Director of Preconstruction (Mission Critical) - Multiple Locations

Job Description

This position is available in Richmond, Pennsylvania, Chicago, or Indianapolis.

MissionHires is seeking a Director of Preconstruction to lead front-end strategy for mission-critical wet and dry utility installation projects. This leadership role oversees estimating, procurement planning, constructability review, proposal development, and the transition of awarded work to operations. The ideal candidate brings strong data center construction experience, commercial judgment, and the ability to drive cost, schedule, and scope clarity in a fast-paced environment.

How You'll Contribute

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• Lead preconstruction and estimating efforts for mission-critical project proposals, including review of RFQs, drawings, specifications, and owner requirements.
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• Develop detailed cost estimates and breakdowns for civil, electrical, and structural scopes.
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• Partner with construction, engineering, and estimating teams to evaluate constructability, identify scope gaps, and improve estimate accuracy.
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• Support design reviews and incorporate production rates, market intelligence, and lessons learned into estimates and schedules.
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• Develop early procurement plans for long-lead materials, equipment, labor, and subcontracted scopes.
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• Create bid packages, align vendor scopes with procurement requirements, and monitor material and labor pricing in volatile markets.
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• Develop procurement strategies and documentation for effective handoff to project operations teams.
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• Coordinate estimating, procurement, scheduling, and project-readiness documentation for internal execution teams.
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• Lead development of project schedules, internal launch meetings, and preconstruction-to-operations handoff activities.
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• Track planning versus actual performance metrics related to cost, schedule, and subcontractor performance.
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• Support business development by reviewing RFPs, qualifying opportunities, and developing proposal content, bid schedules, and execution narratives.
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• Attend pre-bid meetings and site walks, support pricing strategy discussions, and provide technical expertise during shortlist interviews.
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What Makes You a Great Fit

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• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
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• At least 7 years of experience in project planning, scheduling, preconstruction, estimating, or a related construction discipline.
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• At least 3 years of management or leadership experience.
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• Demonstrated experience supporting data center or other mission-critical construction projects.
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• Strong experience with construction estimating, quantity takeoffs, scope analysis, procurement planning, and commercial risk review.
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• Working knowledge of civil, electrical, and structural construction scopes, including wet and dry utility installation.
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• Proficiency with planning, scheduling, and construction software such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, and Navisworks.
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• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, project lifecycles, contract structures, and project delivery processes.
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• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, vendors, subcontractors, engineering teams, business development, and field operations.
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• PMP or CCP certification is preferred.
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• Ability to travel occasionally to project sites or vendor locations, approximately 10% to 20%.
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Perks & Benefits

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• Opportunity to lead high-impact preconstruction strategy for mission-critical infrastructure projects.
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• Collaborative and inclusive work environment focused on professional growth and development.
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• Access to training, tools, and advancement opportunities.
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• Work with an established infrastructure construction organization supporting essential energy, utility, and communications services.
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