Pre-Construction Section Manager - Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

DescriptionPosition OverviewThe Pre-Construction Section Manager – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is responsible for the managerial direction, leadership, and operational success of the Pre-Construction section supporting utility-scale energy storage and hybrid renewable projects. Operating within an Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC), Design-Build, and Construction Management delivery framework, this role balances executive section leadership—including resource planning, staff development, and financial performance—with hands-on oversight of proposal development, estimating, constructability, and early procurement.The Section Manager will lead and grow a high-performing team of pre-construction managers, estimators, and technical support staff. By collaborating closely with Business Development, Engineering Global Practices, Estimating Leadership, and Field Operations, this role drives profitable growth and positions the firm as an industry leader in the evolving battery energy storage sector.What You Will DoSection Leadership & Resource ManagementProvide direct leadership, coaching, and managerial direction to pre-construction managers, estimators, schedulers, and support staff within the energy storage section.Manage section workload, project assignments, and staff loading to meet project timelines, billable targets, and business unit utilization goals.Direct recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention efforts to build and sustain a top-tier pre-construction team specialized in utility-scale BESS.Champion company culture, core values, diversity, and safety across all pre-construction and proposal workflows.Manage section budgets, overhead expenditures, software/tool licensing, and operational resources.Business Strategy & Pursuit LeadershipPartner with Business Development, Global Practice Leaders, and Construction Directors to define pursuit strategies, market positioning, and client relationship management for BESS opportunities.Lead pre-construction strategy meetings, aligning proposal win strategies, project execution plans, and competitive value propositions.Lead high-stakes client interviews, technical presentations, and commercial alignment sessions.Review incoming RFPs/solicitations to determine pursuit viability, resource commitment, and overall commercial risk.Estimating Oversight & Financial GovernanceDirect the preparation of comprehensive, competitive, and transparent cost models ranging from early conceptual estimates to detailed Class 1 EPC bid submissions.Ensure consistent application of standardized Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), indirect cost assessments, and cash flow forecasting.Establish and govern the section's historical estimating database, tracking equipment pricing trends, labor productivity, and balance-of-plant (BOP) benchmarks.Chair formal estimate and risk review sessions with executive leadership, presenting variance analyses, contingency modeling, and risk mitigation strategies.Monitor monthly pre-construction budgets, proposal costs, and deliverable schedules across all active pursuits.BESS Technical Alignment & ConstructabilityAct as executive sponsor for constructability reviews and value analysis, ensuring seamless integration between engineering disciplines and construction teams.Drive the adoption of advanced estimating and coordination tools, including BIM and digital takeoff platforms, to enhance accuracy and design coordination.Trade Partnering, Procurement & Commercial StrategyOversee subcontractor and vendor pre-qualification, bid leveling, scope clarification, and commercial risk evaluations.Collaborate with legal, insurance, and risk management teams to review contract terms, bonding requirements, warranties, and tax/tariff considerations.Cultivate strategic industry partnerships with key trade contractors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers.Operational Handoff & Project GovernanceEstablish standardized handoff protocols to transition awarded projects smoothly from pre-construction to the project execution and field construction management teams.Participate in early mobilization reviews, initial procurement buyouts, and alignment meetings with project managers and superintendents.Conduct periodic quality, progress, and financial audits on active pre-construction efforts to identify lessons learned and drive continuous process improvements.QualificationsBachelor Degree in engineering, architecture, construction, or related degree from an accredited program and 5 years related professional experience in design and/or project management required.Or applicable experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.12+ years of progressive construction and pre-construction experience preferred.Previous Leadership & Management Experience: Proven experience supervising, mentoring, and leading pre-construction or estimating teams is preferred.Industry Focus: Demonstrated experience in utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), solar-plus-storage, substation/transmission, or major industrial electrical projects is strongly preferred.Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients.Position requires the ability to thoughtfully and positively influence, lead, and manage change.Must possess strong project management skills and a strategic perspective.Must be expert in the use of computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).In-depth understanding of EPC, Design-Build, and CMAR project delivery methods preferred.Deep knowledge of BESS equipment technology preferred.Strong executive communication, presentation, and negotiation skills with clients, partners, and senior corporate leadership preferred.High commercial acumen in contract structures, risk registers, scope gap mitigation, and subcontractor packaging preferred.Job Field: Construction ServicesJob Type: ExperiencedSchedule: Full-timeTravel: Yes, 25 % of the Time