MEP Preconstruction Manager

Trueline • Chicago, IL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The MEP Preconstruction Manager leads the design phase for one or more concurrent commercial projects, partnering with owners and design teams to define project expectations and deliver constructible, well-planned projects. The role oversees estimating, business partner selection, preliminary and baseline scheduling, design development, quality control, commissioning planning, proposal preparation, and construction planning. It applies Lean Design Delivery principles and BIM/VDC technology to address constructability, logistics, trade and site utilization, disruption avoidance, and owner direct purchasing.

The manager leads technical estimating and cost management, including estimate preparation, value engineering, life-cycle analysis, and budget management. The position also secures regulatory approvals, addresses risk management requirements, and implements LEED tracking and analysis. It supervises, mentors, and develops Design Phase Engineers, and supports strong customer relationships and identification of future project opportunities. The role is hybrid, with project-site travel taking priority and office attendance Tuesday through Thursday when not traveling; remote work is Monday and Friday. Chicago is the primary focus, though candidates in other markets may apply and relocation assistance may be available.

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 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 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 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 risk management requirements for insurance, bonding, owner contracts, and subcontractor terms; and implement LEED tracking and analysis.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop Design Phase Engineers, including work direction, performance evaluations, and hiring decisions.
• Promote 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.

What This Job Offers

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