Preconstruction Director - Water & Wastewater Construction

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Water Preconstruction Director is responsible for leading all preconstruction efforts on large, complex water and wastewater projects, from early pursuit through handoff to construction. This role drives pursuit strategy and client‑facing activities; leads collaborative delivery (CMAR and Progressive Design‑Build) and fixed‑price design‑build efforts; and oversees schedule, design development, and cost estimating from conceptual through GMP. The Water Preconstruction Director manages risk identification and mitigation, ensures budget control and alignment with contractual requirements, and provides solutions that balance cost, schedule, constructability, and life‑cycle performance. They serve as the central liaison between operations, estimating, and design management; build and maintain strong relationships with owners, designers, trade partners, and vendors; and develop and mentor preconstruction staff while advancing McCarthy’s position in the water/wastewater market.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Pursuit Phase

Network at conferences and industry events to develop relationships with designers, owners, equipment vendors, trade partners, etc.

Work with team to develop pursuit strategy.

Participate in client meetings.

Assist the Marketing Department in preparation of responses to RFPs and RFQs.

Participate in interviews and interview preparation.

Lead a Design‑Bid‑Build or Fixed Price Design Build pursuit.

Preconstruction Phase

Lead collaborative delivery projects (CMAR and Progressive Design Build) through the preconstruction phase.

Lead a Fixed Price Design Build Project after award.

Prepare or oversee preparation of preconstruction schedule with buy‑in from internal departments as relates to them.

Interface with owners and designers to maintain schedule.

Keep internal departments informed of schedule changes as relates to their activities.

Identify need for multiple GMPs to facilitate the overall project schedule.

Lead the development of cost estimates at all design milestones (10% to 100%).

Understand treatment plant process and fill in design gaps for completion of estimates and coordination between scopes.

Coordinate the development and review of Self‑Perform Estimates for: Concrete, Misc Metals & FRP Installation, Process Piping, Process Equipment Installation, Earthwork, Underground Piping.

Lead the development of a GMP.

Manage risk identification and mitigation process.

Lead internal estimate reviews and project team coordination and status meetings.

Present deliverables to the owner in a complete and organized manner per approved guidelines.

Provide alternative solutions considering cost, schedule, maintenance, and life‑cycle cost implications.

Lead development of Trade Partner and Vendor buy‑outs.

Assist in the prequalification process of trade partners and vendors.

Oversee establishment and maintenance of budget control during construction phase.

Attend and represent McCarthy in all design and coordination meetings; maintain action log and scope issues log.

Assist project team in design decisions and development of solutions.

Review construction schedule and ensure timely preparation of General Conditions.

Manage and maintain consistent deliverable formats.

Manage all aspects of risk and define such for executive team.

Ensure adherence to contractual requirements and meet overall goals strategically.

Track and manage construction budget between formal estimating periods and report impacts of design decisions.

Act as liaison between operations, estimating and design management.

Lead development and training of preconstruction staff.

Manage relationship management plan with owners and key stakeholders.

Build and maintain relationships with design engineers and subcontractors.

Represent McCarthy at industry events.

Maintain knowledge of cost elements of projects.

Implement applicable Safety Programs and EEO/Affirmative Action Programs.

Construction Phase

Work with construction teams to maintain dialogue and receive feedback for future preconstruction.

Monitor productivity, budgets vs actual costs, and labor rates for incorporation into estimates.

Assist team in clarifying scope of a budget and GMP elements.

Assist in reconciling costs with final design documents.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, and/or 10+ years of applicable estimating, design management, and/or field management experience.

Proven experience managing preconstruction for large scale projects ($100M+) with emphasis on highly complex projects.

In‑depth knowledge of water/wastewater construction principles/practices.

Experience managing and negotiating subcontracts and purchase orders.

Experience developing and managing relationships with owners, design teams, trade partners, and vendors.

Experience leading successful team ventures, including development of employees and maintaining relationships with external entities and subcontractor community.

Self‑starter; highly motivated to bring results and success to the projects.

Focused on continuous improvement.

Ability to build trust and influence others internally and externally.

Demonstrates behaviors consistent with McCarthy core values.

Maintains a value‑added approach to preconstruction.

Strong communication skills with ability to communicate to varied audiences.

Strong presentation skills.

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

For California locations only, the salary range for this position is: $175,600 - $184,800. This does not include possible bonus and other benefits which can impact total compensation. Compensation offered may vary based on work location, experience, qualifications, specialty, training, and market and business considerations, among other factors.

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