Mechanical Preconstruction Manager

TW Constructors (TWC)

Full Time

St. Louis, Mo.

The Role:

The Mechanical Preconstruction Manager will lead the mechanical preconstruction process from project inception through the start of construction. This position is responsible for developing conceptual and detailed mechanical estimates, reviewing design documents, defining scopes of work, evaluating constructability, managing trade partner bids, and identifying cost and schedule risks.

The Mechanical Preconstruction Manager will collaborate with owners, engineers, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, estimating teams, and operations personnel to develop accurate and comprehensive project plans. This position will evaluate value engineering opportunities, procurement strategies, labor requirements, equipment selections, system alternatives, and project-specific risks.

We are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset, strong mechanical construction knowledge, and a desire to work alongside project stakeholders to improve cost certainty, constructability, and project outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Lead mechanical preconstruction activities from conceptual design through turnover to the project delivery team.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design-development, and construction-document estimates for mechanical and plumbing systems.
• Prepare quantity takeoffs, labor estimates, material pricing, equipment budgets, and subcontractor comparisons.
• Review mechanical drawings, plumbing drawings, specifications, equipment schedules, control sequences, design narratives, and owner requirements.
• Develop comprehensive mechanical scopes of work, bid packages, inclusions, exclusions, allowances, and proposal clarifications.
• Evaluate HVAC, hydronic piping, process piping, plumbing, building automation, controls, equipment, ventilation, and related mechanical systems as applicable.
• Evaluate central plant and critical cooling systems, including chillers, cooling towers, pumps, air-handling equipment, computer-room cooling equipment, and associated piping when applicable.
• Coordinate with mechanical engineers, design teams, equipment manufacturers, vendors, and trade partners to clarify project requirements.
• Identify scope gaps, design conflicts, constructability concerns, long-lead equipment, and cost or schedule risks.
• Lead mechanical subcontractor and supplier solicitation, scope review, bid leveling, interviews, and selection recommendations.
• Evaluate subcontractor proposals to confirm scope coverage, pricing accuracy, and alignment with project requirements.
• Develop mechanical value engineering and design-assist recommendations while maintaining project performance and owner requirements.
• Research and evaluate alternative mechanical systems, materials, equipment selections, and installation methods.
• Compare system options using first cost, installation requirements, maintainability, energy performance, schedule, and lifecycle considerations when information is available.
• Monitor current mechanical labor rates, material pricing, market conditions, and equipment lead times.
• Develop and maintain historical mechanical cost data, unit pricing, production rates, and benchmarking information.
• Maintain and update mechanical subcontractor, supplier, manufacturer, and vendor databases.
• Support the development of project schedules, procurement plans, phasing strategies, logistics plans, and general conditions.
• Coordinate mechanical requirements with electrical, structural, architectural, civil, fire protection, technology, and controls scopes.
• Evaluate temporary heating, cooling, ventilation, and other project-specific mechanical logistics.
• Prepare and present estimates, budgets, bid recommendations, value engineering options, and risk assessments to management, clients, and owners.
• Clearly communicate bid assumptions, qualifications, exclusions, alternates, and unresolved design items.
• Participate in client meetings, design reviews, scope meetings, and preconstruction presentations.
• Support project managers with contract negotiations, buyout, change-order pricing, and project turnover.
• Provide clear estimate documentation and scope information to the operations team before construction begins.
• Coordinate preconstruction planning with commissioning and project teams when required.
• Train and mentor junior estimators and preconstruction staff.
• Effectively influence, negotiate, and communicate with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and coworkers.
• Assist with proposal preparation and interview materials for potential projects.
• Travel to project sites, client meetings, and subcontractor or vendor meetings as required.
• Projects are located nationwide; travel may be required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field of study.
• Five to ten years of mechanical estimating, mechanical preconstruction, or related commercial construction experience.
• Experience estimating commercial or industrial HVAC, piping, plumbing, and mechanical equipment.
• Mission-critical or data center experience is preferred.
• Design-build and design-assist experience is preferred.
• Experience leading, training, or mentoring team members.
• Strong understanding of mechanical construction methods, materials, equipment, labor, and sequencing.
• Ability to interpret mechanical and plumbing drawings, specifications, schedules, control sequences, and contract documents.
• Working knowledge of HVAC, hydronic systems, piping, plumbing, controls, ventilation, and mechanical equipment.
• Understanding of applicable mechanical and plumbing codes, permitting requirements, and inspection processes.
• Strong conceptual estimating, detailed estimating, cost-control, and risk-analysis skills.
• Ability to create complete mechanical scopes of work and identify scope gaps or trade overlaps.
• Experience soliciting, evaluating, leveling, and negotiating subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Ability to prepare accurate proposals with limited supervision.
• Ability to clearly articulate bid inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, and proposal clarifications.
• Knowledge of labor productivity, material pricing, equipment costs, and mechanical market conditions.
• Proficiency with on-screen estimating software, Microsoft Office, Procore, and related construction technology.
• Procore certification or demonstrated knowledge of Procore is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a high level of professionalism.
• Self-motivated with the ability to lead and motivate team members.
• Thoughtful and confident decision-making skills with high ethical standards.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates and prioritize competing responsibilities.
• Ability to think critically and respond effectively under deadline pressure.
• Service-oriented approach when working with owners, coworkers, trade partners, and joint venture partners.
• Reliable, dependable, and professional, with a strong sense of urgency.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug testing.

Career Growth
• Take on challenging design/build projects in commercial and industrial construction.
• Opportunities for advancement through mentorship and hands-on learning.

Comprehensive Benefits
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) match
• Life insurance
• Additional benefits for employees and their families

Headquarters Perks
• In-office gym
• Personal training sessions
• Yoga classes
• Massage therapist
• Game room

Company Culture
• Collaborative, innovative, and people-centered
• Strong focus on safety, work-life balance, and professional development
• Team activities and wellness programs supporting both physical and mental health

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.