Associate Director of Preconstruction

Intermountain Electric, Inc. (IME); Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Intermountain Electric, Inc. (IME) is seeking an Associate Director of Preconstruction to lead pricing strategy and develop estimates for large, high-visibility projects nationwide.

The role supports disciplined go/no-go decisions, pursuit planning, and strategic planning with senior leadership. You will mentor senior teams, drive standards, and partner across operations, IT, and business development to ensure accurate, scalable estimates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience.
• Experience with large, complex preconstruction and estimating efforts.
• Strong analytical and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead pricing strategy and estimate development for large, complex pursuits.
• Establish and validate estimate assumptions, risk registers, contingencies.
• Ensure estimates align with risk tolerance and delivery strategy.
• Review final pricing before executive sign-off.
• Mentor estimators and preconstruction managers.
• Define and standardize estimating tools and data practices.
• Collaborate with Operations, IT, and Business Development for integration.

Skills

Delivery methods & contracts

Risk management

Pricing strategy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Tools

Estimating platforms

Excel

Cloud-based project management tools

Job description

About Us

Intermountain Electric (IME) brings decades of experience as a trusted leader in electrical contracting. Founded in 1946, we began as a small company in Denver, CO, and have since grown to be part of the largest specialty contractor in North America. Today we work with owners and contractors nationwide, delivering complex construction solutions across aviation, mission‑critical, entertainment, and healthcare sectors. At IME, our people are our most valuable asset and we foster a culture that prioritizes safety, quality, and professional growth. Joining IME is more than just a job—it’s a career with growth opportunities and organizational impact.

About This Role

Associate Director of Preconstruction

For 80 years, IME has been a trusted partner on the front lines of essential electrical projects, delivering safe, smart, and reliable solutions through our people and partnerships—the IME Way. We empower professionals to innovate, support field teams, and strengthen partnerships that move our work forward.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating Strategy

• Lead pricing strategy and estimate development for large, complex, high‑visibility pursuits with accuracy, transparency, and sound risk judgment.
• Establish, validate, and document estimate assumptions, risk registers, contingencies, and escalation logic.
• Ensure estimates align with company risk tolerance, market positioning, and delivery strategy.
• Review and approve final pricing before executive sign‑off, standing behind the work with confidence and accountability.
• Participate in estimate‑to‑actual reviews and drive corrective action to strengthen future performance.

Preconstruction Strategy & Pursuits

• Support disciplined go/no‑go decisions, pursuit planning, and workload forecasting to focus teams on the right work.
• Plan and participate in pursuit meetings and client interviews, providing clarity and confidence throughout the process.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key regional clients through honest communication and consistent follow‑through.
• Partner closely with Business Development on strategic planning and major pursuits across business units.
• Shape win strategies, interview messaging, and value propositions that are clear, authentic, and differentiated.
• Provide insight on market conditions, labor and material trends, subcontractor capacity, and risk exposure.
• Serve as a senior preconstruction voice in executive and operations discussions.

Leadership & Development

• Directly manage the Senior Estimating Manager and Senior Preconstruction Manager, setting clear expectations and accountability.
• Mentor high‑potential estimators and preconstruction managers through a structured leadership pipeline.
• Support workforce planning, hiring, goal setting, training, and succession planning for critical roles.
• Establish performance expectations centered on accuracy, collaboration, accountability, and sound judgment.
• Foster an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and proud of their work.

Standards, Systems & Knowledge

• Define, implement, and uphold company‑wide estimating standards, templates, workflows, and data practices.
• Champion consistency across cost models, scope tracking, bid leveling, and risk documentation.
• Provide functional leadership for estimating tools, cost databases, assemblies, benchmarking, and specialty modules.
• Partner with IT and Operations to evaluate, implement, and optimize technology that supports accuracy and scalability.
• Oversee historical cost data, ensuring it reflects actual outcomes, market conditions, and regional nuances.
• Lead post‑project cost reviews and translate lessons learned into improved assemblies and benchmarks.
• Promote continuous improvement and consistent use of data while allowing appropriate professional judgment.

Enterprise Integration

• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, Business Development, Owners, Designers, and specialty groups to ensure alignment from pursuit through execution.
• Ensure clean, informed handoff from preconstruction to operations, including budgets, risks, and key assumptions.
• Provide insight to Executive leadership on technology roadmaps, talent needs, and scalability.
• Support long‑term planning for estimating and preconstruction as the organization grows.
• Serve as a steward of institutional knowledge, supporting continuity, clarity, and future readiness.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep understanding of multiple delivery methods, contracts, procurement strategies, and risk allocation (IPD, DBB, DB, CMAR, P3).
• Advanced proficiency with estimating platforms, takeoff tools, Excel, analytics, and cloud‑based project management and collaboration systems; familiarity with AI‑assisted estimating tools preferred.
• Strong financial modeling skills and ability to apply data‑driven judgment to pricing, risk, and decision‑making.
• Ability to synthesize complex technical and financial information into clear, executive‑level insights.
• Strategic, enterprise‑mindful leader with executive presence and credibility with clients and senior stakeholders.
• Influences outcomes through clarity, trust, professionalism, and sound judgment—balancing precision with speed.
• Demonstrates full ownership, follow‑through, and commitment to developing people and future leaders.

Demonstrated Accomplishments

• Delivered accurate, reliable estimates for large, complex, high‑value projects while influencing pursuit strategy and outcomes.
• Led teams through high‑stakes pursuits with quality win rates aligned to organizational strategy, partnering with Director‑ and VP‑level leadership.
• Improved bookings, productivity, and overall estimating performance at a regional or enterprise level.
• Built, mentored, and retained high‑performing estimating teams, developing managers and future senior leaders across projects or regions.
• Strengthened and standardized preconstruction processes, enabling smooth transitions from estimate to execution.
• Active contributor to enterprise‑wide preconstruction initiatives, pursuit strategy, and market expansion efforts with increasing scope and executive visibility.
• Served as a trusted advisor to executive leaders, supporting strategic decisions and long‑term capability planning.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• CCM, PE, LEED, Lean, or CST preferred.
• Extensive experience leading large, complex preconstruction and estimating efforts, with accountability for high‑value pursuits, pricing strategy, and risk management across multiple delivery methods and contract structures.
• Demonstrated success operating at a senior preconstruction leadership level—managing and mentoring teams, influencing executive and client decisions, supporting enterprise‑wide initiatives, and contributing to market growth; professional certifications a plus.

What You’ll Get

Working Conditions: You will work in a typical office environment but may travel to construction job sites with typical conditions such as extreme temperatures, noise, dust, and confined spaces. Multiple daily site visits may be required.

Benefits Overview: IME offers a comprehensive benefits package. Full‑time employees are eligible to choose from various healthcare coverage options effective the first of the month after hire. Employees receive substantial PTO and immediate eligibility to contribute to a generously matched and fully vested 401(k).Salary Range: Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IME is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and creating a discrimination‑free environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. We prohibit all forms of discrimination and are dedicated to equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or assistance with accommodations, please contact the Company’s Human Resources department.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.