We are one of the leading mechanical contractors in the eastern United States. Our construction and service (mechanical and electrical) experience includes a broad range of commercial and government projects, including data centers, hospitals, sports stadiums, convention centers, hotels, and research laboratories.
Job Summary
The Director of Preconstruction provides strategic leadership and oversight for all preconstruction services related to mechanical construction projects, including HVAC, plumbing, piping, and process systems. This role is responsible for estimating, budgeting, value engineering, constructability analysis, and client engagement from project pursuit through contract award. The Director ensures accurate, competitive proposals while aligning technical solutions with company capabilities, financial goals, and client expectations.
Job Title: Director of Preconstruction (Construction / Mechanical)
Location: Baltimore, Maryland 21227
Reports to: Senior Vice President, Preconstruction
FLSA Status: Full-Time / Exempt
Work Shift: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. / Mon. – Fri. (Not a Remote Position)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Assist in leading and managing the preconstruction department team members.
- Develop and implement preconstruction strategies that align with company growth, profitability targets, and market positioning.
- Refine standards, processes, and best practices for estimating, budgeting, and proposal development.
- Mentor and develop team members, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
Estimating & Cost Management
- Oversee preparation of conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates for mechanical systems.
- Ensure accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness of bids and proposals.
- Analyze drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare detailed cost estimates.
- Manage risk analysis, contingency planning, and cost validation processes.
- Lead value engineering efforts to optimize project costs while maintaining quality and performance.
Client & Business Development
- Collaborate with business development and operations teams during project pursuits and presentations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, general contractors, engineers, and owners.
- Participate in proposal interviews, presentations, and negotiations.
- Support market research and identify new opportunities in target sectors (e.g., healthcare, data centers, industrial).
Preconstruction Execution
- Lead constructability reviews and coordination with design teams.
- Oversee early-stage project planning, scheduling input, and procurement strategies.
- Direct integration of BIM/VDC for clash detection, purchasing, prefabrication planning, and cost validation.
- Coordinate with purchasing and operations teams to ensure seamless transition from preconstruction to project execution.
Vendor & Trade Partner Management
- Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers.
- Oversee subcontractor prequalification, bid solicitation, and leveling processes.
- Ensure competitive pricing and adherence to scope requirements.
Process Improvement & Technology
- Implement and optimize estimating software and digital workflows.
- Continuously improve data analytics, historical cost databases, and benchmarking practices.
- Drive innovation in preconstruction methodologies.
Financial Oversight
- Review and approve final estimates, budgets, and proposal submissions.
- Monitor preconstruction costs and resource utilization.
- Ensure alignment with company financial objectives and margin expectations.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Supply Chain Management or a related field (required).
- 10+ years of experience in mechanical construction, with significant experience in estimating or preconstruction.
- 5+ years in a leadership or management role.
- Deep knowledge of mechanical systems (HVAC, piping, plumbing).
- Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Autobid, Trimble).
- Strong understanding of construction documents, codes, and industry standards.
- Strong familiarity with construction contract structures, risk allocation, and industry standards.
- Excellent negotiation, mathematical, and analytical skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Strategic thinking and decision-making.
- Strong leadership and team development skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Negotiation and relationship management.
- Financial acumen and analytical skills.
- Problem-solving and attention to detail.
- Prior in-house experience with a general contractor, construction manager, or large specialty contractor.
Computer Skills
- Proficiency in Autobid and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel); advanced user of Excel.
- Working knowledge of project and financial software a plus.
Required Attributes
- Practical, business-oriented preconstruction judgment.
- Ability to balance estimate risk with operational realities.
- Ability to manage high volume, high value preconstruction deliverables under tight deadlines.
- Integrity, honesty, professionalism, and care regarding confidential information.
- Ability to work well in a team-oriented work environment and flexibility to take on added responsibilities.
- Professional self-discipline and initiative; attention to detail; commitment to deadlines.
- Prioritizes and organizes work in a fast-paced multi-tasking environment.
- Builds positive working relationships with multiple levels of employees, management, suppliers, and customers.
- Demonstrates commitment to company values and safety culture.
Language Skills
Effective communication in English with customers, employees, unions, government agencies, vendors, suppliers, and other contractor organizations.
Physical Demands
The employee is regularly required to sit, see, talk, and hear; use hands to handle objects; walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; may occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, depth, and focus adjustment. Reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.
Work Environment
Workplace characteristics include typical construction environment expectations; reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.
Benefits
We offer our employees a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal‑opportunity employer. Veterans and disabled individuals are encouraged to apply.
Affirmative Action Policy
Please review our affirmatively action policy.
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