Manager, Mechanical, Pre-Construction Services

Gray, Inc.; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Gray, Inc. in Lexington, KY is seeking an experienced Mechanical Manager, Preconstruction to oversee the preconstruction phase of projects. The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of experience in mechanical design and project estimating.

This role involves cost estimating, project management support, and team mentorship. Applicants should possess strong communication and leadership skills and be familiar with various mechanical systems including HVAC and plumbing.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in mechanical design, project estimating, or construction management.
• Prior experience in construction estimating and design‑build MEP.
• Direct management/supervisory experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost estimates for mechanical systems.
• Build relationships with subcontractors and manage bids.
• Prepare and present project details to clients.

Skills

Mechanical design

Project estimating

Construction management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, or related engineering

MBA or related business qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Industry modeling or estimating tools

Job description

Overview

Gray Construction is looking for an experienced Mechanical Manager, Preconstruction to join our team in our Lexington, KY office.

Responsibilities

Gray is a fully integrated, global service provider deep in engineering, design, and construction. We focus on Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Data Centers, Distribution, and Advanced Technology markets.

Founded in 1960, Gray offers highly customized solutions, delivering precision and partnership. We value passion, commitment, and team spirit.

The Mechanical or Electrical Manager will play a key role in the pre‑construction phase: estimating project costs, coordinating bids with subcontractors, designing systems, and communicating details to internal and external customers. This position suits professionals with 8‑12 years of experience looking to apply technical expertise, communication skills, and business acumen.

Key Responsibilities

• Cost Estimating & Value Engineering: develop and refine cost estimates for mechanical systems, perform value‑engineering analyses, collaborate with design teams, and understand contracting methods.
• Subcontractor Coordination & Integration: build relationships with subcontractors, manage RFP and bid processes, resolve technical conflicts.
• Customer Presentations: prepare and present project details to internal & external customers; support clients at all phases.
• Documentation & Reporting: maintain records of cost estimates, specifications, and bid documentation; produce exhibit A’s, contract docs, and status reports.
• Mentorship & Team Development: lead a multidisciplinary team, develop junior engineers, promote best practices.
• Project Management Support: assess project viability, advise trade-offs, support transition from pre‑construction to construction.
• Design Collaboration & Oversight: recommend mechanical system designs, ensure feasibility, optimize performance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Who we want:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, or related engineering (or equivalent experience), 12+ years in mechanical design, project estimating, or construction management.
• MBA or related business qualification desirable.
• Prior experience in construction estimating, design‑build MEP, coordination of design and engineering.
• Experience reviewing construction documents from subcontractors and engineers.
• Direct management/supervisory experience desirable.
• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed.
• Experience with HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, process piping, ductwork, wastewater, and mechanical design.
• Influence without authority, cross‑department collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, executive presence.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Proficiency in industry modeling or estimating tools and Microsoft Office.

The new team member should be energetic, self‑motivated, collaborative, and passionate about professional development.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach, talk, hear; occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling; lift up to 50 pounds; close vision required. Work in a normal office environment with moderate noise and controlled temperature. Overtime may be required. Travel less than 25%.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Visa Sponsorship

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

EEO Disclaimer

Gray is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes everyone to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. This is a federal form. #LI-PM1