MEP Unit Manager- Food & Beverage Market

Gray Construction is a fully integrated design-builder delivering end-to-end solutions across construction, professional services, specialty equipment, and real estate. Since 1960, Gray has grown from a regional contractor to a nationally ranked industry leader, serving top domestic and international companies in Manufacturing, Food & Beverage, Data Centers, Advanced Technology, and Distribution. Our integrated approach allows us to deliver value at every phase of a project—from designing and building state-of-the-art facilities to fabricating custom process equipment and implementing advanced automation.

About the role

This individual is key to the overall project success, including planning, design, and execution. The MEP Unit Manager will lead multiple projects and large complex projects, develop and lead proposal teams, and ensure project profitability and success.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate customer and team meetings, ensuring detailed meeting minutes and action item registers are updated and distributed.
• Ensure all project start-up meetings are held with appropriate team members.
• Systematically track and complete project action items to support project requirements.
• Ensure project staff completes submittal reviews, status reports, closeout documents, and maintenance manuals promptly.
• Visit project sites regularly.
• Monitor project progress, identify issues early, and develop corrective actions to mitigate risks.
• Operate within budgetary limitations and requirements.
• Develop proposals and execution strategies for MEP trades, coordinating with the Project Management Team for general building trades.
• Contribute to Risk Management and Relationship Management plans as part of the execution strategy.
• Monitor purchasing of materials, subcontracts, equipment, and services for MEP trades to ensure optimal savings within safety, quality, scheduling, training, and profitability requirements.
• Ensure project MEP Services staff issues change orders to subcontractors and customers according to work procedures.
• Complete red files accurately and review job cost reports with the Project Manager, Project Executive, and Site Manager monthly.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of the project master schedule to ensure conformance to project execution strategy and contractual obligations.
• Collaborate with Field Operations Managers, A/E Services, and Project Management team to assess schedule progress and develop corrective measures.
• Document and communicate project delays, including producing timely notices and justifying schedule extensions.
• Ensure all contractual terms and conditions in owner contracts and MEP subcontracts are understood by all parties.
• Render decisions and take actions based on contractual obligations.
• Promote and implement safety and quality programs to meet project goals.
• Contribute to the development of the project risk management plan, addressing both internal and external risks.
• Assess the effectiveness of risk management plans and develop corrective actions as needed.
• Serve as the primary customer contact and account manager, developing relationship management plans.
• Coordinate with A/E Services regarding consultants and outline project communication plans.
• Demonstrate leadership qualities and awareness of Gray Core Values.
• Ensure continuity of workflow in the absence or termination of subordinates or other project staff.
• Mentor and develop team members, ensuring their growth and success.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or a minimum of ten years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of seven consecutive years of total profit and loss accountability on multiple projects.
• Minimum of five years of experience managing all disciplines of design/build projects or hard bid projects.
• Experience in all contracting methods such as lump sum, GMP, cost plus construction management, and fee-based construction.
• Understanding of legal aspects and implications of contractual language.
• Proven record in increasing project profitability from the initial project profit margin on multiple projects.
• Sufficient knowledge in technical aspects of engineering and design disciplines to represent Gray as the primary point of contact in initial project discussions with customers.
• Thorough knowledge of costs and fees associated with engineering and design disciplines and services Gray offers.
• Thorough knowledge of the impact caused by changes in design, engineering, or construction phases and how they affect cost, schedule, and operations.
• Experience managing projects where process or production equipment procurement/installation exceeded two million dollars.
• Knowledge of costs associated with discrete equipment components, systems, and installation procedures to prepare estimates and proposals.
• Ability to mentor and train other project staff, such as senior project managers, project managers, and assistant project managers.
• Proven experience in developing aggressive project schedules with variables such as project type, areas, and seasonal start dates.
• Proven experience in preparing cost estimates for design/build projects in the industrial arena.
• Ability to develop and maintain harmonious relationships with owners, co-workers, vendors, suppliers, and community stakeholders.

Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical publications, or government regulations.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence, and effectively present information to employees, managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and understand complex financial information.
• Basic business mathematical skills, including the ability to perform arithmetic operations using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with variables.
• Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, or other forms.
• Basic computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet, and email applications.
• Working knowledge of scheduling and/or estimating applications is a plus.
• Energetic, self-motivated individual who enjoys a team environment and has a passion for collaboration and professional development.

Why Gray?

At Gray, you’ll find a culture built on teamwork, accountability, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Our success is driven by passionate, collaborative team members who take pride in their work, value strong relationships, and are committed to doing the right thing for our customers and one another. "Personal growth precedes Gray’s growth." – Stephen Gray, President & CEO, Gray, Inc.