Director of Preconstruction

Natek Corporation • Boston, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Natek Energy is partnering with a well-established mechanical contracting and energy services organization serving commercial, institutional, healthcare, higher education, and industrial markets throughout the Northeast. Our client has built a strong reputation for delivering complex mechanical, HVAC, energy, and infrastructure projects through a combination of technical expertise, long-standing client relationships, and a commitment to quality project execution. As the organization continues to grow, they are seeking an experienced leader to oversee and elevate their preconstruction and estimating operations. The Director of Preconstruction will lead all preconstruction, estimating, budgeting, and project pursuit activities while serving as a strategic partner to executive leadership. This individual will be responsible for managing estimating resources, developing project acquisition strategies, supporting business development efforts, and ensuring accurate project budgeting from concept through contract award. This role requires a strong combination of mechanical construction expertise, leadership ability, client-facing communication skills, and commercial acumen.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical construction estimating, preconstruction, or project development leadership
• Prior experience with a mechanical contractor, HVAC contractor, design-build contractor, or energy services organization
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, construction methods, project delivery models, and estimating practices
• Experience developing conceptual and detailed project estimates for large commercial or institutional projects
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage multiple pursuits simultaneously
• Strong client relationship management and business development skills
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office applications

Nice To Haves

• Design-build project experience strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all preconstruction and estimating activities across multiple project opportunities
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed construction estimates
• Prepare preliminary budgets, procurement strategies, bid packages, and project schedules
• Review estimates for completeness, accuracy, consistency, and risk exposure
• Coordinate and lead preconstruction review meetings with internal and external stakeholders
• Develop alternative solutions and value engineering recommendations while maintaining project intent and client objectives
• Evaluate project risks and present findings to senior leadership
• Maintain and improve estimating systems, processes, and software tools
• Develop and maintain labor rates, cost databases, and pricing resources
• Standardize estimate presentation formats and reporting methodologies
• Conduct bid evaluations and subcontractor pricing analysis
• Oversee subcontractor and major equipment buyout activities to achieve or improve estimated project costs
• Lead, mentor, and develop estimating and preconstruction personnel
• Manage workload allocation and resource planning across the department
• Establish performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and development
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives and best practices throughout the team
• Support Serve as a key participant in project pursuit and work acquisition efforts
• Build and maintain relationships with owners, developers, architects, engineers, and construction partners
• Participate in client meetings, project presentations, and budget reviews
• Identify and evaluate new project opportunities and lead sources
• Support growth initiatives by helping position the company for negotiated and design-build opportunities
• Promote the full portfolio of mechanical, HVAC, energy, and construction services

Benefits

• Executive-level leadership role with significant influence on company growth and project acquisition strategy
• Opportunity to lead a high-performing preconstruction function within a respected organization
• Exposure to complex mechanical, HVAC, energy, and infrastructure projects
• Strong executive visibility and direct collaboration with senior leadership
• Long-term career growth within a stable and expanding organization

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive