Manager, Pre-Construction Services

Manager, Pre-Construction Services

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Gray Construction is looking for a Manager, Preconstruction Services to support the Preconstruction team in our Atlanta, GA office.

As a Senior Manager of Pre-Construction Services, you will lead strategic planning, technical oversight, and stakeholder alignment for mechanical systems across complex, high-impact projects. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional with 12+ years of experience who brings deep technical knowledge, leadership maturity, and a proactive, consultative approach to both internal teams and external partners.

You will gain hands‑on experience working on diverse, high-profile projects and have the opportunity to travel to construction sites to see the designs you have helped influence come to life. As part of our team, you will work and partner with industry experts, giving you the resources, guidance, and exposure to showcase your skills and abilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering (or related discipline) is preferred, with significant experience (12+ years) in mechanical design, project estimating, or construction management.
• Equivalent years of related experience will be considered in place of a technical degree.
• An MBA or related business qualification or experience is desirable.
• Prior experience in construction estimating is required. (Emphasis on design‑build MEP approach with coordination of design and engineering efforts.)
• Experience reviewing and analyzing construction documents from subcontractors and engineers to confirm they comply with the project scope.
• Direct management and supervisory experience is desirable.
• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed.
• Experience working with design and engineering managers to ensure project(s) is/are designed, specified, procured, and constructed within the boundaries of operating guidelines, while conforming to technical requirements and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Experience with HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, process piping, ductwork, wastewater, process engineering, mechanical design, and construction management is required.
• Proven ability to influence without authority, working across departments and functions to drive alignment and results.
• Executive presence with excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to C‑suite or senior leadership.
• Strong leadership capabilities with a focus on mentoring and developing junior engineers and technical staff.
• Proven ability to guide teams in applying best practices for system design, installation, and problem‑solving.
• Proficiency in industry specific modeling or estimating tools is preferred, in addition to Microsoft Office Suite.

• Cost Estimating & Value Engineering:
  • Develop and refine cost estimates for mechanical systems based on historical data, market analysis, and technical specifications.
  • Perform detailed value engineering analyses to optimize system performance and cost‑efficiency while ensuring design integrity.
  • Collaborate closely with the design and engineering teams to refine estimating techniques and improve overall accuracy and precision.
  • Proficient in various contracting methods such as lump sum, GMP, cost‑plus construction management, and fee‑based construction. Thorough understanding of legal aspects and implications of contractual language.
• Subcontractor Coordination & Integration:
  • Cultivate strong relationships and partnerships with key mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and controls subcontractors, leveraging their expertise in system design and construction methodologies.
  • Lead the distribution of technical RFP documents, manage bid leveling processes, and ensure subcontractor proposals are aligned with project scope, technical specifications, and budget constraints.
  • Resolve high‑level technical conflicts or escalations between design teams and subcontractors to maintain scope, schedule, and cost integrity.
• Internal and External Customer Presentations:
  • Plan, prepare, and present project specific details to internal and external customers.
  • Lead team presentations…