Pre-Construction Manager position is a full-time, in-person position located in our San Diego, CA Office. This role is responsible for leading all mechanical estimating and preconstruction activities from conceptual design through contract award. This role oversees estimating strategy, cost development, constructability reviews, and coordination with internal teams, clients, designers, and trade partners to deliver accurate, competitive, and executable mechanical solutions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP- Lead and manage all estimating functions.
- Establish departmental goals, processes, standards, and performance metrics.
- Develop, mentor, and evaluate estimating personnel
- Allocate estimating resources to support company pursuits and strategic initiatives.
- Foster collaboration between estimating, operations, BIM, fabrication, purchasing, and project management teams.
- Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, and teamwork.
ESTIMATING MANAGEMENT- Provide oversight for all budgets, conceptual estimates, schematic estimates, GMP estimates, and final bids.
- Review and approve project estimates prior to client submission.
- Ensure estimating practices are consistent, accurate, and aligned with company standards.
- Develop labor productivity assumptions, crew compositions, indirect cost strategies, and risk assessments.
- Maintain historical cost databases and benchmarking tools.
- Monitor estimating accuracy and continuously improve forecasting methodologies.
PRECONSTRUCTION LEADERSHIP- Participate in design reviews, constructability evaluations, and value engineering exercises.
- Provide ongoing cost guidance throughout design development.
- Identify scope gaps, design risks, escalation concerns, and procurement challenges.
- Support target value design and budget management processes.
- Collaborate with design teams, owners, and contractors to develop cost-effective solutions.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT- Participate in project pursuit strategy and go/no-go evaluations.
- Assist with proposals, interviews, presentations, and client meetings.
- Provide market intelligence regarding competition, labor trends, procurement risks, and construction costs.
PROCUREMENT AND MARKET ANALYSIS- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and trade partners.
- Monitor material pricing, labor trends, and market conditions.
- Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals.
- Identify long-lead procurement risks and supply chain challenges.
- Recommend procurement strategies that support project budgets and schedules.
RISK MANAGEMENT- Evaluate project risks during the pursuit and preconstruction phases.
- Review contract requirements that impact pricing and execution.
- Analyze contingency requirements and risk transfer opportunities.
- Participate in project handoff meetings to ensure proper communication of estimate assumptions and risk considerations.
TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT- Champion the use of estimating technology, BIM integration, cost databases, and digital workflows.
- Support implementation of emerging tools and technologies that improve estimating efficiency and accuracy.
- Promote integration between estimating, scheduling, fabrication planning, and project execution systems.
- Identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvement within the preconstruction process.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:No direct supervisory responsibilities
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:Occasional local and regional travel is required to attend client presentations, project pursuit meetings, pre-bid job walks, and active job site inspections. Additional travel may include visits to off-site fabrication facilities, vendor or manufacturer locations, and industry conferences or networking events. Travel is primarily local within the region during regular business hours, with occasional overnight travel depending on project locations and business development needs.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
- Extensive experience in mechanical construction estimating and preconstruction management.
- 3-7 years of experience in mechanical estimating, construction or preconstruction
- Proven experience leading mechanical estimates on commercial or industrial projects
- Strong understanding of mechanical systems, means and methods
COMPENSATION:- Salary: $90k - $160k. This role is also eligible for an annual performance-based bonus. Bonus eligibility and payout are determined by role, individual performance, and company performance, and are not guaranteed.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS- Advanced knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, piping, medical gas, and mechanical systems.
- Ability to read and interpret construction documents
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Experience with Design-build and negotiated projects
- Proficient in Excel
#LI-Onsite #LI-KW1
Benefits Overview401(k) Plan with Company Match: Currently match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of eligible pay; immediate vesting.
Health & Welfare Benefits: Employer provided medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, Employee Assistance Program and accident & illness coverage.
Life and Disability Insurance: Eligible for employer-provided Long-Term Disability, Basic Life, and AD&D Coverage, with option to purchase additional coverage per plan terms.
Time Off: Vacation is 80 hrs/yr during your first 5 years, then 120 hrs/yr. Unused vacation rolls over up to 80 hrs (years 1-5) and 120 hrs (year 6+). Accrues each pay period, and unused accrued vacation time is paid out at separation per CA law. This is separate from CA sick leave; company holidays per policy.
Expenses: Business travel and related expenses reimbursed per company policy.
Reasonable AccommodationsIf you need assistance or accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at ta@wearelegence.com or your dedicated recruiter with the job title and requisition number.
Employment EligibilityCandidates must have current work authorization in the U.S.; visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Third-Party Recruiting DisclaimerLegence and its affiliates do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies; any such submissions without a prior signed agreement authorized by Legence Holdings LLC's CHRO or Director of Talent Acquisition will not incur fees and are considered property of Legence.
Pay Disclosure & ConsiderationsWhere pay ranges are indicated, please note that a successful candidate's exact pay will be determined based relevant job-related factors, including any of the following: candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications, as well as geographic and market considerations. We are committed to ensuring fair and competitive compensation for all employees and comply with all applicable salary transparency laws.
