Preconstruction Manager

At Horizon, winning the right work starts well before a project reaches the field.
We’re looking for a Preconstruction Director to lead our pursuit efforts, from identifying the right opportunities and optimizing our estimating team and processes to securing work, strengthening client relationships and building a healthy pipeline for future growth. This is a key leadership role for someone who understands how strong client relationships, thoughtful pursuit decisions, accurate estimating and operational insight come together to create successful projects.
You’ll lead a team of Estimators, strengthen how we evaluate and pursue opportunities, and work closely with our Business Development, Regional and Operations leaders across Horizon.
If you can see the big picture while still understanding the details that make an estimate accurate and executable, this could be your next opportunity.
Preconstruction DirectorFull Time | Permanent | $140,000–$160,000 | Hybrid | Langley, BC
Build Your Career From the Ground UpAt Horizon Contracting Group, growth isn't just about winning more work. It's about pursuing the right opportunities, building strong relationships, and setting our teams up for success from day one.
We're looking for a
Preconstruction Director
to lead Horizon's estimating and pursuits function as we continue to grow. Reporting to the
VP of Operations
, you'll help determine where we focus our efforts, which opportunities we pursue, and how we position Horizon to win profitable work.
You’ll connect market opportunities, client relationships, estimating, and operational execution while building the people, processes, and systems needed to support our growth.
We're looking for someone who can think strategically, make sound commercial decisions, and build strong relationships, but who also has the technical knowledge to get into the details, support the team, and help solve challenges along the way.
What You’ll Be DoingLeadership & Team Development
Lead and develop Horizon's Preconstruction, estimating, and pursuits function in alignment with our growth strategy
Establish clear roles, responsibilities, priorities, and performance expectations across the team
Coach team members through regular feedback, mentorship, and career development
Manage workload, capacity, and pursuit assignments across regions and service lines
Partner with the People team to recruit and onboard new team members
Build practical processes and standards that improve consistency, accountability, and collaboration
Report on pipeline health, estimating capacity, priority pursuits, risks, win rates, and departmental performance
Market Strategy & Opportunity Planning
Work closely with Regional Directors, Business Development, Operations, and clients to identify and prioritize the right opportunities
Lead market mapping and develop target client and relationship plans alongside Regional Leaders
Maintain a clear, current view of Horizon's opportunity pipeline, including ownership, next steps, and follow-up
Lead go/no-go decisions with input from Regional and Operational Leaders
Coordinate pre-qualification submissions and ensure Horizon is positioned for priority opportunities
Monitor market conditions, competitor activity, and client needs to inform pursuit strategy
Align business development activity with estimating capacity, operational capabilities, and company growth objectives
Lead bid strategy and proposal development for priority and complex pursuits
Ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, commercially sound, and aligned with client needs
Oversee estimate reviews, bid leveling, risk assessment, and quality control
Lead client negotiations and commercial discussions to achieve strong outcomes while maintaining positive relationships
Guide design-assist proposals, constructability reviews, and value engineering opportunities in collaboration with internal subject matter experts
Establish and continuously improve estimating standards, templates, tools, and review processes
Use historical costs, production rates, market benchmarks, and project feedback to improve estimating accuracy
Build scalable estimating systems and identify opportunities to improve efficiency through technology, data, and automation
Develop strong supplier and subcontractor relationships in collaboration with Regional Leaders
Business Development & Performance
Build strong connections between Business Development, Estimating, Operations, Finance, and Regional Leadership
Ensure market and client intelligence is shared across the organization
Build meaningful relationships with clients and industry partners through networking, industry events, and regional travel
Ensure timely client communication throughout the pursuit process, from initial opportunity through proposal submission, follow-up, award, and project handover
Track win rates, estimating output, and bid performance to identify trends and improve results
Lead win/loss reviews and turn feedback into practical improvements in pursuit selection, proposal quality, and client relationships
Ensure successful projects begin with a clear understanding of scope, assumptions, commercial risks, and commitments made during estimating
What You BringWe're looking for a leader who combines strong commercial judgment with practical construction knowledge and the ability to bring people together around a common goal.
Ideally, you bring:
8+ years of progressive experience in construction, estimating, commercial management, or business development
Experience leading people, developing processes, and coordinating work across multiple teams or regions
A strong understanding of estimating, project costs, commercial risk, and construction operations
The ability to assess opportunities, make informed go/no-go decisions, and balance growth with profitability
Experience managing pipelines, pursuit priorities, resource planning, and bid performance
Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills
The ability to move between strategic planning and detailed execution without losing sight of priorities
A practical approach to process improvement, with an eye for building systems that support people rather than create unnecessary complexity
Confidence leading through growth, change, and competing priorities
A collaborative, accountable leadership style that helps people do their best work
Post-secondary education in Construction Management, Business, Estimating, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent industry experience and leadership capability will also be considered.
Experience in landscape construction, concrete, civil construction, or a related contracting environment is an asset.
What Success Looks LikeAs Preconstruction Director, you'll help Horizon make better decisions about where we compete, how we pursue opportunities, and how we deliver on the commitments we make to our clients.
Success in this role will include:
A healthy pipeline of qualified opportunities aligned with Horizon's growth goals
Strong pursuit selection and improved win rates while maintaining target margins
Accurate estimates that support successful project delivery and protect profitability
Clear visibility into pipeline activity, estimating capacity, and pursuit performance
Strong collaboration between Preconstruction, Business Development, Operations, Finance, and Regional Leadership
A capable, engaged estimating team with the tools, processes, and support to succeed
Your Future TeamYou’ll report into Horizon's senior leadership structure and work closely with Executive Leadership, Regional Directors, Business Development, Operations, Finance, and the Preconstruction team.
This role has a meaningful influence on Horizon's future. You’ll help shape how we approach new markets, develop client relationships, allocate resources, and turn opportunities into successful projects.
We're looking for someone who can set direction, bring people along, and build a function that can grow with the business.
Why Horizon?At Horizon Contracting Group, we’re building more than landscapes and infrastructure. We’re building strong teams, lasting relationships, and opportunities for people to make a meaningful impact.
What you can expect:
Annual salary of $140,000–$160,000
, based on experience and qualifications
20 days of paid time off, including 15 vacation days and 5 sick days
Extended Health, Dental & Vision coverage
RRSP enrollment after one year
Annual company bonus eligibility
Company laptop and cell phone
Hybrid flexibility, with a minimum of three days in the office each week after probationary period
Our Values
Embrace the Challenge
Lead with Care
Own Our Actions
Strongest Together
Ready to Build What's Next?If you're a commercially minded construction leader who enjoys building teams, strengthening client relationships, and turning business strategy into results, we'd like to meet you.
Join Horizon and help shape the opportunities, partnerships, and projects that will drive our next stage of growth.
Build with us, From the Ground Up.The pay range for this role is:
140,000 - 160,000 CAD per year (Lower Mainland)
#J-18808-Ljbffr