Manager Preconstruction

Manager Preconstruction Position Overview

As a Manager Preconstruction, you'll lead the early phases of commercial HVAC, plumbing, mechanical systems, and controls projects across Modigent's operating companies, developing accurate conceptual and detailed budgets, identifying risks and value opportunities, supporting design coordination, and partnering with clients, architects, engineers, estimators, operations teams, and subcontractors to set projects up for success. This role drives new business growth, ensures alignment with client goals, and contributes to delivering innovative, sustainable mechanical solutions in a collaborative, people-first environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in client and stakeholder meetings to gather project scope, requirements, and provide preconstruction budgeting, conceptual estimating, and advisory support.
• Cultivate and strengthen proactive, long-term relationships with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and internal Modigent teams.
• Create rough-order-of-magnitude (ROM), conceptual, and detailed cost estimates for mechanical/HVAC/plumbing systems from narratives, schematics, design development, or full construction documents.
• Evaluate building and mechanical system needs to deliver competitive, accurate bids and proposals across all project stages.
• Develop preliminary system sketches/layouts (duct, piping, plumbing) to aid estimating and early risk identification.
• Prepare professional technical proposals, reports, correspondence, and presentations that highlight expertise and commitment to client success.
• Collaborate with internal and external engineering teams to review, coordinate, and oversee mechanical drawings, specifications, and documentation.
• Identify design challenges, code gaps, constructability issues, and value engineering options; deliver practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Obtain and incorporate vendor/subcontractor pricing, scopes, and data for precise prequalification, budgeting, and final proposals.
• Work with design teams and estimators to preserve budget integrity and align deliverables with project objectives.
• Cook up and oversee mechanical interfaces with other trades (architectural, structural, electrical, fire protection).
• Mentor and guide junior preconstruction/estimating staff and team members in industry best practices, accurate estimating, and effective risk management.
• Aid with troubleshooting existing systems and commissioning/start-up support during project handoff to operations.
• Promote Modigent's uncompromising safety standards in every activity and work environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes – Provides coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance to junior preconstruction/estimating staff and team members; may lead small estimating/preconstruction efforts or coordinate with subcontractors, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, and client expectations.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of practical experience in commercial HVAC, plumbing, mechanical contracting, estimating, or related preconstruction roles (3+ years with strong technical proficiency considered).
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field preferred.
• Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver's license and clean driving record required; relevant certifications (e.g., LEED, DBIA, or estimating-specific) a plus; OSHA 10/30-hour certification encouraged (company support provided).
• Physical Demands: Primarily office-based with occasional site visits; ability to walk construction sites, climb ladders/stairs, lift light materials (plans, laptop), and travel regionally as needed; standard office mobility for computer work and meetings.
• Work Environment/Safety: Professional office with hybrid options and active construction sites; exposure to varying weather, noise, dust, heights; must adhere to OSHA regulations, conduct hazard identification, and wear required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots) on sites—safety is our top priority and non-negotiable.
• This is a safety-sensitive position.

Required Skills

• Solid knowledge of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and core mechanical system principles.
• Expertise in sizing piping (hot/chilled water, process, steam, domestic, waste, storm) and ductwork (low/medium pressure supply/exhaust) per SMACNA standards.
• Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., QuickPen/Trimble, AutoBid, or equivalent) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel essential).
• Ability to read/interpret multi-discipline drawings (architectural, structural, electrical, fire protection, mechanical) and evaluate existing mechanical system performance.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective client presentations, proposals, and cross-team collaboration.
• Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail; knowledge of sustainable practices, energy efficiency, and codes/standards (IBC, IMC, IPC, IECC, IFGC, ASHRAE).

Modigent Overview

Modigent is a national leader delivering next-generation infrastructure, technology, and energy solutions through our family of specialized brands in HVAC, plumbing, and controls systems. With a strong coast-to-coast presence and extensive service capabilities, we empower customers, communities, and our over 1,500 team members to thrive with sustainable, efficient commercial building services. As part of our team, you'll contribute to thoughtful innovation and our people-first culture rooted in service, collaboration, and integrity.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Modigent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Third-Party Recruitment Policy

Modigent and its wholly-owned operating companies will not pay any fees for candidate introductions, resumes, or placements from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms without a prior, signed recruitment agreement specifically authorizing submission for a designated position. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions will not obligate Modigent to any payment, and we reserve the right to pursue and hire such candidates without liability. Agencies are requested to refrain from contacting hiring managers directly; all inquiries and submissions must go through our Talent Acquisition team.