Preconstruction Manager – Mechanical Construction

Location: St. Louis, MO | Full-Time
Industry: Commercial Mechanical Construction | HVAC | Plumbing | Piping

JOB DESCRIPTION

Are you a mechanical estimator or preconstruction professional looking to take on more responsibility in project development? A well-established mechanical contractor in the St. Louis area is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to help develop budgets, pursue negotiated work, and guide mechanical projects from initial concept through construction handoff.

This role works closely with estimating, engineering, project management, and field operations teams on design-build and design-assist projects. You'll also have the opportunity to work directly with owners, architects, engineers, and general contractors to develop practical mechanical solutions.

What We Offer:

• Competitive base salary based on experience

• Annual bonus opportunities

• 401(k) with profit sharing

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

• Wellness programs

• Generous paid time off

• Professional development and advancement opportunities

• Collaborative environment with experienced mechanical construction professionals

• Stable company with an established presence in the St. Louis market

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop conceptual budgets and detailed estimates for HVAC, plumbing, process piping, and sheet metal systems

• Support mechanical project pursuits, negotiated work, and design-build/design-assist opportunities

• Review drawings, specifications, and project requirements to develop accurate pricing and scopes of work

• Collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and general contractors on mechanical design and budgeting

• Identify value engineering opportunities, constructability improvements, and potential project risks

• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors for equipment selections, pricing, and technical information

• Work alongside estimating teams to develop proposals and finalize project pricing

• Participate in client meetings, project presentations, and preconstruction discussions

• Coordinate mechanical design development with engineering and construction teams

• Assist with project turnover to operations, ensuring budgets, schedules, assumptions, and scope requirements are clearly communicated

• Support project managers throughout construction as needed

• Help improve preconstruction processes, estimating practices, and project coordination

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical construction estimating, preconstruction, project development, or related roles

• Strong understanding of commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and sheet metal systems

• Experience with design-build or design-assist project delivery

• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, specifications, and construction documents

• Experience preparing estimates, budgets, and mechanical scopes of work

• Familiarity with mechanical equipment, materials, labor costs, and construction methods

• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office

• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

• Comfortable collaborating with clients, engineers, contractors, and internal project teams

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing conceptual estimates from early-stage designs

• Previous involvement in negotiated mechanical construction projects

• Knowledge of building automation, energy management, commissioning, or value engineering

• PE license or LEED accreditation

Work Arrangement:

Full-time position based in the St. Louis area.

Related Titles: Preconstruction Manager, Mechanical Preconstruction Manager, HVAC Estimator, Mechanical Estimator, Senior Mechanical Estimator, Preconstruction Estimator, Estimating Manager, HVAC Preconstruction Manager, Mechanical Project Manager, Design Build Estimator, Mechanical Project Development Manager, HVAC Project Engineer

Interested? Send your resume to

anna.boyd@gogpac.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.