Electrical Preconstruction Manager

Fortis Construction, Inc.; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortis Construction, Inc. is seeking an Electrical Preconstruction Manager in Portland, Oregon. In this role, you will lead electrical preconstruction activities ensuring clarity, cost accuracy, and alignment with client expectations.

The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in estimating and engineering, with strong leadership and communication skills. This position offers the opportunity to work on varied projects and build strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating, engineering, or controls experience with strong electrical emphasis.
• Able to motivate and inspire others to consistently meet deadlines while maintaining quality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical related preconstruction activities for assigned projects.
• Develop and validate conceptual and detailed estimates.
• Present estimates and design options to stakeholders.

Skills

Estimating

Engineering

Leadership

Communication

Education

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

Job description

Electrical Preconstruction Manager (Open) – RQ-0636

The Electrical Preconstruction Manager leads all electrical related preconstruction activities for assigned projects, ensuring scope clarity, cost accuracy, constructability, and risk mitigation in alignment with company standards and client expectations. The role develops estimates, coordinates design partners, manages cross functional inputs, leads estimators, and delivers high quality, predictable electrical preconstruction outcomes. The Electrical Preconstruction Manager reports to the Senior M&E Preconstruction Manager and supports enterprise‑level strategies while driving day‑to‑day execution.

Estimating & Technical Leadership

Develop and validate conceptual and detailed M&E estimates at all design stages, including benchmarking and early conceptual budgets. Identify major cost drivers, system assumptions, and risk factors across mechanical, electrical, and controls scopes. Teach team members how to evaluate vendor and trade partner quotes for completeness, alignment with design intent, and potential scope gaps. Lead constructability reviews for complex systems such as MV distribution, UPS architecture, switchboards, HVAC plants, and integrated controls. Lead the use of BIM, model‑based quantity extraction, and digital tools to improve accuracy, coordination, and transparency.

Preconstruction Planning & Coordination

Collaborate with and lead up to the Senior Preconstruction leader on the project and ensure alignment of M&E preconstruction activities with the overall preconstruction plan. Develop and manage M&E preconstruction work plans, defining deliverables, responsibilities, and coordination points with estimators and cross‑functional partners. Support purchasing plans, bid package development, and procurement strategies for major M&E scopes. Partner with operations teams to align M&E preconstruction schedules, sequencing, and phasing with contractual documents and project delivery strategies. Ensure alignment with enterprise‑level processes and standards established by the Senior M&E Preconstruction Manager.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

Present estimates, design options, risks, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders with clarity and transparency. Lead client‑facing M&E preconstruction meetings for assigned projects, ensuring consistent communication and alignment. Build strong client relationships and clearly communicate the story of M&E scope, cost trends, and key drivers throughout the preconstruction lifecycle. Support senior leadership in executive‑level discussions and major decision‑making forums as needed.

Risk, Quality & Documentation

Evaluate design gaps, scope ambiguities, procurement constraints, and schedule feasibility for assigned projects. Ensure all M&E deliverables—estimates, narratives, design reviews, and handoff packages—are accurate, complete, and well‑conceived. Document system decisions, design changes, estimating logic, and risk considerations to ensure a clean, trusted handoff to operations. Manage cross‑functional risk workshops and elevate major issues to the Senior M&E Preconstruction Manager.

Innovation & Delivery Methods

Integrate prefabrication, modularization, and alternative delivery methods into estimating and planning where applicable. Drive opportunities for cost savings, schedule compression, and design optimization through early M&E strategy alignment. Provide accurate and timely comparative analysis to evaluate different systems or compare different builds to help owner and design team with data‑driven decision making. Support evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies, tools, and delivery models that improve M&E preconstruction performance.

Leadership & Team Collaboration

Manage at least one team member, with responsibility for the hiring, development, performance management, and engagement of that individual. Lead day‑to‑day coordination of estimators, PMs, A/E partners, consultants, and trade partners through the preconstruction phase. Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and quality oversight to team members. Uphold expectations for disciplined estimating, proactive risk management, and strong documentation practices. Support resource planning and capability development in partnership with the Senior M&E Preconstruction Manager.

Other: Assist in other duties as assigned, relevant to the achievement of the position’s and team’s objectives.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating, engineering, or controls experience with strong electrical emphasis.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related degree program, or equivalent work experience.
• Able to motivate and inspire others to consistently meet deadlines while still maintaining excellent detail orientation and quality of work.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients with a customer‑focused orientation.
• Ability to effectively prioritize level of urgency and importance and act accordingly.
• Advanced knowledge of construction methods, practices and project execution including practical knowledge of M&E trades.
• Understands benefits and limitations of different building types and systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and command of interpersonal skills necessary to cater messaging to all audiences (executive, system, detail).
• Exhibits strong leadership qualities including being able to persevere through challenges and being results‑oriented.
• Proven ability to manage and mentor team of estimators.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record in accordance with Fortis policy.

Physical Requirements

Work is performed in a professional office environment. Role is stationary, often standing or sitting for long periods of time, utilizing standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. Communication with internal and external contacts, including speaking and hearing is required. May occasionally push, pull or lift up to 25 lbs.

Travel Requirements

Travel to jobsites as required. Up to 2 times per month. All Fortis positions require some level of driving.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Fortis is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regards to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or any other protected categories. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given an equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job‑related factors. At Fortis, passionate people are the foundation of our company. Together, we provide a general contracting experience that’s built on support, trust, and collaboration, and we live up to our Core Values by developing empowering, mutually beneficial relationships with our clients, staff, and communities. We’re an employee‑owned company where our Teams are at the center of all we do. We attribute our 20‑years of success to our people, our culture, and our ever‑present focus on relationships.