Director of Pre-Construction bei Woodward Design+Build

Job Title Director of Pre-Construction
Location: Covington, LA (10057 Hwy. 190 West Goodbee, La 70433)

About Us: 
Woodward Design + Build is a leader in the design and construction community with a culture that encourages innovation and offers challenging career opportunities. The Director of Pre-Construction oversees all aspects of the Estimating Department, ensuring accurate, competitive, and profitable bids. This role requires strong leadership, strategic decision-making, and close collaboration with clients, general contractors, project managers, and the fabrication team. The Director is responsible for identifying the right opportunities, maintaining contractor relationships, and leading the team in producing precise estimates that align with Woodward Millwork Group’s standards of quality, safety, and integrity.

Woodward offers a supportive, rigorous, value driven work environment and a wide range of exciting projects that will keep you challenged, motivated, and growing in your career.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Bidding & Business Development
•    Identify and pursue projects that align with company capabilities and profitability goals.
•    Maintain continuous communication with general contractors, ensuring WMG is included on bidder lists.
•    Research opportunities through general contractors, online platforms (e.g., iSqFt, InSight), and direct outreach.
•    Build and maintain a master database of general contractors, suppliers, and vendors in Louisiana and the Southern region.
•    Evaluate opportunities out of state where installation may be subcontracted if strategically beneficial.

Estimating & Proposal Management
•    Lead the preparation of detailed and accurate takeoffs, pricing, and comprehensive estimates.
•    Submit proposals on time and in compliance with all bid requirements—no exceptions.
•    Review and analyze all pricing prior to submission; ensure completeness and accuracy of proposals.
•    Develop clear scopes of work and a list of exclusions tailored to each bid.
•    Coordinate with vendors to obtain at least three competitive quotes on major material orders.
•    Explore and present value engineering (VE) options to general contractors whenever feasible.

Project Coordination & Handoff
•    Conduct thorough reviews of drawings, specifications, and schedules to ensure estimates reflect current documents.
•    Manage RFIs and maintain an RFI log throughout the bid process.
•    Price change orders and ensure alignment with project scope.
•    Lead handoff meetings with project managers and division leadership once jobs are awarded.
•    Collaborate with the Division Manager to determine target general contractors for each project.

Relationship Management
•    Build strong, professional relationships with general contractors, vendors, and clients.
•    Stay in close communication with Woodward Design+Build’s Estimating Department to align bidding strategies.
•    Follow up with contractors on submitted bids to evaluate performance and improve win rates.

Knowledge & Skills
•    Proven experience in millwork, construction, or related estimating and pre-construction leadership roles.
•    Strong understanding of industry standards, certifications, and requirements (AWI, QCP, FSC, etc.).
•    Familiarity with construction estimating platforms and software.
•    Ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines.
•    Commitment to Lean principles, continuous improvement, and the Woodward Philosophy.
•    Dedication to workplace safety and adherence to “Safety First” standards.

Core Attributes
•    Leadership & Teamwork: Ability to lead, motivate, and mentor the Estimating team while fostering collaboration across departments.
•    Technical Expertise: Strong estimating skills with keen attention to detail and accuracy.
•    Communication: Professional presence, strong verbal and written communication, and ability to represent WMG positively with clients.
•    Strategic Thinking: Ability to evaluate opportunities, manage risk, and optimize profitability.
•    Problem Solving: Resourcefulness and creativity in negotiating vendor pricing, finding VE options, and overcoming obstacles.
•    Integrity: Uphold the highest standards of honesty, accountability, and professionalism.
•    Strong Work Ethic: Willingness to put forth the effort needed to meet deadlines and achieve goals.

QUALIFICATIONS AND TECHINCAL SKILLS: 
•    Ten plus years of experience in architectural millwork or construction project management, with at least three years in a senior or director-level leadership role.  
•    Proven track record of managing large project portfolios with strong financial and schedule outcomes.  
•    Deep knowledge of millwork fabrication, installation, AWI standards, and custom project execution.    
•    Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.  
•    Proficient in project management tools and systems (e.g. Procore, eCMS, TEAMS, Microsoft Suite to include Excel, Word, Power Point, and Project).  
•    Excellent organizational and strategic thinking abilities.  
•    Visionary leader with a hands-on and detail-oriented management style.  
•    Committed to excellence, ethics, and accountability.  
•    Results-driven with a strong focus on profitability and schedule performance. 
•    Skilled at building strong teams and cross-functional alignment. 
•    Professional, collaborative, and customer focused.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  
•    Must be able to lift and or push/pull objects between 0 and 25 pounds. 
•    Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
•    Ability to work outside of regular business hours as required
•    Must be able to operate a motor vehicle. 
•    Ability to travel to off-site locations in a timely and efficient manner. 
•    Must have functional vision to include close and far distance viewing.  In addition, it may require color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. 
•    Must be able to read corporate policies, emails, and other materials. 
•    Must be able to hear instructions, conversations, etc.

BENEFITS:  
•    Paid Time Off
•    401(k) with company match 
•    Paid Family Medical Leave – Maternity Leave, Family Caregiving Leave, Personal Medical Leave, Bereavement Leave 
•    Health Savings Account 
•    Health, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance 
•    Paid Holidays 
•    Mentorship and Career Growth