Pre-Construction and Estimating Lead

About G&T:

Gardiner & Theobald is an independent global consultancy offering a range of services to the construction and property industry, including project, cost, and construction management. We work with clients worldwide, finding solutions that exceed expectations and add value to projects.

Our beginnings can be traced back to London in 1835, when the practice was founded. With 180 years of history and heritage, we are proud to remain an independent consultancy. Gardiner and Theobald LLC, headquartered in New York City, operates across the U.S with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Austin, Dallas, Tampa, Miami, Massachusetts, and Chicago. With a commitment to independence, we have retained our consultancy status while delivering innovative solutions that add substantial value to high-profile projects. In North America, Gardiner & Theobald Inc. has a proven track record spanning over 25 years and has overseen projects exceeding a combined value of $35 billion.

About the Role:

Gardiner & Theobald is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Director of Pre-Construction to join our growing team and play a leadership role on one of New York City’s most ambitious development projects. This is not a back-office position; you will serve as the senior cost authority on a landmark $1 billion-plus project, leading the estimating process and advising at the highest levels from early concept through final delivery.

In this role, you will combine deep expertise in cost management and construction estimating with the executive presence to influence key decisions across all aspects of the project, from structural and MEP systems to interior fit-out strategy. You’ll be expected to develop robust cost models, solve complex challenges, and deliver clear, confident recommendations that drive value and informed decision-making.

As a senior, client-facing leader, you will contribute to high-level presentations and meetings while fostering strong relationships with internal teams, design consultants, and external stakeholders. This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial success of a dynamic, high-profile project while bringing both technical excellence and leadership to the forefront.

About The Candidate:

Gardiner & Theobald is seeking a Director of Pre-Construction who brings precision, insight, and leadership to the estimating process. You’ve built your career at the top tier of New York construction, developing a strong command of what large, complex projects truly cost to build. With experience leading preconstruction efforts and/or estimating teams, you’re equally comfortable with detailed analysis and boardroom presentations, delivering informed opinions with clarity and authority.

Our ideal candidate:

• Has excellent interpersonal skills and a strong track record of delivering exceptional service to clients.
• Works effectively both independently and as a mentor to junior team members.
• Is considered an expert in pre-construction methods
• Brings deep knowledge of construction methods, materials, and market trends, and is committed to continuous learning.
• Has a proactive mindset and is always looking for opportunities to improve workflows, tools, and best practices.
• Executive-level communication skills and the presence to hold a position in a high-stakes room
• Approaches challenges with a problem-solving attitude and a sharp attention to detail.
• Communicate clearly and confidently with both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Aligns with our core values and is enthusiastic about contributing to a purpose-driven organization.

If this sounds like you, and you’re ready to take your estimating career to the next level, we encourage you to apply!

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Construction Cost Leadership

• Own the cost narrative from early design through procurement, providing authoritative estimates, cost plans, and market benchmarks that drive informed decision-making
• Deliver real-time cost guidance on structural, mechanical, and architectural choices, translating design intent into financial consequence before decisions become commitments
• Develop and maintain rigorous cost models across all project phases, grounded in current New York market conditions

Trade Bid Advisory

• Provide independent, expert cost assessments on trade bid packages, analyzing results with a contractor's eye for scope, risk, and market positioning
• Cut through the noise on bid outliers, qualification gaps, and pricing anomalies, and present findings with clarity and conviction

Core and Shell & Interior Fit-Out Cost Strategy

• Advise on the full spectrum of construction costs, from core and shell base-building systems — including structural, envelope, MEP infrastructure, and vertical transportation — through interior fit-out, high-end tenant finishes, and specialty systems
• Build cost models across multiple program scenarios to support design exploration, phasing strategies, and ownership decisions at both the base-building and tenant improvement levels

Construction Methodology & Value

• Bring a practitioner's perspective to questions of construction method, sequencing, and procurement strategy, identifying where meaningful cost is won or lost
• Surface value engineering opportunities that preserve design ambition while delivering financial discipline

Executive Advisory

• Engage confidently at the ownership and executive level, presenting complex cost positions as clear, compelling narratives
• Be the person in the room who has seen it before, knows the numbers cold, and earns credibility the moment they speak

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, quantity surveying, or a related field (RICS, MRICS, or similar certification preferred)
• 15+ years of estimating and pre-construction experience
• Deep, current knowledge of core and shell construction costs; structure, façade, vertical transportation, MEP infrastructure, and site
• Proven experience as an estimator or cost manager in the construction or real estate industry
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, building systems, and current market conditions.
• Proficiency in quantity take-offs, cost planning, and estimating techniques across all design phases.
• Proficiency in Excel-based cost modeling; familiarity with estimating platforms such as Sage, CostX, or Procore is a plus
• Familiarity with CSI MasterFormat and Uniformat classification systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain cost data clearly to clients and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Previous Project Experience:

• Previously or currently works on projects based in New York City

Physical Requirements:

• Attend client meetings on site as required

Core Competencies:

• Plans and Aligns- Planning and prioritising work to meet commitments aligned with the organisation's goals
• Optimize Work Processes- Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement
• Ensures Accountability- Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Instils Trust- Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
• Communicates Effectively- Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences