Senior Manager / Director, Pre-construction

About Eastern Contractors Corporation

Eastern Contractors Corporation is a US-based company offering industrial general contracting services in North America. One primary area of expertise is the construction of Clean Room/Dry Room systems for manufacturing plants that produce electric vehicle and energy storage batteries. We are also uniquely qualified to supply high-quality insulated metal panel (IMP) systems from Korean manufacturers.

At Eastern Contractors Corporation, we place a strong emphasis on teamwork and effective communication with our clients. Our goal is to work closely with them to understand their vision and ensure that it is brought to life. We take a practical approach to project management, which means that we prioritize completing projects on time, within budget, and to the highest possible standards.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Pre-Construction Director or Senior Manager to lead and manage the full Pre-Construction process, ensuring seamless coordination with U.S. General Contractors (GCs), subcontractors, internal design teams, and external design firms. This role is responsible for bidding, estimating, design-build coordination, subcontractor engagement, and technical sales, with a strong emphasis on Value Engineering and competitive proposal development for industrial and commercial construction projects.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Pre-Construction, strong MEP knowledge, and experience working with U.S. GCs, subcontractors, and design firms to shape and optimize projects. This position requires a proactive approach in engaging with external partners while collaborating internally with the company’s design team to enhance proposal competitiveness through innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Pre-Construction Process Management
• Develop and manage detailed project schedules, ensuring alignment with U.S. construction regulations and permitting timelines., including estimating, bidding, design coordination, value engineering, and scheduling & permitting leadership.
• Work closely with regulatory agencies and permitting offices to ensure timely approvals. to ensure constructability, cost efficiency, and compliance with US code and regulations.
• Coordinate with city planning, zoning, and local authorities to streamline permitting processes., and bid packages tailored to project needs and market conditions.
• Conduct risk analysis, feasibility studies, and cost-benefit evaluations for major proposals.
• Value Engineering & Competitive Proposal Development
• Lead Value Engineering efforts, working closely with internal designers and external design firms to propose cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality.
• Ensure that bid proposals reflect innovative solutions that enhance compliance with U.S. building codes and international design adaptation. that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and performance.
• Analyze materials, construction methods, and project delivery options to improve project feasibility and competitiveness.
• Work with estimating and design teams to develop detailed project schedules, logistics plans, and cost-saving strategies.
• Collaboration with U.S. General Contractors (GCs) & Subcontractors
• Act as a key liaison for Korean clients and stakeholders, providing technical and strategic guidance., engaging early in project discussions to influence bid strategy and scope alignment.
• Support joint bidding efforts, design-assist, and design-build collaborations with GCs, ensuring the company is well-positioned for strategic projects.
• Identify, pre-qualify, and engage with subcontractors and suppliers, securing competitive pricing and high-performance partners.
• Ensure seamless communication between U.S. GCs, Korean clients, and subcontractors to facilitate smooth project execution., subcontractors, and the company’s construction team to optimize execution plans.
• Design-Build Leadership & Coordination with Design Firms
• Lead efforts to adapt Korean and other international designs to comply with U.S. construction codes (IBC, NFPA, NEC, etc.)., ensuring clear communication between design firms, architects, engineers, and construction teams.
• Collaborate with external design firms to align project objectives with cost, timeline, and constructability requirements.
• Review and refine design documents, structural elements, and MEP systems to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Ensure all designs are fully compliant with local, state, and federal building codes, with an emphasis on fire safety, structural integrity, and MEP integration., zoning, and local building codes, while optimizing cost and schedule.
• MEP Expertise & Technical Oversight
• Provide deep expertise in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems, ensuring integration of cost-effective and high-performance solutions in proposals.
• Work with MEP subcontractors and design firms to analyze system efficiencies, material alternatives, and sustainable options.
• Ensure that all MEP designs comply with project requirements, regulatory standards, and sustainability initiatives.
• Project Coordination & Execution Readiness
• Work closely with executive leadership, estimating teams, and construction managers to ensure a smooth transition from Pre-Construction to execution.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight during project kick-off, ensuring all planning elements are aligned with execution goals.
• Regularly report to senior management on bid status, subcontractor negotiations, and project risk assessments.
  
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field., Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 15 years of experience in pre-construction, scheduling, permitting, or design management., MEP estimating, or design-build project management within industrial and commercial construction.
• Extensive experience managing subcontractor relationships, particularly in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
• Strong background in MEP estimating, procurement strategies, and value engineering for large-scale construction projects.
  
  

Skills & Qualifications

• Deep expertise in MEP systems design, cost estimating, and subcontractor negotiations.
• Strong knowledge of AIA contract standards, construction law, and risk management. processes, procurement, and permitting requirements.
• Strong ability to develop and execute Pre-Construction strategies, ensuring seamless project execution.
• Expertise in value engineering, feasibility analysis, and cost reduction strategies.
• Ability to align technical solutions with bid strategies, optimizing project costs while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in evaluating project risk factors and financial implications.
• Strong expertise in scheduling software (Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar). And construction management tools (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, Revit, or equivalent tools).
  
  

Other Requirements

• Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to travel for site visits, subcontractor meetings, and international coordination. for site visits, subcontractor meetings, and industry events.
• Bilingual proficiency in Korean and English (preferred but not required)., with experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with a problem-solving mindset and a focus on delivering cost-effective, high-quality construction solutions.