Mechanical Preconstruction Manager

Overview

Lead mechanical preconstruction estimating and coordination for heavy/industrial projects.

Key Responsibilities

• bid docs
• quantity survey
• cost database
• value engineering
• constructability
• estimate prep

Tasks

The Mechanical Preconstruction Manager will participate in all aspects of the preconstruction process for mechanical systems to develop accurate, detailed cost estimates, often based on conceptual or schematic designs with a focus on heavy/ advanced manufacturing, industrial and mission critical projects. This role is expected to interact with engineers, architects, consultants, owner’s representatives, subcontractors, suppliers, a multi-discipline estimating team, senior management, project supervision, and field personnel. -Responsible for the collection and distribution of bid documentation relative to RFPs, and solicitation for bid requests using online platform (Autodesk Building Connected). -Supervise junior estimators, estimating assistants and/or Interns, providing training and support in a mentoring capacity and review work products for quality control. -Provide viable design alternatives and value engineering propositions with analysis supporting benefits to initial and life cycle cost, schedule, maintenance, etc. -Attend pre-bid meetings to become familiar with unique project requirements and analyze existing site conditions to determine required scope that is not already indicated. -Perform quantity survey of mechanical systems and components using digitized software, and apply industry standard labor rates (e.g., MCAA, PHCC, etc.) to develop accurate cost estimates. -Prepare written scopes of work for subcontracts and suppliers and coordinate mechanical scopes with the work of other trades (e.g., civil, structural, architectural, electrical, etc.). -Assist in the organization and maintenance of estimating software material cost databases to ensure accurate costs are consistently utilized on bids; communicate data on construction and material cost trends affecting project costs to project teams. -Identify opportunities for improvement in departmental processes, approach, and execution of estimating and preconstruction functions; assist in creating or adopting new tools to maximize productivity with the lowest attendant value of acceptable risk. -Participate in pre-proposal design coordination meetings to support the development of pricing documents for conceptual estimates. -Assist in gathering information to complete Bid Qualification and Criteria requirements. -Perform constructability analysis of project documents. Communicate design and constructability issues to the project team, while identifying risk elements and appropriate mitigation measures. -Maintain and improve supplier and subcontractor database utilizing the company’s prequalification program. -Coordinate with project teams to evaluate productivity for historical data and schedule/ cost forecasting purposes. -Review and interpret project documents to determine job-specific material, equipment, and labor requirements for scope development. -Support project management tasks, including budgeting, schedule development, interim design review, change order pricing, procurement, value engineering, and vendor selection based on proposal development. -Evaluate vendor and subcontractor for conformance with proposal requirements; level scopes and identify low cost/ best value responses while capturing assumptions, rationale, inclusions, exclusions, etc. -Prepare estimates used for bidding and budgeting purposes (including self-performed work); participate in internal estimate review process and assist with final recap of estimate for presentation to senior management.

Requirements

• mechanical engineering
• trimble
• estimating
• bluebeam
• excel
• leadership

What You Bring

-Working knowledge of codes and standards applicable to the design and installation of mechanical systems. -Demonstrated experience in the successful management of bidding process for conceptual estimates with a preferred emphasis on heavy/ advanced manufacturing, industrial and mission critical markets. -Exhibits inclusive leadership and teamwork behavior, and values diverse perspectives from team members. -Working knowledge of construction contract language and terms in addition to various contractual delivery methods (e.g., negotiated, hard bid, design assist, GMP, etc.) -Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other Engineering discipline, Construction Management, or related field, or a combination of education (including trade schools) and professional experience. -Proficiency using estimating software with a preference for Trimble products. -5-10 years of experience in preconstruction/estimating with a focus on mechanical systems (i.e., Fire Protection, HVAC, Plumbing, Piping). -Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required. -Possesses strong technical writing, math and computer skills with proficiency using standard office software applications such as Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint to support estimating efforts.

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Benefits

-The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $90,000 - $130,000 +/- annually (not adjusted for location). -2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal. -Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance. -Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

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.

Sector Specialisms