Director of Preconstruction

EMCOR Group; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MSI, a full service HVACR contractor, seeks an experienced Director of Preconstruction for Central Florida. You will lead the preconstruction team, develop detailed estimates from concept to design documents, and drive department performance with strong leadership and process discipline.

The role emphasizes mentoring, collaboration, and ensuring high-quality, competitive estimates aligned with project goals and company margins.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive construction estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Proven track record of managing an estimating department of 5+ estimators.
• Experience leading complex mechanical & specialty contracting estimates and major project pursuits.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction and estimating department across multiple project types.
• Direct quantity takeoffs, labor-hour development, pricing, and final estimate reconciliation.
• Oversee bid strategy, risk assessments, and executive presentations for major pursuits.
• Ensure estimates are complete, technically sound, and aligned with scope and margins.
• Oversee change-order pricing standards and support operations on major issues.

Skills

HVAC Estimating

Leadership

Preconstruction

Budgeting

Estimating Software

Tools

Estimating software (Trimble)

Job description

We design, build, operate, and maintain commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that help clients acheive healthy, productive, and efficient working environments.

Job Summary

MSI is a full service HVACR contractor offering an array of energy efficient air-conditioning services from concept to completion, maintenance to repair and everything in between. With 50 years of service under our belt, MSI continues to be recognized for our visionary leadership and superior craftsmanship in the design and installation of energy-efficient cooling systems.

MSI seeks talented performers and offers a challenging and rewarding work environment that emphasizes teamwork, results, and most importantly honesty and integrity. We value our employees and are committed to attracting highly skilled, talented individuals to join our strong, family-oriented workforce and to help us build on our success.

We are a Drug Free Workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Title: Director of Preconstruction, Central Florida Department: Projects FLSA Status: Salaried Reports to: Vice President of Central Florida Coordinates With: All Salary: Commensurate with experience + Benefits

JOB SUMMARY: MSI seeks an experienced individual to lead our Central Florida Preconstruction group. This management position is responsible for overseeing the department personnel and processes, including providing detailed estimates based upon conceptual documents as well as schematic, design development and construction documents. This position is responsible for leading a team of Preconstruction personnel, creating a positive environment, setting achievement goals, and promoting employee growth.

Essential Functions

Leadership and Department Management

• Lead, manage, and develop the preconstruction and estimating department, including workload planning, staffing, performance management, training, succession planning, and accountability.
• Provide direct leadership to a department of 5 or more estimators and establish clear expectations for quality, responsiveness, accuracy, and professional conduct.
• Build scalable estimating processes, procedures, templates, review gates, and approval authorities across branches, markets, and project types.
• Mentor estimating leaders and team members while fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and a strong culture of ownership.
• Develop departmental goals, key performance indicators, dashboards, and reporting that measure hit rate, backlog quality, estimate accuracy, productivity, risk, and profitability.

Preconstruction and Estimating Oversight

• Direct all phases of preconstruction and estimating for conceptual, schematic, design-development, negotiated, design-build, and plan-and-spec opportunities.
• Oversee quantity takeoffs, labor-hour development, equipment and material pricing, subcontractor coverage, general conditions, escalation, contingencies, and final estimate reconciliation.
• Lead estimate reviews, bid strategy meetings, risk assessments, go/no-go decisions, and executive approval presentations for major pursuits.
• Ensure estimates are complete, competitive, technically sound, properly documented, and aligned with scope, schedule, contract requirements, and company margin expectations.
• Validate assumptions and exclusions and ensure a clear turnover from estimating to operations following award.
• Oversee change-order pricing standards and support operations on major scope, schedule, and commercial issues as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive construction estimating and preconstruction experience.
• Proven track record of successfully managing an estimating department of 5 or more estimators.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex mechanical & specialty contracting estimates and major project pursuits.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of HVAC&R systems and related supporting utilities.
• Expert knowledge of construction estimating principles, labor productivity, procurement, scheduling, constructability, and preconstruction practices.
• Experience with Estimating MEP Software by Trimble.
• Advanced ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, contracts, addenda, schedules, and technical documentation.
• Strong commercial judgment with the ability to evaluate risk, margin, escalation, contingencies, and competitive position.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, organizational, analytical, negotiation, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively at executive, customer, and operational levels.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and familiarity with takeoff, estimating, CRM, ERP, scheduling, and document‑management platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority pursuits, deadlines, and stakeholders while maintaining accuracy and accountability.
• Working knowledge of applicable building codes, safety requirements, industry standards, and market practices.

Standards of Success

• Attitude of Safety First
• Work Ethic of loyalty, integrity, pride, perseverance, accountability, respect and teamwork
• Strong detail orientation
• Strong ambition and highly motivated to succeed.
• Desire to continuously improve.
• Represents company in a positive and professional manner.
• Maintains positive attitude and morale.
• Thinks strategically and considers long‑term implications of one’s actions.
• Constantly analyzes for ways to improve individual and/or company performance.

Safety Responsibilities

• Each employee has a responsibility for their own safety, the safety of their co‑workers, and the community in which they are operating.
• In the performance of duties and responsibilities, you are expected to observe all safety, health, and loss prevention rules, practices, and procedures, as well as specific instructions related to the safe and efficient performance of your work.
• An effective and viable safety, health, and loss prevention program will be attained only when all employees are safety conscious and keenly aware, both mentally and physically, of the potential hazards of your environment.

We offer our employees a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package and are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

#msi

Equal Opportunity Employer

As a leading provider of mechanical and electrical construction, facilities services, and energy infrastructure, we offer employees a competitive salary and benefits package and we are always looking for individuals with the talent and skills required to contribute to our continued growth and success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

Affirmative Action Policy

Please review our Affidative Action Policy.