Job Description

Vice President of Estimating & Preconstruction

Water & Wastewater Treatment General Contractor

Locations: Kentucky (HQ) or Nashville, TN

Compensation: Flexible, targeted around $250,000+ base , performance bonus, ESOP participation

Company Overview (Confidential Search)

A leading water and wastewater treatment contractor with operations across Kentucky and Tennessee is seeking an accomplished Vice President of Estimating & Preconstruction to lead all preconstruction, estimating, strategy, and major pursuits for its growing regional business.

This firm delivers some of the most technically demanding treatment plants and heavy civil infrastructure in the region, with annual revenue between $50M–$100M+ and a pipeline that includes significant municipal, design-build, CMAR, and hard-bid opportunities. The company is a 100% ESOP contractor , financially strong, and known for its high integrity, long-standing client relationships, and deeply technical project teams.

This is a confidential Retained leadership search.

Position Overview

The VP of Estimating & Preconstruction will serve as the executive leader for all estimating and preconstruction efforts across Kentucky and Tennessee. This individual will oversee a team of 2–3 estimators , work closely with the project management group, and collaborate directly with the President/Owner in steering strategic pursuits, bid accuracy, win strategy, risk management, and long-term business planning.

The role includes a seat on the Board of Directors , providing direct influence over company direction, market positioning, and operational strategy.

The ideal candidate is a highly experienced water/wastewater estimator or preconstruction manager with an exceptional track record in treatment plants, mechanical-heavy scopes, industrial water, and complex civil structures.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as the company’s executive leader for all estimating and preconstruction operations.
• Develop and implement competitive bid strategies for W/WW treatment facilities ranging from $5M to $150M+.
• Partner directly with the President/Owner to shape market growth, project selection, and long-term forecasting.
• Provide board-level insight, decision-making support, and leadership.

Estimating & Preconstruction Execution

• Oversee all conceptual, preliminary, and detailed estimates for design-build, CMAR, and hard-bid projects.
• Lead project risk reviews, value engineering initiatives, alternative delivery strategies, and cross-functional coordination.
• Ensure estimating accuracy, cost benchmarking, and continuous improvement of systems and processes.
• Guide project teams through bid handoff, schedule validation, procurement planning, and early project strategy.

Team Development & Operations

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 2–3 estimators, plus early-career PMs/PEs participating in precon.
• Work closely with operations leadership to ensure continuity from pursuit to execution.
• Strengthen subcontractor and supplier relationships across both Kentucky and Tennessee markets.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience with a GC specializing in water/wastewater treatment facilities, industrial water, heavy civil, or large mechanical process projects.
• Proven success leading major pursuits $10M–$150M+ .
• Strong understanding of self performing treatment processes, mechanical systems, pumps, piping, concrete, and process equipment.
• Executive-level communication skills and the ability to influence decisions at the highest level.
• Demonstrated leadership experience developing teams, shaping process, and driving results.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.

Work Schedule & Flexibility

• This role is based in either Kentucky (HQ) or Nashville, TN .
• First 6 months: Onsite 5 days per week to integrate fully into company operations, systems, and culture.
• After probation: Hybrid flexibility of 2 days working from home and 3 days in-office each week.

Compensation

The company is willing to be highly flexible on compensation for the right person depending on their needs and value they can bring to this organisation.

• Target Base Salary: ~$160,000 - $250,000 (flexible for exceptional experience and Salary Dependant on Experience)
• Bonus Program: Strong performance-based incentives
• Ownership: Full participation in a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Additional executive benefits available

This role provides the rare opportunity to join a financially strong ESOP contractor, influence strategic direction at the board level, and lead a core function responsible for winning and delivering complex, high-impact water and wastewater treatment projects.

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