Pre-Construction Assistant Estimator

Outside Agencies Notice 

While we value strong partnerships, Bauer Design Build is not seeking external recruiting assistance at this time. We reserve the right to hire candidates directly without any legal or financial obligation to unsolicited agencies or recruiters. No agency calls, emails, or solicitations will be accepted without a signed agreement. 

Position Summary 

The Pre-Construction Assistant Estimator supports and executes core preconstruction responsibilities within the design-build process and other project delivery methods. This role contributes to estimating, scope development, budget management, bid coordination, design review, owner and design team coordination, meeting facilitation, and project transition from preconstruction to operations. 

The Pre-Construction Assistant Estimator independently manages assigned preconstruction activities and projects while partnering with Preconstruction Managers, Operations leaders, and design teams to ensure alignment between project scope, budget, schedule, and client expectations. This role plays an active role in guiding projects through design development, procurement, and project startup activities while continuing to expand technical expertise and leadership capabilities. 

Success in this role requires attention to detail, strong organizational skills, disciplined follow-through, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively collaborate with owners, design partners, subcontractors, and internal project teams to deliver high-quality project outcomes. 

Key Responsibilities 

Design-Build Process & Budget Development 

• Support execution of the design-build process in alignment with Bauer Design Build's project delivery matrix. 

• Develop and maintain coordinated scope documents, conceptual budget models, and design-build schedules from conceptual drawings through design development. 

• Prepare and update conceptual budget model estimates utilizing historical cost data, conceptual estimating techniques, and previous project information. 

• Track design development against established scope and budget parameters and communicate discrepancies or concerns for resolution. 

• Assist in developing and maintaining project estimates throughout design progression. 

• Contribute to preparation of final estimates utilized to establish Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) or Contract Sum. 

• Evaluate cost and value impacts of design decisions and support value design discussions. 

• Assist in maintaining preconstruction schedules and milestone tracking activities. 

• Review project schedules with field operations teams to understand estimating assumptions, procurement strategies, and project execution considerations. 

Owner, Design Team & AHJ Coordination 

• Coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, consultants, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) throughout the preconstruction process. 

• Assist with permitting and approval activities and related correspondence. 

• Attend and contribute to owner and design team meetings to maintain alignment with project goals, scope, budget, and schedule. 

• Organize owner communications and document scope discussions, project decisions, and requested changes. 

• Review drawings and specifications, involving internal team members as appropriate, and identify clarifications, risks, or opportunities. 

Meeting Leadership & Project Transition 

• Prepare for and facilitate project meetings, including agendas, meeting documentation, and distribution of meeting minutes. 

• Utilize key project meetings to support progression of the design-build process. 

• Execute established Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) meetings, including: 

• Project Award 

• Project Chase 

• Project Bid Review 

• Internal Project Kickoff 

• External Project Kickoff 

• Compile and communicate relevant project information to Team Leaders, Project Managers, Project Engineers, Superintendents, and other stakeholders to support successful bidding, procurement, and construction execution. 

• Support a smooth and organized transition from preconstruction to operations. 

Estimating, Bidding & Procurement 

• Develop accurate conceptual budgets and detailed project estimates. 

• Conduct reviews of drawings and specifications, involving internal subject matter experts as appropriate. 

• Maintain and communicate information supporting historical cost databases and estimating resources. 

• Prepare organized bidding documents utilizing established bid forms, scope definitions, and unit pricing structures. 

• Coordinate bidding activities, including bidder outreach, bid package distribution, bid clarifications, and bid schedule management. 

• Communicate with subcontractors and suppliers regarding bid intent, scope expectations, and project requirements. 

• Review, level, and analyze bids to ensure scope alignment and competitive coverage. 

• Participate in bidder interviews and incorporate clarifications and qualifications into project exhibits and recommendations. 

• Support procurement planning and subcontractor selection processes. 

Work Environment 

• Primarily in-office position located in Minnesota. 

• Standard office environment with extended periods working at a computer. 

• Frequent collaboration with internal teams and external design professionals. 

• Occasional visits to project sites as needed. 

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs (plans, samples, materials). 

• Extended hours may be required during active bidding periods. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred. 

• Experience in preconstruction, estimating, project engineering, project management, or design-build project delivery. 

• Understanding of commercial construction means, methods, materials, and project delivery processes. 

• Experience developing conceptual budgets and detailed estimates. 

• Ability to review drawings, specifications, subcontractor proposals, and project schedules. 

• Strong communication, facilitation, organization, and relationship-building skills. 

• Proficiency with Procore, Microsoft Office Suite, and construction estimating software. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. 
   

Compensation & Benefits 

Pay Range:$81,000.00 - $101,000.00 DOE 
 
Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 

Bauer Design Build is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Employment with Bauer Design Build is at-will. This job description is not a contract and may be modified at any time at the discretion of the employer.