Director of Preconstruction

Role Description

The Preconstruction Executive is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all preconstruction activities across VMG's HVAC and Plumbing operations. This role provides strategic direction for estimating, budgeting, value engineering, and pursuit strategy while partnering closely with executive leadership, operations, and business development to drive profitable growth. This position blends technical expertise, leadership, and client-facing responsibilities, and plays a critical role in shaping VMG's project pipeline and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all preconstruction activities for HVAC and Plumbing projects, including hard bid, negotiated, and design-build work.
• Set estimating strategy, pricing models, and risk assessment standards to ensure competitiveness and profitability.
• Provide executive oversight of cost modeling, conceptual budgets, and GMP development.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, operations, and project management to align preconstruction efforts with company goals.
• Participate in client meetings, interviews, and pursuit presentations to support business development and project awards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, developers, general contractors, architects, and engineers.
• Drive value engineering efforts and constructability reviews to optimize project outcomes.
• Establish, refine, and enforce preconstruction processes, tools, and best practices.
• Mentor and develop estimating and preconstruction team members, building a high-performing department.
• Support long-range planning, forecasting, and pipeline development.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in commercial HVAC and/or Plumbing construction, with significant preconstruction or estimating leadership experience.
• Proven executive-level experience leading estimating or preconstruction teams.
• Strong background in design-build, negotiated work, and large-scale commercial projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Deep technical understanding of mechanical systems, construction methods, and cost drivers.
• Demonstrated success in client-facing roles, including interviews and pursuit strategy.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance competitiveness and risk.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with estimating software, preconstruction tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Requirements

• Competitive executive-level base salary.
• Performance-based bonus and incentive opportunities tied to project awards and company growth.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Long-term career growth within a rapidly expanding organization.

Work Environment

This role may be remote, with occasional travel to the DMV region for meetings, pursuits, and executive collaboration.

Ready to Lead Preconstruction at VMG?

Join Vertical Mechanical Group and help shape the future of our HVAC and Plumbing project pursuits through strategic leadership, technical excellence, and strong client partnerships.