Mechanical Preconstruction Director

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

The Role We Want You For

The Mechanical Preconstruction Director will be responsible for taking the lead on a particular estimate(s) and providing direction to other team members. Is responsible for accurately calculating project costs by preparing budgets for all Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire Protection/ Process Piping/BMS. Budgeting efforts are for projects in pursuit and those awarded to the company. Successful candidates will be very well organized, have excellent communication skills and be computer literate. Must have prior experience in the construction industry and advanced knowledge to perform quantity takeoff. The project pursuits will be focused around larger more technically complex work such as EV, Semiconductor, Food & Beverage Manufacturing facilities, etc.

The Specifics of the Role

• Review of all RFP or design documents to establish a complete understanding of requested scope of work. Develop RFI lists for project clarifications. Emphasis of work will include more complicated, larger projects.
• Coordination with project team to provide take off and estimating, constructability analyses, value engineering, cost control, scope reviews etc.
• Ability to estimate and "fill in the gaps" for complete pricing when only conceptual design documents are available.
• Take off all materials and prices, identify subcontractor involvement, solicit subcontractor and/or manufacturer prices and estimate direct field labor.
• Assist internal team members who are responsible for building positive working relationships with local and national material suppliers and equipment vendors to provide current pricing of plumbing fixtures, HVAC equipment, piping & sheet metal material, and miscellaneous material pricing.
• Assist internal team members in maintaining positive working relationships with local and national Mechanical/Plumbing/Fire Protection / BMS subcontractors to verify market conditions and labor issues.
• Assist internal team members responsible in maintaining current subcontractor and material costs within our estimating software.
• Contribute in creating data to be used for conceptual estimating measures, such as, man-hours and/or cost per lineal foot, per pound, per square foot, per cfm, per acfm, per gpm, by system, by spec, by building type, etc.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience as an estimator in electrical systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Experience with Trimble on-screen takeoff software is preferred.
• Ability to review bid documents and offer design critique and/or VE opportunities
• Must work well under pressure and deadlines.
• Must have demonstrated success in leadership, safety awareness, good follow-up skills, coaching, and teamwork.
• Effective written/oral communication skills, and interpersonal skills.

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide - Travel will be required.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!
• This position is classified as a safety-sensitive role in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Candidates selected for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check, which includes mandatory drug testing.

Why Clayco?

• 2025 Best Places to Work - St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Top 400 - Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms - Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors - Green Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.