Senior Preconstruction Manager – Mechanical Construction

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

About the Opportunity

An established mechanical contractor in the St. Louis area is seeking an experienced Senior Preconstruction Manager to lead preconstruction efforts for commercial and industrial mechanical projects.

This position plays a key role in developing project opportunities, preparing conceptual budgets, supporting negotiated work, and guiding projects from initial pursuit through turnover to operations.

The ideal candidate brings a strong mechanical construction background, technical estimating experience, and the ability to work directly with owners, general contractors, engineers, and internal project teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction activities from initial project pursuit through budgeting, design development, pricing, and project turnover.

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

• Work with owners, architects, engineers, and general contractors to develop practical, cost-effective mechanical solutions.

• Support design-build and design-assist projects, including scope development, budgeting, and constructability reviews.

• Identify value engineering opportunities, project risks, and potential cost savings.

• Build and maintain relationships with clients, contractors, and industry partners.

• Participate in project interviews, presentations, and negotiated project pursuits.

• Coordinate with estimating teams, vendors, and subcontractors to develop accurate pricing and equipment selections.

• Oversee the transition from preconstruction to project management and field operations, ensuring clear communication of budgets, schedules, scope, and expectations.

• Mentor team members and contribute to improvements in estimating and preconstruction processes.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical construction, with a background in preconstruction, estimating, project development, or related leadership roles.

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

• Experience with design-build and design-assist project delivery.

• Ability to develop conceptual budgets and evaluate project scope before complete construction documents are available.

• Experience working directly with owners, general contractors, engineers, and other project stakeholders.

• Strong knowledge of mechanical construction costs, labor, equipment, and installation methods.

• Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Office, and construction documentation.

• Strong communication, negotiation, organizational, and leadership skills.

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

Additional qualifications that are a plus:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or LEED accreditation.

• Experience with building automation, energy management, commissioning, or mechanical system optimization.

• Previous responsibility for securing negotiated mechanical construction projects.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience.

• Annual bonus opportunities.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Life insurance and wellness benefits.

• 401(k) retirement plan and profit-sharing opportunities.

• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.

• Long-term career growth and leadership opportunities.

Interested in Learning More?

If you have a strong background in mechanical estimating or preconstruction and enjoy being involved in projects well before they reach the field, I'd be happy to share more about the opportunity.

Apply confidentially or contact:

Anna Boyd | Senior Search Consultant, gpac

anna.boyd@gogpac.com

All inquiries will be handled confidentially.

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.