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)
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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Leadership & Strategy
- Assist in the leading and management in 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
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
You must be work authorized in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future. The Company cannot offer employment to F-1 (student) visa holders who require employer sponsorship in the future or cannot work now on a full-time basis.
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 a plus.
- 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.
PREFERED 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 detailPrior in house experience with a general contractor, construction manager, or large specialty contractor.
COMPUTER SKILLS
- Must demonstrate proficiency in Autobid, Microsoft Office applications, (i.e. Outlook, Word and Excel). Advanced end-user of Excel.
- Working knowledge of project and financial software a plus.
REQUIRED ATTRIBUTES
The requirements listed below are representative of characteristics and demonstrated capabilities sought to perform this job successfully.
- 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
- Must demonstrate integrity, honesty, professionalism, and appropriate concern regarding dissemination of sensitive and confidential information.
- Must demonstrate the ability to work well in a team oriented work environment and flexibility to take on added responsibilities when department demands present with additional work load.
- Must demonstrate professional self discipline and initiative in performing work, attention to detail and committed to performing work within specified deadlines.
- Must prioritize and organize work in a fast paced multi-tasking environment.
- Must build positive working relationships with multiple levels of employees, management, suppliers, and customers.
- Must demonstrate commitment to company values and safety culture.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Must have the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in English, cooperate, and collaborate with multiple levels of customer, employees, unions, government agencies, vendors and suppliers, and other contractor organizations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, see, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is regularly required to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
We offer our employees a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package and are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
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