Preconstruction Manager/Estimator

Burlington, Washington, United States | Full-time

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TRICO Companies, LLC is seeking a full-time Preconstruction Manager/Estimator to join our team in Burlington, Washington. 

About TRICO

For over 45 years, TRICO has established itself as a trusted leader in the construction industry by delivering innovative, timely, and cost-effective solutions. Founded in 1979, we have built our reputation on our commitment to excellence, integrity, and customer satisfaction.

Our expertise spans industries such as food processing, industrial & manufacturing, medical, service and commercial construction. Whether it's a complex cold storage facility or a professional office building, we bring passion, perseverance, and unwavering focus to every project.

Join us and be part of a company that believes in empowering its people, fostering inclusive collaboration, and championing innovation.

 What We Offer at TRICO

At TRICO, we believe in investing in our team members and offering a supportive, rewarding environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally. Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:

  • Competitive Compensation – We offer a pay structure that reflects your skills, experience, and contribution.
  • Comprehensive Healthcare – Enjoy free employee medical coverage, plus access to a full healthcare package.
  • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) – Receive up to $1,000 annually to cover additional healthcare expenses.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan – With up to 4% employer matching and immediate vesting to help you plan for your future.
  • Life and Disability Insurance – Providing financial protection for you and your loved ones.
  • Sick Pay & Paid Time Off (PTO) – A Sick Pay & PTO plan that ensures you can take time for yourself.
  • 9 Paid Holidays – Celebrate and recharge with designated time off for holidays.
  • Performance Bonus – Be rewarded for your entrepreneurial spirit, effectiveness, and contributions to success.
  • Training and development – We offer in-house training from experts in our industry each month, as well as support for additional professional development to help you thrive in your career.
  • Networking Bonus – Receive up to $750 annually to contribute to charitable causes and make a meaningful impact in your community.
  • Ownership Opportunities – Become part of TRICO’s future with the potential for ownership.

And more! If you're enthusiastic about what you do and believe in building something bigger than yourself, then TRICO is your place.

Position Summary

Preconstruction Manager/Estimator will play a critical role in the successful acquisition and delivery of TRICO construction projects. This position combines the expertise of an Estimator and Preconstruction Manager, requiring a deep understanding of both disciplines.

The Preconstruction Manager/Estimator will be responsible for the full spectrum of preconstruction activities, from initial project conceptualization to contract award. This includes developing accurate cost estimates, helping craft winning proposals, managing the bid process, coordinating with subcontractors and suppliers, and ensuring project feasibility and alignment with client goals.

This position reports directly to the Director of Business Development while maintaining close collaboration with Business Unit Leaders. The Preconstruction Manager/Estimator is pivotal in TRICO’s mission of “Building Beyond the Building” by ensuring project success from inception to execution and contributing to long-term growth.

Duties & Responsibilities

Estimating & Cost Control

  • Develop detailed and accurate cost estimates for all phases of construction projects, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs.
  • Conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses and value engineering exercises to optimize project budgets.
  • Prepare and analyze bid packages, including scopes of work, specifications, and drawings.
  • Evaluate subcontractor bids, negotiate contracts, and manage subcontractor relationships.
  • Serve as the Bid Captain, leading bid teams to acquire work.
  • Maintain and improve cost databases and estimating tools.

Preconstruction Planning & Management

  • Lead feasibility studies and constructability reviews.
  • Develop and manage comprehensive preconstruction schedules, including key milestones and deliverables.
  • Coordinate with architects, engineers, and project stakeholders to ensure smooth project progression.
  • Obtain necessary permits, approvals, and licenses.
  • Oversee the design-build preconstruction process and ensure alignment with client goals.
  • Drive Go/No-Go decisions and integrate into business development meetings and plans.
  • Collaborate with Business Unit Leaders to meet specific project targets and leverage team resources. 

Client & Team Relations

  • Act as the primary point of contact for clients during the feasibility and preconstruction phases, driving client engagement, satisfaction and retention.
  • Collaborate with TRICO’s VDC/BIM team to support bidding and preconstruction tasks to meet client needs. 
  • Facilitate effective communication of project progress, address client concerns, manage expectations and offer solutions.
  • Build and maintain strong client relationships, especially in tapping new markets while continuing to support food/manufacturing and commercial sectors.
  • Work with the Director of Business Development to identify opportunities, win work, and grow TRICO’s market presence.
  • Successfully transition preconstruction projects to the project management team.

Mentorship & Team Development

  • Mentor and provide training on estimating procedures and tools to project teams.
  • Demonstrate and mentor on highly effective communication (written and verbal)
  • Serve as the starting point for training new Project Engineers (PEs) before their transition to Business Units.
  • Foster intra-group collaboration to secure work and ensure successful outcomes.
  • Lay the groundwork to establish and grow a dedicated preconstruction group as TRICO expands.

Other Responsibilities

  • Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and company policies.
  • Actively contribute to the proactive management of safety and health concerns on job sites.
  • Represent TRICO with integrity and align with the company’s mission, promise, and values.

General Requirements

  • Proven ability to develop accurate and competitive cost estimates and lead teams in a public-bid and negotiated project acquisition.
  • Proven experience in successfully delivering projects using the Design-Build model.
  • Ability to lead bid teams, establish subcontractor relationships, and manage intra-group collaboration.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to shifting priorities.
  • Excellent leadership, organizational, communication and time management skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and engagingly in both written and verbal formats, including confidently presenting to clients and contributing to change management discussions.
  • Commitment to exceptional customer service and building strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and subcontractors.
  • Interest in learning and applying new technology.
  • Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and an ownership mentality, taking initiative and responsibility to drive projects and business success.

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in commercial construction estimating and/or preconstruction management, with preference for experience in industrial construction, ideally in food processing, manufacturing and cold storage.
  • Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field.
  • Proven ability to develop accurate and competitive cost estimates while effectively navigating a bid environment to secure work.
  • Proficiency in construction estimating software (e.g. Bid2Win).
  • Strong understanding of construction contracts and legal principles.

Or

  • An equivalent combination of experience and education.

Work Environment/Physical Demand Requirements

  • Required to climb, walk, stand, bend, or stoop for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50lbs.
  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions, with regular exposure to hazardous materials, noise, fumes, dirt, dust, and cold.

Travel

This job will require travel between prospective and active job sites. 

Location

This position is located in Burlington, Washington.

Vehicle

Comprehensive vehicle package including a company-provided vehicle, insurance coverage, maintenance, and a fuel card.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $130,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year depending on experience and qualifications. 

Equal Opportunity Employment

TRICO Companies, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on race, color, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, disability, or other status protected by state or federal law.