Preconstruction Manager

About the role

An established mechanical construction contractor is seeking a Chief Estimator to lead its estimating department and play a key role in the continued growth of a thriving construction division. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimating leader who enjoys mentoring teams, improving processes, and helping drive strategic growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating department, overseeing a team of approximately 4–6 estimators.
• Prepare and review conceptual, budgetary, and hard bid estimates.
• Develop accurate cost estimates for HVAC, mechanical piping, and plumbing scopes.
• Review drawings, specifications, subcontractor proposals, and bid documents.
• Establish estimating standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Mentor and develop estimating staff while fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Work closely with operations and preconstruction teams to ensure smooth project transitions.
• Participate in client meetings and support business development efforts when needed.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving solutions.
• Help shape the future direction of the preconstruction department.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of mechanical construction estimating experience.
• Strong background estimating HVAC, piping, and plumbing projects.
• Previous experience leading or managing estimating teams.
• Experience with commercial and government construction projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $140,000 – $175,000
• Performance-based annual bonus
• Vehicle allowance with mileage reimbursement
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-provided cell phone
• Paid holidays (7 annually)
• Minimum of two weeks PTO
• Local projects with no overnight travel

Career Growth

This position offers a defined advancement path into Director of Preconstruction, providing the opportunity to build and lead the department as the company continues to expand.

Project Manager – Mechanical Construction

Responsibilities

• Manage mechanical construction projects from award through closeout.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, forecasting, and profitability.
• Cook up with field leadership, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
• Review contracts, drawings, specifications, RFIs, submittals, and change orders.
• Maintain project costs and maintain financial performance.
• Lead project meetings and provide regular updates to clients and leadership.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously with a combined backlog of approximately $15 million.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to quality standards.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while identifying opportunities for repeat business.

Qualifications

• 4–10 years of Project Management experience in construction.
• Mechanical construction experience strongly preferred.
• Experience managing HVAC, mechanical piping, and plumbing projects.
• Strong financial management and forecasting abilities.
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience with project management software and Microsoft Office.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $100,000 – $135,000
• Quarterly performance bonus based on project profitability
• Vehicle allowance ($600/month) plus mileage reimbursement
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Company-provided cell phone
• Paid holidays (7 annually)
• Minimum of two weeks PTO
• Local projects with no overnight travel

Career Growth

The construction division currently manages approximately $85 million in backlog and has aggressive plans to double in size over the next two years. High-performing Project Managers have opportunities to advance into Senior Project Manager, Project Development Manager, and future leadership roles as the organization continues to grow. This position offers long-term career stability, leadership development, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing team.

Estimator (Commercial Construction)

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed conceptual, schematic, design development, and final construction estimates.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing for labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor scopes.
• Solicit, evaluate, and level subcontractor and supplier bids.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and contract documents to identify project risks and opportunities.
• Develop comprehensive bid packages and scopes of work.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, operations teams, and business development throughout the preconstruction process.
• Participate in value engineering exercises and recommend cost-saving alternatives without sacrificing quality.
• Maintain current knowledge of local labor markets, subcontractor pricing, and material cost trends.
• Attend pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client presentations as needed.
• Support project handoff to operations following award.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of estimating experience with a commercial general contractor.
• Experience estimating projects ranging from approximately $5M–$100M+.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, and sequencing.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff (OST), PlanSwift, Sage Estimating, or similar platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred but not required with equivalent experience.

Preferred Experience

• Experience estimating one or more of the following project types:
• Office Buildings
• Mixed-Use Developments
• Multifamily Housing
• Healthcare Facilities
• Higher Education
• K-12 Schools
• Retail
• Industrial & Warehouse
• Life Sciences
• Hospitality

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $125,000–$160,000 annually, depending on experience
• Performance Bonus
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Professional Development & Continuing Education Support
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Collaborative and Team-Oriented Culture

Preconstruction Manager

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction process from conceptual budgeting through final GMP development.
• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates.
• Develop and manage detailed project budgets, cost models, and value engineering initiatives.
• Collaborate with owners, architects, consultants, and internal project teams throughout design.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and project documents for scope completeness and constructability.
• Coordinate quantity takeoffs, bid leveling, and proposal development.
• Identify project risks and recommend cost-effective solutions.
• Facilitate design meetings and provide cost guidance throughout the design process.
• Support business development efforts by participating in client presentations and project interviews.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, consultants, and clients.
• Transition awarded projects seamlessly to the operations team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (preferred).
• 5+ years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience.
• Experience managing preconstruction efforts on projects ranging from $10M-$100M+.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction methods, materials, and pricing.
• Experience with negotiated, CM/GC, Design-Build, and GMP delivery methods.
• Proficiency with estimating software such as Sage Estimating, OST, Bluebeam, Timberline, or similar platforms.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

Preferred Project Experience

• Experience in one or more of the following markets:
• Corporate Office
• Healthcare
• Higher Education
• K-12
• Life Sciences
• Hospitality
• Multifamily
• Industrial
• Mixed-Use Developments

What They Offer

• Base Salary: $135,000 - $175,000
• Annual Performance Bonus
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Vehicle Allowance or Company Vehicle
• Professional Development & Career Advancement
• Collaborative and Team-Oriented Culture
• Opportunity to work on some of the Pacific Northwest's most recognizable commercial construction projects

Why Join?

This organization has a strong pipeline of work throughout the Puget Sound region. You'll have the chance to contribute to high-profile projects, work alongside experienced industry professionals, and grow your career within a company that values collaboration, innovation, and long-term employee success.