Preconstruction Manager/Estimating Manager

About the Company: At UPS Industrial Services excellence isn't just a goal, it is our baseline. It is our mission to be the industry standard by delivering results, adding value, and earning trust. We have built a reputation of excellence and integrity by creating a team of respected professionals who are passionate to be the best. We believe that our people are our greatest asset. Come join our winning team today!

Position Summary:

The Preconstruction / Estimating Manager is responsible for leading all phases of the preconstruction process while supporting successful project execution from project pursuit through construction start. This position provides leadership in estimating, design management, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, subcontractor management, and client relations for complex industrial and mission critical projects including refining, petrochemical, semiconductor (chip manufacturing), data centers, advanced manufacturing, EV/battery, and other high-tech facilities.

This individual serves as the primary liaison between owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, vendors, and internal operations teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, business development support, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Essential Responsibilities:

Preconstruction Leadership

• Lead all preconstruction activities from project pursuit through construction mobilization.
• Lead the development of conceptual/front-end loading, schematic, design development, construction only, and detailed EPC estimates.
• Manage estimating resources, assign workloads, and oversee estimating deliverables.
• Prepare and review reimbursable lump sum bids, and GMP estimates and proposals.
• Develop and maintain historical cost databases, benchmarking information, and regional market pricing.
• Prepare cost trend analyses, estimate comparisons, variance reports, and budget control reports.
• Lead value engineering workshops and recommend cost-saving solutions while maintaining project quality and performance.
• Support Target Value Design (TVD) and Lean Construction initiatives when applicable.

Project Management

• Manage project budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate project startup, procurement, subcontractor buyout, and contract administration.
• Manage subcontractor prequalification, bid evaluations, negotiations, and award recommendations.
• Oversee schedule of values, chart of accounts, buyout logs, and project cost controls.
• Ensure compliance with owner contracts and coordinate contract reviews with legal teams when required.
• Manage project documentation, Action Item Lists, RFIs, submittals, meeting minutes, change orders, and closeout documentation.
• Support the planning of commissioning, turnover, and project closeout activities.

Design & Engineering Coordination

• Coordinate closely with owners, architects, engineers, consultants, and internal project teams throughout design and construction.
• Lead constructability reviews during each engineering/design phase.
• Review drawings and specifications for completeness, constructability, and potential risks.
• Identify design conflicts and recommend alternative construction methods and value engineering opportunities.
• Support BIM coordination and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Participate in design coordination meetings and provide technical guidance during project development.

Scheduling & Project Controls

• Develop and manage preconstruction and construction schedules.
• Coordinate procurement schedules with project milestones.
• Support planning and scheduling initiatives.
• Monitor schedule progress, identify critical path impacts, and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate estimating milestones with project execution schedules.

Client & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Support Business Development during project pursuits, interviews, client presentations, and proposal development.
• Participate in responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs).
• Represent the company at industry events, networking functions, and project meetings.
• Identify future business opportunities and maintain long-term client relationships.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop estimating, engineering, and project management staff.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations.
• Foster collaboration between estimating, operations, procurement, engineering, and field teams.
• Promote continuous improvement, innovation, and professional development.
• Champion company culture, safety initiatives, and operational excellence.

Safety & Risk Management

• Promote and enforce all company safety policies and regulatory requirements.
• Identify project risks early and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with contractual, quality, environmental, and safety standards.
• Support implementation of EEO and Affirmative Action programs as applicable.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in construction management, preconstruction, estimating, or project management.
• Minimum of 3 years of Mission Critical, Data Center, Semiconductor, Advanced Manufacturing, Petrochem, or Industrial Construction experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, estimating, scheduling, procurement, and project controls.
• Experience developing conceptual estimates, GMPs, lump sum bids, cost models, and value engineering analyses.
• Experience managing subcontractor procurement, buyout, contract administration, and self-perform work.
• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), structural, and process systems.
• Experience with design-build, CMAR, EPC, and other alternative delivery methods.
• Working knowledge of BIM coordination and construction technology.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Aspen Capital Cost Estimator, InEight, or similar construction management and estimating software.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost reporting.
• Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Construction Management degree.
• Experience with semiconductor fabrication facilities, hyperscale data centers, or other mission critical projects.
• Electrical or Mechanical Contractor preconstruction experience.
• Manage subcontractor prequalification, bid evaluation, negotiations, and award recommendations.
• Experience managing self-perform construction operations.
• Knowledge of Lean Construction principles and Pull Planning.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), Project Management Professional (PMP), DBIA, CCM, or Professional Engineer (PE) licenses/certification is a plus.

Core Competencies:

• Preconstruction Leadership
• Cost Estimating & Cost Modeling
• Budget Development & Cost Control
• Project Management
• Design Management
• Constructability Reviews
• Value Engineering
• Mission Critical Construction
• Semiconductor & Data Center Projects
• MEP Coordination
• Procurement & Subcontractor Management
• Contract Administration
• Scheduling & Project Controls
• BIM Collaboration
• Risk Management
• Business Development Support
• Client Relationship Management
• Team Leadership & Mentoring
• Lean Construction
• Communication & Executive Presentations
• Safety Leadership

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

UPS Industrial Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable law.