Mechanical Preconstruction Director

Overview

Lead mechanical preconstruction estimating for complex projects, managing budgets and team.

Key Responsibilities

• quantity takeoff
• cost tracking
• bid management
• supplier pricing
• value engineering
• budget development

Tasks

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. -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. -Responsible for bidding work accurately, competitively, and on time. -Assist internal team members responsible in maintaining current subcontractor and material costs within our estimating software. -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 lighting, distribution equipment, low voltage systems, and miscellaneous material pricing. -Take off all materials and prices, identify subcontractor involvement, solicit subcontractor and/or manufacturer prices and estimate direct field labor. -Coordination with project team to provide take off and estimating, constructability analyses, value engineering, cost control, scope reviews etc. -Contribute in creating data to be used for conceptual estimating measures, such as, man-hours and/or cost per lineal foot, per square foot, by system, by spec, by building type, etc. -Assist internal team members in maintaining positive working relationships with local and national Electrical /Technology/LV System subcontractors to verify market conditions and labor issues.

Requirements

• estimator
• electrical systems
• trimble takeoff
• microsoft office
• leadership
• 15+ yrs

What You Bring

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

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About Clayco

-Founded in 1984 by Bob Clark in St. Louis, the company grew rapidly with integrated design‑build services. -Moved headquarters to Chicago in 2013, expanding reach across North America. -Launched Clayco Compute in 2025, focusing on mission‑critical data center construction with 57 active projects. -Specializes in Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Residential & Hospitality, Life Sciences, Data Center and Manufacturing sectors. -Typical projects include large‑scale data centers, life sciences facilities, manufacturing plants and hospitality developments. -Known for pioneering fast‑track, tech‑enabled design‑build methods—using BIM, drones and modular solutions. -Integrated subsidiaries cover architecture (Lamar Johnson Collaborative), concrete (Concrete Strategies), and façade systems (Ventana). -Handles end‑to‑end delivery—from site acquisition and financing through design, engineering and self‑performed construction. -Stands out for fully integrated project delivery, overlapping design and build phases to boost efficiency and innovation.

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