MEP Preconstruction Manager
About The Position
The MEP Preconstruction Manager leads design-phase activities for one or more concurrent commercial projects, combining MEP and preconstruction expertise with a team-first approach. The role works closely with owners and design teams to establish project expectations, develop proposals and schedules, guide design and construction planning, manage estimates and budgets, and plan MEP commissioning. The manager also oversees regulatory approvals, risk-management requirements, LEED tracking, and customer relationships, while supervising and developing Design Phase Engineers. The position is focused on Chicago, though candidates in other markets are encouraged to apply. Travel to project sites may be required up to 70%. When not traveling, the schedule is in the office Tuesday through Thursday and remote Monday and Friday. Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate. The company describes its project work as booked through 2030.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Construction, Architectural, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- 10 or more years of construction experience.
- 5 or more years of estimating or on-site project management experience, including 1–2 years as a Preconstruction Manager.
- Thorough knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and low-voltage systems.
- Working knowledge of construction equipment, techniques, scheduling, cost control, drawings, specifications, and standards.
- Proven leadership experience and ability to build relationships and influence at every level of an organization.
- Humble, team-first approach and integrity.
- Working knowledge of EEO, inclusive leadership practices, and Affirmative Action requirements.
- Ability to travel up to 70% to project sites and work in the office Tuesday through Thursday when not traveling.
- Authorization to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship.
Nice To Haves
- Electrical preconstruction, estimating, or design-phase experience.
- Background with an electrical or mechanical contractor.
- Design-build experience, including designer solicitation and contracting.
- Lean Design Delivery and BIM/VDC experience.
- LEED tracking and analysis experience.
- MEP commissioning planning experience.
- Experience with data center, healthcare, sports, federal, or manufacturing projects.
Responsibilities
- Manage the design phase for one or more concurrent commercial projects, including estimating, business partner selection, preliminary scheduling, design development, quality control, and MEP commissioning planning.
- Work with owners to define project expectations and critical success factors during design.
- Facilitate solicitation, selection, and contracting of designers on design-build projects.
- Develop and lead the preparation and presentation of project proposals.
- Build detailed design-phase and baseline construction schedules.
- Lead construction planning, including the contract manual, subcontractor selection, MWD/BE participation, trade and site utilization, disruption avoidance, and owner direct purchase planning, using Lean Design Delivery principles and BIM/VDC technology.
- Guide design teams in incorporating constructability and logistics solutions into designs, and provide input on programming and conceptual design.
- Lead estimating team members on technical design matters, including drawings, specifications, scheduling, and cost documentation.
- Manage design-phase costs through estimate preparation, technical estimating, value engineering, life-cycle analysis, and budget management.
- Secure regulatory approvals; meet insurance, bonding, owner-contract, and subcontractor-term risk management requirements; and implement LEED tracking and analysis.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop Design Phase Engineers, including work direction, performance evaluations, and hiring decisions.
- Build exceptional customer relationships, gather feedback throughout design, and help identify future project opportunities.
Benefits
- Eligibility for the company's incentive plan.
- Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
- Medical and prescription drug coverage with vision included at no additional cost, plus dental.
- 401(k) with a generous company match.
- Paid time off, holidays, and other paid leave.
- Employer-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Adoption assistance.
- Gym membership discount program.
- No-cost mental health support and work-life concierge resources.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
