MEP Preconstruction Manager

Trueline • Portland, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The MEP Preconstruction Manager leads design-phase planning for one or more concurrent commercial projects, bringing expertise in estimating, business partner selection, preliminary scheduling, design development, quality control, and MEP commissioning planning. The role works closely with owners to define expectations and critical success factors, facilitates designer solicitation and contracting on design-build projects, and leads project proposal preparation and presentation.

The position develops design-phase and baseline construction schedules and leads construction planning, including contract manuals, subcontractor selection, MWD/BE participation, trade and site utilization, disruption avoidance, and owner direct purchase planning. It guides design teams in integrating constructability and logistics solutions, provides input on programming and conceptual design, and leads technical estimating and cost management through estimates, value engineering, life-cycle analysis, and budget management.

The manager also secures regulatory approvals, addresses risk management requirements, implements LEED tracking and analysis, and supervises, mentors, and develops Design Phase Engineers. The role emphasizes strong owner relationships, customer feedback, and identifying future project opportunities. Portland is the focus, though candidates in other markets are encouraged to apply; relocation assistance may be available. The work arrangement is hybrid, with project-site travel taking priority and office attendance Tuesday through Thursday when not traveling; remote work is otherwise available Monday and Friday. Travel may be up to 70%.

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 organizational level.
• Humble, team-first approach and integrity to do the right thing when nobody is looking.
• 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 design phases 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 for the design phase.
• Facilitate solicitation, selection, and contracting of designers on design-build projects.
• Develop and lead preparation and presentation of project proposals.
• Build detailed design-phase and baseline construction schedules.
• Lead construction planning, including contract manuals, 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 and meet risk management requirements for insurance, bonding, owner contracts, and subcontractor terms.
• 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

• 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.
• Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.
• Eligibility for the company's incentive plan.

What This Job Offers

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