Director, Preconstruction

The Poole and Kent Corporation•Baltimore, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Preconstruction provides strategic leadership and oversight for all preconstruction services related to mechanical construction projects, including HVAC, plumbing, piping, and process systems. This role is responsible for estimating, budgeting, value engineering, constructability analysis, and client engagement from project pursuit through contract award. The Director ensures accurate, competitive proposals while aligning technical solutions with company capabilities, financial goals, and client expectations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Supply Chain Management or a related field (required).
10+ years of experience in mechanical construction, with significant experience in estimating or preconstruction.
5+ years in a leadership or management role.
Deep knowledge of mechanical systems (HVAC, piping, plumbing).
Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Autobid, Trimble a plus.
Strong understanding of construction documents, codes, and industry standards.
Strong familiarity with construction contract structures, risk allocation, and industry standards.
Excellent negotiation, mathematical, and analytical skills.
Must demonstrate proficiency in Autobid, Microsoft Office applications, (i.e. Outlook, Word and Excel).
Advanced end-user of Excel.
Must demonstrate integrity, honesty, professionalism, and appropriate concern regarding dissemination of sensitive and confidential information.
Must demonstrate the ability to work well in a team oriented work environment and flexibility to take on added responsibilities when department demands present with additional work load.
Must demonstrate professional self discipline and initiative in performing work, attention to detail and committed to performing work within specified deadlines.
Must prioritize and organize work in a fast paced multi-tasking environment.
Must build positive working relationships with multiple levels of employees, management, suppliers, and customers.
Must demonstrate commitment to company values and safety culture.
Must have the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in English, cooperate, and collaborate with multiple levels of customer, employees, unions, government agencies, vendors and suppliers, and other contractor organizations.

Nice To Haves

Strategic thinking and decision-making
Strong leadership and team development skills
Excellent communication and presentation abilities
Negotiation and relationship management
Financial acumen and analytical skills
Problem-solving and attention to detail
Prior in house experience with a general contractor, construction manager, or large specialty contractor.
Working knowledge of project and financial software a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist in the leading and management in the preconstruction department team members.
Develop and implement preconstruction strategies that align with company growth, profitability targets, and market positioning.
Refine standards, processes, and best practices for estimating, budgeting, and proposal development.
Mentor and develop team members, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
Oversee preparation of conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates for mechanical systems.
Ensure accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness of bids and proposals.
Analyze drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare detailed cost estimates.
Manage risk analysis, contingency planning, and cost validation processes.
Lead value engineering efforts to optimize project costs while maintaining quality and performance.
Collaborate with business development and operations teams during project pursuits and presentations.
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, general contractors, engineers, and owners.
Participate in proposal interviews, presentations, and negotiations.
Support market research and identify new opportunities in target sectors (e.g., healthcare, data centers, industrial).
Lead constructability reviews and coordination with design teams.
Oversee early-stage project planning, scheduling input, and procurement strategies.
Direct integration of BIM/VDC for clash detection, purchasing, prefabrication planning, and cost validation.
Coordinate with purchasing and operations teams to ensure seamless transition from preconstruction to project execution.
Develop and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers.
Oversee subcontractor prequalification, bid solicitation, and leveling processes.
Ensure competitive pricing and adherence to scope requirements.
Implement and optimize estimating software, and digital workflows.
Continuously improve data analytics, historical cost databases, and benchmarking practices.
Drive innovation in preconstruction methodologies.
Review and approve final estimates, budgets, and proposal submissions.
Monitor preconstruction costs and resource utilization.
Ensure alignment with company financial objectives and margin expectations.