Preconstruction Executive

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc • Sterling, VA

8d • Remote

About The Position

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is a leading mechanical contractor specializing in commercial HVAC, Plumbing, Piping, and Mechanical Construction. VMG is seeking an accomplished Preconstruction Executive to provide strategic leadership across its preconstruction and estimating efforts. This senior leadership position will be critical in shaping VMG's project pipeline, strengthening client relationships, developing pursuit strategies, and positioning the organization for continued profitable growth. The ideal candidate will possess deep mechanical construction expertise, strong business acumen, executive leadership skills, and the ability to build relationships with clients and industry partners.

Requirements

• 10+ years of commercial mechanical construction experience with significant preconstruction or estimating leadership responsibility.
• Proven experience leading estimating, preconstruction, or project pursuit functions.
• Deep understanding of commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical systems.
• Strong experience with design-build, negotiated work, conceptual estimating, GMP development, and large-scale commercial projects.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful pursuit and pricing strategies.
• Strong understanding of mechanical construction costs, labor productivity, material pricing, equipment, subcontractor scopes, and project risk.
• Proven success in client-facing roles, including presentations, interviews, negotiations, and relationship development.
• Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to balance competitiveness, profitability, and risk.
• Excellent executive-level leadership, communication, presentation, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships across executive, operational, and client teams.
• Proficiency with estimating software, preconstruction technology, and Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• Senior leadership experience within a commercial mechanical contractor.
• Experience overseeing preconstruction for large-scale and complex commercial mechanical projects.
• Proven success developing relationships with general contractors, owners, developers, architects, and engineers.
• Experience leading strategic pursuits from early client engagement through project award.
• Experience developing and mentoring estimating and preconstruction teams.
• Experience implementing preconstruction technology, standardized processes, and departmental improvements.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for preconstruction activities across commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical construction projects.
• Lead pursuit strategy for negotiated, hard-bid, design-build, and other complex project opportunities.
• Establish estimating, budgeting, pricing, and risk-management strategies that support competitiveness and profitability.
• Provide executive oversight of conceptual estimates, cost models, budgets, and GMP development.
• Evaluate project opportunities and provide recommendations on pursuit strategy, pricing, risk, and overall business fit.
• Monitor market conditions, labor trends, material pricing, and industry developments to support informed decision-making.
• Partner with Business Development and Executive Leadership to identify and pursue strategic project opportunities.
• Participate in client meetings, interviews, presentations, and negotiations throughout the pursuit process.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, developers, general contractors, architects, engineers, and industry partners.
• Develop preconstruction strategies that demonstrate VMG's technical expertise and differentiate the organization in competitive pursuits.
• Support proposal development and presentations for high-value and strategic opportunities.
• Serve as a senior-level representative of VMG throughout the preconstruction and pursuit process.
• Collaborate closely with Executive Leadership, Operations, Project Management, Business Development, Engineering, and field leadership.
• Ensure preconstruction strategies align with operational capabilities and overall company objectives.
• Lead constructability reviews and value-engineering efforts to improve project outcomes.
• Facilitate strong project handoffs from Preconstruction to Operations.
• Incorporate historical project performance and lessons learned into future pursuits.
• Provide leadership with visibility into pipeline activity, project risk, pricing strategy, and upcoming opportunities.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to estimating and preconstruction professionals.
• Establish clear expectations for quality, accuracy, accountability, and performance.
• Develop processes and standards that improve consistency across the Preconstruction department.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen team capabilities through training, technology, and talent development.
• Support recruiting and development of high-performing estimating and preconstruction professionals.
• Foster a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Establish, refine, and implement preconstruction standards, tools, workflows, and best practices.
• Evaluate estimating and preconstruction technology to improve accuracy, efficiency, and visibility.
• Utilize historical cost data, market intelligence, and project performance information to strengthen future estimates.
• Support long-range planning, forecasting, backlog development, and pipeline management.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, reduce project risk, and strengthen VMG's competitive position.

Benefits

• Competitive executive-level compensation
• Performance-based bonus and incentive opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Ongoing professional and leadership development opportunities
• Long-term career advancement within a rapidly growing organization
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where your leadership and ideas make an impact

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed