Director of Preconstruction - MEP Contractor

DIRECTOR OF PRECONSTRUCTION

LOCATION: Roanoke, VA or Richmond, VA

About the Role

Our client is searching for a collaborative, driven, and forward-thinking Director of Pre-Construction to join their well-established and growing MEP company. Our client is well known for taking on projects in the commercial. institution, health care and K-12 construction sectors.

In this leadership role, you will oversee all phases of pre-construction—from initial conceptual design through final subcontract buyout. You will leverage your deep technical expertise in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems to deliver accurate estimates, mitigate project risks, and foster a collaborative team environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Estimating Leadership: Drive the execution of accurate conceptual, preliminary, and final contract estimates from schematic drawings.
• Pre-Construction Execution: Lead timely take-offs, pricing, scoping, and final subcontract buyout negotiations.
• Risk & Constructability Analysis: Evaluate site exposures, analyze construction risks, and identify constructability issues early in the estimating process.
• Collaboration & Alignment: Review detailed estimates with Project Managers, Superintendents, functional business leaders, and estimator teams prior to submission.
• Vendor & Subcontractor Relations: Solicit, develop, and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and comprehensive scopes of work.
• Data-Driven Strategy: Maintain a historical bid database and conduct post-bid investigations on lost projects to optimize future win rates.
• Team Mentorship: Provide ongoing training, support, and management for estimating staff to foster a positive vision of achievement.

Required Qualifications

• MEP Expertise: Thorough working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing construction systems.
• 10-15 Years of relevant MEP construction experience preferred.
• Sector Experience: Proven track record estimating commercial, institutional, and primary/secondary education (K-12) projects.
• Technical Proficiency: Mastery of quantity take-offs, self-performed scopes, and digital estimating tools/databases.
• Leadership Skills: Strong collaborative approach with experience managing teams and presenting strategies to senior leadership.

Very competitive compensation and benefit package, relocation assistance available.

If you are interested in hearing more about this opportunity please apply below or email me directly at katrina@sl-recruit.com.