Estimating / Preconstruction Manager

Actalent; United States; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Estimating/Preconstruction Manager to lead the Mechanical & HVAC estimating function in Tupelo, MS. You will develop conceptual and detailed estimates, build budgets from narratives, and drive preconstruction planning for large commercial, institutional, and industrial projects.

The role requires mentoring estimators, collaborating with operations and clients, and ensuring accurate, competitive estimates. Hybrid onsite work with relocation flexibility is available.

Qualifications

• Proven mechanical/HVAC estimating experience on commercial, institutional, or industrial projects.
• Capable of developing conceptual estimates and budgets from narratives or incomplete docs.
• Strong HVAC knowledge including equipment selection and system concept development.
• Experience mentoring estimators and overseeing preconstruction efforts.
• Experience with large-scale ($25M–$50M+) projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and detailed mechanical/HVAC estimates.
• Create budgets from narratives and incomplete docs.
• Evaluate constructability and design assumptions.
• Oversee and mentor estimators and takeoff personnel.
• Collaborate with operations, PM, and clients in preconstruction.
• Participate in client meetings and site visits.
• Review estimates for accuracy and competitiveness.
• Support business development and project pursuits.

Skills

Estimating experience

HVAC knowledge

Mentoring estimators

Experience with large-scale projects

Project management

Field installation

Leadership

25M-$50M+ projects experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction Management

Tools

AutoBid

QuickPen

Job description

Job Title: Estimating / Preconstruction Manager

Job Description

We are seeking an Estimating Manager / Preconstruction Manager to lead the Mechanical & Electrical estimating function in Tupelo, MS. This individual will be responsible for conceptual HVAC and mechanical estimating, budget development, preconstruction planning, and leadership of the estimating team. The ideal candidate can take limited project information and develop complete conceptual mechanical scopes, budgets, and estimating strategies for large commercial, institutional, and industrial projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and detailed mechanical/HVAC estimates.
• Create budgets from narratives, conceptual designs, and incomplete construction documents.
• Evaluate constructability and recommend design assumptions.
• Oversee and mentor estimators and takeoff personnel.
• Collaborate with operations, project management, and clients during preconstruction.
• Participate in client meetings and project site visits.
• Review estimates for accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness.
• Support business development and project pursuit efforts.

Essential Skills

• Proven mechanical/HVAC estimating experience with commercial, institutional, or industrial projects.
• Ability to develop conceptual estimates and budgets from narratives or incomplete documents.
• Strong technical HVAC knowledge including equipment selection and system conceptualization.
• Experience managing or mentoring estimators and overseeing preconstruction efforts.
• Experience with large-scale projects ($25M-$50M+) preferred.
• Experience in project management, field installation, and operations.
• 5-10+ years of mechanical/HVAC estimating or preconstruction experience.
• Strong understanding of HVAC systems, equipment, and mechanical construction methods.
• Proven leadership or mentoring experience.
• Experience supporting projects ranging from $25M-$50M+ preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Mechanical contractor experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• Experience with AutoBid, QuickPen, or similar software is a plus but not required.
• Ability to travel approximately 20-30%.

Work Environment

Professional office environment in Tupelo, MS. Position is primarily onsite with frequent interaction among estimating, operations, project management, and executive leadership. Travel up to 20-30% for client meetings and project site visits. Hybrid flexibility may be considered for exceptional candidates. Leadership opportunity with a highly respected mechanical contractor. Direct succession role replacing a long-tenured leader who is retiring. Opportunity to shape and rebuild an estimating department. Work on large-scale commercial, institutional, and industrial projects. Relocation assistance available. Company vehicle provided. Significant long-term career growth potential. Family-oriented culture built around integrity, accountability, and strong trade partner relationships

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Tupelo, MS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $130000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Major Medical PlanFox Everett High-Deductible Health PlanPrime TherapeuticsBlue Cross Blue Shield ALBlue Cross Blue Shield of AL High-Deductible Health PlanBronze Medical PlanRecuro HealthDental PlanVision PlanFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Employer-Paid Basic Term Life InsuranceVoluntary Life InsuranceVoluntary AD&D InsuranceVoluntary Short-Term Disability InsuranceEmployer-Paid Group Long-Term Disability InsuranceBasic Enhanced Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Worldwide Travel AssistanceColonial Life Voluntary BenefitsAccident InsuranceGroup Cancer InsuranceGroup Critical Illness InsuranceWhole Life InsuranceWellness Screening Benefits

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Tupelo, MS.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Tupelo,MS.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.