Pre-Construction Manager
The Mechanical Pre-Construction Manager position is a full-time, in-person position located in our San Diego, CA Office. This role is responsible for leading all mechanical estimating and preconstruction activities from conceptual design through contract award. This role oversees estimating strategy, cost development, constructability reviews, and coordination with internal teams, clients, designers, and trade partners to deliver accurate, competitive, and executable mechanical solutions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP
Lead and manage all estimating functions.
Establish departmental goals, processes, standards, and performance metrics.
Develop, mentor, and evaluate estimating personnel
Allocate estimating resources to support company pursuits and strategic initiatives.
Foster collaboration between estimating, operations, BIM, fabrication, purchasing, and project management teams.
Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, and teamwork.
ESTIMATING MANAGEMENT
Provide oversight for all budgets, conceptual estimates, schematic estimates, GMP estimates, and final bids.
Review and approve project estimates prior to client submission.
Ensure estimating practices are consistent, accurate, and aligned with company standards.
Develop labor productivity assumptions, crew compositions, indirect cost strategies, and risk assessments.
Maintain historical cost databases and benchmarking tools.
Monitor estimating accuracy and continuously improve forecasting methodologies.
PRECONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP
Participate in design reviews, constructability evaluations, and value engineering exercises.
Provide ongoing cost guidance throughout design development.
Identify scope gaps, design risks, escalation concerns, and procurement challenges.
Support target value design and budget management processes.
Collaborate with design teams, owners, and contractors to develop cost-effective solutions.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
Participate in project pursuit strategy and go/no-go evaluations.
Assist with proposals, interviews, presentations, and client meetings.
Provide market intelligence regarding competition, labor trends, procurement risks, and construction costs.
PROCUREMENT AND MARKET ANALYSIS
Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and trade partners.
Monitor material pricing, labor trends, and market conditions.
Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals.
Identify long-lead procurement risks and supply chain challenges.
Recommend procurement strategies that support project budgets and schedules.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Evaluate project risks during the pursuit and preconstruction phases.
Review contract requirements that impact pricing and execution.
Analyze contingency requirements and risk transfer opportunities.
Participate in project handoff meetings to ensure proper communication of estimate assumptions and risk considerations.
TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
Champion the use of estimating technology, BIM integration, cost databases, and digital workflows.
Support implementation of emerging tools and technologies that improve estimating efficiency and accuracy.
Promote integration between estimating, scheduling, fabrication planning, and project execution systems.
Identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvement within the preconstruction process.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No direct supervisory responsibilities
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Occasional local and regional travel is required to attend client presentations, project pursuit meetings, pre-bid job walks, and active job site inspections. Additional travel may include visits to off-site fabrication facilities, vendor or manufacturer locations, and industry conferences or networking events. Travel is primarily local within the region during regular business hours, with occasional overnight travel depending on project locations and business development needs.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
Extensive experience in mechanical construction estimating and preconstruction management.
3-7 years of experience in mechanical estimating, construction or preconstruction
Proven experience leading mechanical estimates on commercial or industrial projects
Strong understanding of mechanical systems, means and methods
COMPENSATION:
Salary: $90k - $160k. This role is also eligible for an annual performance‑based bonus. Bonus eligibility and payout are determined by role, individual performance, and company performance, and are not guaranteed.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Advanced knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, piping, medical gas, and mechanical systems.
Ability to read and interpret construction documents
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Experience with Design-build and negotiated projects
Proficient in Excel
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