Pre-Construction Manager

Legence • San Diego, CA

1d • $90,000 - $160,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Pre-Construction Manager position is a full-time, in-person position located in our San Diego, CA Office. This role is responsible for leading all mechanical estimating and preconstruction activities from conceptual design through contract award. This role oversees estimating strategy, cost development, constructability reviews, and coordination with internal teams, clients, designers, and trade partners to deliver accurate, competitive, and executable mechanical solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• Extensive experience in mechanical construction estimating and preconstruction management.
• 3-7 years of experience in mechanical estimating, construction or preconstruction
• Proven experience leading mechanical estimates on commercial or industrial projects
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, means and methods
• Advanced knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, piping, medical gas, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Experience with Design-build and negotiated projects
• Proficient in Excel

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all estimating functions.
• Establish departmental goals, processes, standards, and performance metrics.
• Develop, mentor, and evaluate estimating personnel
• Allocate estimating resources to support company pursuits and strategic initiatives.
• Foster collaboration between estimating, operations, BIM, fabrication, purchasing, and project management teams.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, and teamwork.
• Provide oversight for all budgets, conceptual estimates, schematic estimates, GMP estimates, and final bids.
• Review and approve project estimates prior to client submission.
• Ensure estimating practices are consistent, accurate, and aligned with company standards.
• Develop labor productivity assumptions, crew compositions, indirect cost strategies, and risk assessments.
• Maintain historical cost databases and benchmarking tools.
• Monitor estimating accuracy and continuously improve forecasting methodologies.
• Participate in design reviews, constructability evaluations, and value engineering exercises.
• Provide ongoing cost guidance throughout design development.
• Identify scope gaps, design risks, escalation concerns, and procurement challenges.
• Support target value design and budget management processes.
• Collaborate with design teams, owners, and contractors to develop cost-effective solutions.
• Participate in project pursuit strategy and go/no-go evaluations.
• Assist with proposals, interviews, presentations, and client meetings.
• Provide market intelligence regarding competition, labor trends, procurement risks, and construction costs.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and trade partners.
• Monitor material pricing, labor trends, and market conditions.
• Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Identify long-lead procurement risks and supply chain challenges.
• Recommend procurement strategies that support project budgets and schedules.
• Evaluate project risks during the pursuit and preconstruction phases.
• Review contract requirements that impact pricing and execution.
• Analyze contingency requirements and risk transfer opportunities.
• Participate in project handoff meetings to ensure proper communication of estimate assumptions and risk considerations.
• Champion the use of estimating technology, BIM integration, cost databases, and digital workflows.
• Support implementation of emerging tools and technologies that improve estimating efficiency and accuracy.
• Promote integration between estimating, scheduling, fabrication planning, and project execution systems.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvement within the preconstruction process.

Benefits

• 401(k) Plan with Company Match: Currently match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of eligible pay; immediate vesting.
• Health & Welfare Benefits: Employer provided medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, Employee Assistance Program and accident & illness coverage.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Eligible for employer-provided Long-Term Disability, Basic Life, and AD&D Coverage, with option to purchase additional coverage per plan terms.
• Time Off: Vacation is 80 hrs/yr during your first 5 years, then 120 hrs/yr. Unused vacation rolls over up to 80 hrs (years 1–5) and 120 hrs (year 6+). Accrues each pay period, and unused accrued vacation time is paid out at separation per CA law. This is separate from CA sick leave; company holidays per policy.
• Expenses: Business travel and related expenses reimbursed per company policy.

What This Job Offers

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