What You'll DoReporting to the Vice President of Preconstruction, the Preconstruction Specialist is a key member of the preconstruction team and is responsible for supporting all preconstruction activities from go/no-go through project award and handover. The Preconstruction Specialist provides technical expertise in conceptual design, scope development, estimating, procurement planning, scheduling, risk assessment, and proposal development.
The Preconstruction Specialist works closely with Business Development, Engineering, Estimating, Procurement, Operations, Safety, Quality and Project Management teams to develop technically sound, executable, and competitive bids. Through a thorough understanding of project scope, design requirements, construction methodology, and execution risks, the Preconstruction Specialist helps ensure a comprehensive bid that leads to effective project delivery and profitability.
Key ResponsibilitiesOpportunity Assessment & Scope Development- Review client requirements, specifications, drawings, studies, and solicitation documents.
- Develop conceptual engineering solutions and preliminary execution approaches.
- Identify scope gaps, assumptions, constraints, and technical risks.
- Perform quantity takeoffs and bill of material development.
- Conduct constructability reviews and value engineering assessments.
- Establish design criteria and technical assumptions used during proposal development.
Engineering Coordination- Coordinate engineering deliverables including estimates and schedules required to support pursuits and proposals.
- Coordinate the development of conceptual designs, one-line diagrams, layouts, and system architecture.
- Ensure proposed solutions align with client requirements, technical standards, and project objectives.
- Maintain design templates and technical reference materials to support repeatable and consistent conceptual design solutions
Procurement & Subcontractor Engagement- Lead procurement planning for equipment, materials, and subcontracted services.
- Lead subcontractor sourcing, qualification, and market engagement activities.
- Develop technical bid packages and subcontractor scopes of work.
- Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Assist in the development of procurement strategies for major equipment and services.
- Lead the establishment and maintenance of strategic supplier and subcontractor relationships.
- Proactively identify and engage subcontractors and maintain broad, prequalified bidder lists for current and anticipated pursuits across targeted regions and technical scopes.
- Research local and regional markets using vendor records, referrals, industry contacts, project experience, associations, and other appropriate sources.
- Build relationships with subcontractors ranging from small independent operators to large strategic partners, maintaining awareness of their capabilities, capacity, geographic coverage, and interest in upcoming work.
Risk Management & Value Engineering- Identify technical, commercial, schedule, procurement, and execution risks.
- Develop mitigation strategies to improve project certainty.
- Evaluate alternative equipment selections, construction methods, and technical solutions.
- Support optimization of project cost, constructability, schedule, and overall competitiveness.
Proposal Development- Participate in bid planning and pursuit strategy development.
- Provide technical input for proposals, presentations, and client submissions.
- Develop engineering narratives, methodologies, assumptions, and execution strategies.
- Collaborate with Preconstruction, Estimating, Scheduling, Procurement, and Business Development personnel to prepare complete submissions.
- Support client clarifications and technical discussions throughout the bid process.
Project Handover- Support project turnover activities following contract award including communication of key assumptions, exclusions, risks, procurement strategies, and commitments to the project delivery team.
- Support post-award technical clarifications as required during project startup.
Continuous ImprovementContribute to continuous improvement of engineering, procurement, and preconstruction processes.
Typical Duties and ActivitiesOpportunity Assessment- Review RFPs, RFQs, specifications, drawings, studies, and contract documents.
- Participate in Bid/No-Bid reviews.
- Develop bid clarifications and Requests for Information (RFIs).
- Assess constructability considerations, execution constraints, and project risks.
Engineering Development- Coordinate conceptual engineering designs.
- Prepare preliminary one-line diagrams and equipment layouts.
- Complete quantity takeoffs and bill of material development.
- Define engineering deliverables and design assumptions.
- Review technical reports, studies, and supporting documentation.
Procurement - Develop RFQ packages for suppliers and subcontractors.
- Solicit and evaluate quotations.
- Develop bidder lists and engagement plans for assigned pursuits.
- Issue RFQs, addenda, revisions, and supplementary information, and track participation, quotation status, outstanding information, and follow-up.
- Review technical compliance of vendor and subcontractor proposals.
- Lead subcontractor qualification and governance requirements.
- Prepare bid comparison and bid-leveling documentation.
Proposal Development- Prepare technical proposal content and execution methodologies.
- Coordinate engineering execution strategies.
- Participate in proposal reviews and approval processes.
- Support technical presentations and client meetings.
Project Handover- Prepare turnover documentation.
- Participate in project handoff meetings.
- Transfer technical knowledge and proposal commitments to Operations.
- Communicate procurement strategies, assumptions, exclusions, and identified risks.
Process Improvement- Maintain templates, standards, and technical tools.
- Capture lessons learned and historical project data.
- Lead implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
- Contribute to the development of standardized preconstruction workflows.
RequirementsWhat We're Looking For- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent technical discipline.
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology or related discipline may be considered with relevant experience.
- Experience supporting engineering, preconstruction, estimating, procurement, project controls, project management, or related project delivery functions.
- Knowledge of utility, transmission, distribution, substation, renewable energy, industrial, and EPC projects is considered an asset.
- Strong understanding of engineering principles, construction methodologies, project execution, and procurement processes.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, contracts, and technical documentation.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
BenefitsWhat We Offer- Competitive compensation with weekly pay periods
- Generous paid time off
- RRSP-DPSP employer matching, increasing with years of service
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, and disability)
- Ongoing training, development, and career advancement opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program (confidential counselling support)
- Employee Referral Bonus Program
