Preconstruction Services Director, Power

J.E. Dunn Construction Group Inc P•Kansas City, GA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

JE Dunn's Advanced Facilities Group (AFG) combines Mission Critical, Advanced Industries, and Industrial & Manufacturing into one high-performing team focused on cutting-edge work to serve innovative clients on large Industrial & Manufacturing, Data Center, and Semiconductor projects. As part of the Advanced Facilities team, you'll work on some of the most advanced construction projects across the country, growing your career alongside our diverse team of industry professionals. The Preconstruction Services Director 1 – Power provides executive leadership for the estimating and preconstruction function within JE Dunn's power generation market. This role is responsible for leading the full preconstruction lifecycle for major natural gas, thermal power, and related energy infrastructure projects, ensuring the development of strategic, accurate, and competitive project solutions that support successful pursuits and profitable project execution. The position oversees preconstruction teams, establishes pursuit and business strategies, manages key client and industry relationships, and drives alignment between business development, operations, engineering partners, OEMs, and trade partners. As JE Dunn continues to expand its presence in the power market, this leader plays a critical role in shaping market strategy, guiding investment decisions, and advancing long-term growth objectives. Leveraging deep expertise in power generation technologies, EPC delivery models, commercial structures, procurement strategy, and industry cost drivers, the Preconstruction Services Director provides market-informed leadership that influences pursuit selection, risk management, and client engagement strategies. This position is accountable for developing high-performing teams, creating scalable preconstruction processes, and driving operational excellence across the power portfolio. Through strategic leadership, industry engagement, and collaboration with regional and national leadership, the Director helps position JE Dunn as a leading builder in the power generation sector while ensuring preconstruction efforts are integrated with the company's broader business objectives and growth strategy.

Requirements

Ability to perform work accurately and completely, and in a timely manner.
Communication skills, verbal and written (Advanced).
Ability to conduct effective presentations (Advanced).
Proficiency in MS Office with emphasis on strong Excel skills (Advanced).
Ability to read and understand drawings and specifications (Advanced).
Proficiency in construction estimating software (Advanced).
Proficiency in required construction technology (Intermediate).
Ability to prepare quantity surveys.
Knowledge of the means and methods of construction management (Advanced).
Ability to build relationships and collaborate within a team, internally and externally.
Knowledge of specific trades and scopes of work (Advanced).
Knowledge of self-perform and labor productivity (Intermediate).
Knowledge of MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise), and SBA (Small Business Administration) regulations (Intermediate).
Ability to develop General Requirements estimates.
Knowledge of project processes and how each supports the successful completion of a project.
Ability to develop proficiency in Lens, Revit and/or ASE software.
Knowledge of Lean process and philosophy.
Maintain a deep understanding of power generation technologies.
Advanced understanding of EPC contracting methodologies, commercial negotiations, and project financial drivers.
Advanced understanding of natural gas and thermal power generation systems, including design and preconstruction.
Comprehensive understanding of cost drivers for major power plant components
Ability to analyze technical documentation such as process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and OEM performance guarantees.
Ability to lead early-phase constructability reviews for thermal power projects
Ability to coordinate and lead large teams (both internal and external) through the design and preconstruction process.
Ability to develop and execute market growth strategies within the power generation sector.
Ability to assess complex project risks and develop mitigation strategies during pursuit and preconstruction phases.
Ability to influence executive stakeholders and build consensus across diverse internal and external teams.
Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering or related field (Required).
In lieu of the above requirements, equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
10+ years construction estimating experience including a minimum of 5+ years people management and 2+ years financial management.

Nice To Haves

Proven track record managing major power generation projects including transmission and distribution from pursuit through preconstruction (preferred).
Expertise in EPC delivery model, risk management, and commercial structures (preferred).
Established network of relationships with utilities, developers, engineering partners, trade partners, OEM’s, and key industry stakeholders (preferred).
Experience developing preconstruction strategies for natural gas combined-cycle, simple-cycle, RICE, or thermal power facilities (preferred)
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through complex power project pursuits, design development, and commercial negotiations (preferred).
Experience building, mentoring, and managing high-performing estimating and preconstruction teams (preferred).

Responsibilities

Leads overall preconstruction process, resulting in a comprehensive deliverable which includes competitive bids, negotiated proposals, cost estimates, analysis and budgets.
Prepares and executes project win strategies by preparing for interviews and leading internal and external presentations of estimates and proposals to support the business development process.
Oversees project teams and ensures successful execution and completion of preconstruction process.
Manages relationships with key clients and design team contacts during the preconstruction phase.
Capable of performing estimating tasks as needed, including self-perform estimating.
Creates conceptual budgets.
Reports accurate project cost history.
Partners with operations to review project risk assessment, scoring and completion.
Reviews project business plan with other stakeholders, such as operations and office leadership, to ensure alignment and profitability.
Leads, supports and promotes a culture of diversity and inclusion within JE Dunn. Understands JE Dunn’s policy of non-discrimination and ensures positive, proactive implementation throughout the organization.
Develops and manages departmental and project win strategies. Leverages leads and relationships to enhance business development efforts.
Manages the client presentation and sales processes in collaboration with the business development team throughout the business development lifecycle.
Develops strong relationships and serves as a primary contact for clients and subcontractors throughout the preconstruction process. Leverages relationships to help clients transition from business development to preconstruction.
Oversees final review, development and overall accuracy and completion of takeoffs and internal pricing.
Manages the budget to limit variance during the estimating and preconstruction phases of the project.
Assumes an influential leadership role in community and industry relationship building through networking, representing the organization and the preconstruction services function to help promote the interests of the company.
Collaborates with operations executives to develop business plans and overall business strategies.
Frequently participates in office, regional and/or national level leadership strategic planning and execution. Develops and supports company-wide initiatives, best practices and policies within the work program.
Provide insight into market trends, cost escalation factors, and competitive intelligence specific to natural gas and thermal power to guide pursuit strategies.
Identify and understand power generation regulatory and permitting requirements to work with key stakeholders to ensure early compliance.
Work with the project leadership team to manage trade partner procurement process including developing scopes of work, solicitations, interviews, and relationship management.
Proactively identify and track long‑lead and critical materials and equipment to support successful project delivery and develop risk‑mitigation procurement strategies.
Lead development and execution of Power market preconstruction strategy in alignment with regional and national business objectives.
Develop and maintain executive-level relationships with utilities, independent power producers, developers, OEMs, engineering firms, and key industry stakeholders to advance business development and market growth initiatives.
Provide strategic guidance on project delivery approaches, commercial structures, contract strategy, and risk allocation for major EPC and design-build pursuits.
Establish and continuously improve power-specific preconstruction processes, estimating tools, benchmarks, and best practices to support scalable growth and execution excellence.
Support recruitment, talent development, succession planning, and mentoring of preconstruction professionals within the Power market.
Partner with operations and business development leadership to evaluate market opportunities, prioritize pursuits, and allocate resources across the Power portfolio.
Lead executive-level pursuit reviews and provide recommendations regarding project selection, risk profile, strategic fit, and expected returns.