Vice President of Preconstruction

Position: Vice President of Preconstruction

Department: Operations

Reports to: CEO Location: Headquarters | Chicago, IL Richard Group has projects in 16 states and this position may be for any of those in the future. We continue to grow our footprint and expand into new project types in exciting new geographies every year.

Employment Type & Shift: Full-time benefits eligible

Join Richard, Purpose Builders: Where Your Impact Matters

At Richard, we're not just another construction company - we're the catalyst for change in the industry. As one of the fastest-growing general contractors in the nation, we offer the excitement and innovation of a startup with the stability and expertise of an established firm. We're seeking visionaries who are ready to break free from the constraints of traditional construction and make a real impact.

Why Choose Richard?

Culture-First Approach: People and innovation over bottom line

Purpose-Driven Projects: Build structures that truly matter, from critical healthcare facilities to cutting-edge data centers

Rapid Growth: Be part of a company doubling in size while maintaining quality

Collaborative, Caring Culture: Clear communication and proactive problem-solving, while supporting your health, financial wellness, and career growth

Direct Impact: Your ideas shape our projects and company direction

Innovation Freedom: Be at the forefront of construction technology and sustainable practices

At Richard, you're not just a number - you're a crucial part of our mission to transform the construction industry. We're creating efficient, dynamic spaces that advance communities, sustainability, and well-being. With nearly 200 diverse contracts since 2016 and a passionate team across the nation, we offer the resources of a large firm with the agility and personal touch of a boutique operation.

Break free from corporate constraints. Join Richard, Purpose Builders, and be the architect of your career while shaping the future of construction. Here, your voice is heard, your ideas matter, and your impact is visible.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Preconstruction to lead a team of 10 dynamic professionals in business development, estimating, and capture. This role is pivotal to our success across public and private markets, with a strong emphasis on hard bid processes, strategic growth, and fostering excellence within the preconstruction team.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development:




• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing preconstruction team, ensuring growth and alignment with organizational goals.
• Provide mentorship and training to estimators, while developing recruitment and personnel strategies.




• Estimating & Scope Development:




• Review project plans, requirements, and specifications to develop comprehensive scopes of work, labor, and equipment costs.
• Prepare accurate quantity takeoffs, pricing scopes through self-perform production-based or unit price estimating methods.
• Assist in estimating preparation using ITB software.




• Bid Preparation & Analysis:




• Initiate RFIs to ensure precise and competitive pricing.
• Solicit subcontractor bids, build trade packages, and prepare competitive bid proposals.
• Review all subcontractor bids for pricing accuracy and completeness, ensuring all missing items are accounted for.
• Prepare estimates tailored to the requirements of multiple delivery systems, including design-bid-build and design-build.




• Stakeholder Engagement:




• Conduct meet-and-greet presentations with subcontractors and suppliers to foster trade relationships.
• Partner with the project management team for contract buy-out and project execution.




• Market & Cost Analysis:




• Understand market conditions, labor costs, and material costs to prepare competitive bids.
• Utilize expertise in FAR clauses, self-performance requirements for government contracts, and Davis Bacon-Prevailing wage or union projects.
• Conduct SWOT analysis and leverage technology for bid analytics and win strategies.




• Federal & Healthcare Expertise:




• Bid federal sector projects, including Department of Veterans Affairs, GSA, USACE, Army, Navy, and NAVFAC projects.
• Develop estimates for healthcare projects, applying knowledge of specialized requirements.

Mandatory Qualifications

• 10-15+ years of lead estimating experience (less experience acceptable if an expert in Federal Contracting).
• Proficient in estimating software and advanced Excel usage; self-sufficient in software application.
• Expertise in commercial building projects, design-bid-build, and design-build delivery systems.
• Extensive knowledge of construction means, methods, costs, and engineering principles.
• Ability to lead and mentor a team of estimators effectively.
• Strong organizational and communication skills in high-pressure bidding environments.
• Ability to travel to site visits and owner meetings within a 400-mile radius.
• Pass a background investigation and drug test.

• Led bid teams of at least 3 junior estimators.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil, MEP Engineering, or Construction Management.
• Experience in a competitive hard bidding environment, particularly with healthcare projects.
• Knowledge of Davis Bacon-Prevailing wage or union-required projects.
• Expertise in federal contracting, including Department of Veterans Affairs, GSA, USACE, Army, Navy, and NAVFAC.

At Richard Group, we believe in showing the same gratitude and care to our team members that we do in our projects. This position comes with a competitive salary to match your level of experience and includes competitive benefits such as:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) option
• 15 days of paid time off (PTO)
• 7 paid holidays
• All employees are immediately eligible for our bonus program.
• Company 401(k) matching contributions
• Parental leave policy
• We fully cover transportation costs, including parking and train fares, for employees working from our Chicago office
• Affordable and freshly made breakfast and lunch provided through our on-site meal program (Chicago home office employees only)
• Gym membership reimbursement program (Chicago home office employees only)
• Fully paid two-month sabbatical leave for employees who reach their 10-year anniversary with the company
• All employees immediately have access to mentorship, regular skills-based training, and leadership development programs

Richard is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants and employees will receive equal employment opportunities without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.