables, including budgets, schedules, and risk assessments.
· Collaborate with operations teams to monitor ongoing projects and refine future preconstruction practices based on lessons learned.
· Collaborate with operational leadership, the business ops analyst and managers for comprehensive cost tracking system and dashboard to allow project teams to perform best in class cost analysis; ensuring operations is able to consistently have timely and accurate project financial data.
· Mentor field engineers, project controls, managers, cost engineers, and business managers on best-in-class project cost tracking, and analysis.
**Project Assessment & Risk Management: **
· Oversee project risk assessment and evaluation processes within the Western Region, identifying potential challenges early and developing mitigation strategies.
· Collaborate with executive leadership to determine project feasibility and go/no-go decisions based on thorough assessments.
· Enhance and enforce high-risk project programs set up to ensure the company is well prepared for complex or unconventional projects.
**Planning & Scheduling: **
· Implement effective planning and scheduling protocols to optimize resource allocation and project timelines.
· Ensure that project plans are realistic, detailed, and aligned with operational capabilities and client expectations.
· Develop contingency plans for project delays or disruptions and oversee the implementation of recovery strategies.
Subcontractor Management & Engagement:
· Collaborate with CRL and Operational Leadership to standardize subcontractor engagement processes, from pre-qualification to contract negotiation and performance monitoring.
· Enhance Ballard’s competitive edge through subcontractor/vendor relationships and prudent utilization via effective relationship and subcontractor/vendor database development.
Collaboration & Communication:
· Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including engineering, business development project management, and clients, to align pre-construction efforts with overall project goals.
· Act as a key representative for the company in client interviews/meetings, project kickoffs, and industry events. Be externally facing as required to meet Ballard’s performance goals and development of pursuit plans and lead proposal efforts leveraging departmental resources.
Physical Demands Working Environment:
· Work is generally performed while standing or sitting, in an office environment, with a computer and telephone.
· At times, work may be performed at a job site where additional training, certification(s), and clearances may be needed to comply with jobsite requirements.
· Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
Benefits:
Ballard offers a comprehensive benefits package and provides a culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD, STD, PTO, 401K Plan with employer match, paid holidays, and so much more!!
Salary Range:
· $130K - $160K
· Pay is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
EEO Statement:
Ballard Marine Construction, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or veteran status. A reasonable accommodation will be considered for qualified individuals with a disability if it does not create an undue hardship for the Company, consistent with the ADA as amended.
Required Skills
Required Experience