Director of Preconstruction Operations – Municipal Infrastructure

Director of Preconstruction Operations – Municipal Infrastructure

Location: Arizona

Division: Public Infrastructure & Utility Services

Employment Status: Full-Time

Experience Level: Senior Leadership / Executive

Compensation: $160,000 - $200,000 Base Salary (Open to right candidate / DOE)

Important Note – Please Read Before Applying

• Local candidates preferred
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship
• Must have relevant U.S. construction industry experience

Position Summary

Our client is seeking an accomplished Director of Preconstruction to provide strategic leadership for project pursuit, planning, estimating, and procurement activities across municipal infrastructure programs. This role serves as a key member of the leadership team, driving work acquisition efforts, strengthening public-sector relationships, and guiding project teams through the preconstruction lifecycle.

The successful candidate will oversee proposal strategy, budgeting, risk evaluation, and negotiated project delivery efforts while supporting long-term growth initiatives throughout Arizona's municipal utility market.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for preconstruction activities from opportunity identification through contract award and final pricing negotiations.
• Oversee the development and submission of qualifications packages, technical proposals, and competitive responses for public-sector opportunities.
• Lead strategic pursuit planning efforts to secure municipal infrastructure projects and expand market presence.
• Work closely with business development teams to strengthen client engagement and improve project win rates.
• Direct contract negotiations and pre-award discussions for alternative delivery projects.
• Establish and implement standardized preconstruction procedures, tools, and best practices across the organization.
• Guide estimating, engineering, and operations teams in developing accurate budgets, schedules, and execution strategies.
• Foster strong relationships with municipalities, public agencies, engineering consultants, and key stakeholders.
• Identify project risks, evaluate delivery strategies, and support informed decision-making during pursuit and planning phases.
• Serve as a mentor and resource for project managers, estimators, engineers, and emerging leaders.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on business planning, market strategy, and long-term growth initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience leading preconstruction and estimating efforts for municipal utility and public infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated success managing complex pursuits involving water, wastewater, stormwater, and public works construction.
• Strong understanding of alternative delivery methods, including Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Job Order Contracting (JOC), Design-Build, and similar procurement models.
• Proven ability to build and maintain long-term relationships with public agencies and municipal clients.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Experience developing pursuit strategies, capture plans, and proposal-winning approaches.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align operational goals with organizational growth objectives.
• Track record of building, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple pursuits while maintaining quality and responsiveness.

Work Environment

• Professional office environment with periodic travel to client meetings, project sites, and industry events.
• Frequent interaction with municipal representatives, consulting engineers, contractors, and internal leadership teams.
• Fast-paced setting requiring strategic decision-making, collaboration, and leadership across multiple active pursuits.

Apply Today

Please use the following subject line when submitting your application:  Director of Preconstruction Operations – Arizona

Interested candidates submit their resume and availability to: neha@rizenetwork.net No Agencies Please.

Preferred Call Hours (PST):

Monday – Friday | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Please include your preferred time for a confidential discussion when submitting your resume.

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