Director of Preconstruction

Job Description

Job Description

Location(s)

• Richmond, Virginia - On-site

Compensation

• $175,000-$200,000

Position Summary

The Director of Preconstruction - Mission Critical leads front-end planning for mission-critical wet and dry utility installation projects, with primary responsibility for estimating, procurement, project readiness, and proposal development. This role drives early alignment among stakeholders, vendors, engineering, and operations while ensuring accurate scope, cost clarity, constructability, procurement strategy, and commercial risk awareness.

Job Function

• Lead estimating efforts for mission-critical proposals, including reviews of RFQs, drawings, and owner requirements.
• Develop cost breakdowns for civil, electrical, and structural scopes.
• Analyze plans with construction leads to identify constructability considerations and scope gaps.
• Support design reviews to improve estimate accuracy and scheduling.
• Integrate production rates and lessons learned into estimates.
• Plan for long-lead procurement items early in the preconstruction process.
• Structure bid packages and align vendor scopes with procurement teams.
• Monitor material and labor pricing, particularly in volatile categories.
• Develop procurement strategies for handoff to operations.
• Coordinate estimating and procurement documentation for execution teams.
• Lead the development of project schedules and internal launch meetings.
• Track key performance indicators for planned versus actual cost, schedule, and subcontractor performance.
• Support business development by reviewing RFPs and qualifying opportunities.
• Develop proposal content, including bid schedules and execution narratives.
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site walks to inform the estimating approach.
• Collaborate with engineering and estimating teams to shape pricing strategies.
• Provide technical support during shortlist interviews.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field and/or 7+ years of experience in project planning and scheduling.
• At least 3 years of management or leadership experience.
• Proven experience with data center construction projects.

Qualifications

• Deep experience in takeoffs, scope analysis, procurement timelines, and commercial risk review.
• Proficiency with planning and scheduling software, such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, and Navisworks.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, project lifecycles, and contract structures.
• PMP or CCP certification is a plus.
• Ability to travel occasionally to project sites or vendor locations (10-20%).
• Ability to work in a professional office environment and routinely use standard office equipment.
• Ability to bend, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds; the position is primarily sedentary with occasional filing or lifting.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Appealing Facts About Living in Richmond, Virginia

• Richmond combines a vibrant urban environment with easy access to parks, trails, and the James River.
• The area offers a rich history, distinctive neighborhoods, museums, cultural attractions, and a growing food scene.
• Residents can enjoy outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and riverfront activities within the city.
• Richmond's central Virginia location provides convenient access to Washington, D.C., the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Virginia's coastal destinations.
• The region offers a mix of city, suburban, and rural living options, giving residents flexibility in choosing the lifestyle that fits them best.

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Global Talent Resources, Inc. (GTR) is a power industry recruiting firm specializing in substation, transmission, and distribution careers. With 15+ years of experience, we connect engineering and leadership professionals to top roles with leading utilities, cooperatives, EPCs, and consulting firms nationwide.

Many opportunities aren't listed publicly. Contact the GTR team for insider access, expert guidance, and the next step in your electric utility career.