Manager, Mechanical, Pre-Construction Services

National Association of Women in Construction; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gray Construction is seeking an experienced Mechanical Manager, Preconstruction to join our Lexington, KY team. You will lead cost estimating, value engineering, and coordination with subcontractors for complex mechanical systems.

Ideal candidates have 8-12 years of experience, a mechanical or related engineering degree, and strong communication and leadership skills. Travel to project sites will be required as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or chemical engineering (or related discipline) is preferred.
• Significant experience (12+ years) in mechanical design, project estimating, or construction management.
• MBA or related business qualification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Cost Estimating & Value Engineering: develop and refine cost estimates for mechanical systems.
• Subcontractor Coordination & Integration: manage bid processes and ensure alignment with scope and budget.
• Internal and External Customer Presentations: present project details to stakeholders and leadership.
• Documentation & Reporting: maintain detailed records of estimates, specs, and bid docs.
• Mentorship & Team Development: lead and develop junior engineers and interns.
• Project Management Support: advise on early-stage planning and cross-functional trade-offs.
• Design Collaboration & Oversight: provide recommendations for mechanical system design and integration.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Skills

Mechanical design

Project estimating

Construction management

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or related engineering

Tools

Estimating tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Manager, Mechanical, Pre-Construction Services

US-KY-Lexington

Type: Gray Construction, Inc

# of Openings: 1

Category: PRECON-Pre-Construction.

Gray Construction

Overview

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

Responsibilities

Why Gray?

Gray is a fully integrated, global service provider deeply rooted in engineering, design, and construction, along with smart manufacturing and equipment manufacturing services. Consistently ranked as a leader in the industry, we focus on the following markets for domestic and international customers: Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Data Centers, Distribution, and Advanced Technology.

Founded in 1960, Gray’s robust offering enables us to create one-of-a-kind solutions at the highest levels of customization, delivering unmatched precision and partnership to some of the world’s most sophisticated organizations. Still, these areas don’t define Gray—our people do. Passion, commitment, and a great team spirit all speak to the team members at Gray.

What we expect … (Essential Functions)

At Gray, we are shaping the future of construction through innovation and collaboration. From designing state-of-the-art data centers to contributing to strategic manufacturing, distribution, and distillery projects, we believe that every successful project starts with talented individuals eager to learn and grow.

The Mechanical or Electrical Manager will play a key role in the pre‐construction phase, helping to estimate project costs, coordinate bids with subcontractors, design systems and communicate those details to internal and external customers. This position is ideal for professionals with 8-12 years of experience who are looking to highlight their technical expertise, communication skills, and business acumen in a dynamic environment.

You will gain hands‐on experience working on diverse, high‐profile projects and have the opportunity to travel to construction sites to see the designs you have helped influence come to life. As part of our team, you will work and partner with industry experts, giving you the resources, guidance, and exposure to showcase your skills and abilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cost Estimating & Value Engineering
  
  
  
  • Develop and refine cost estimates for mechanical systems based on historical data, market analysis, and technical specifications.
  
  
  • Perform detailed value engineering analyses to optimize system performance and cost‐efficiency while ensuring design integrity.
  
  
  • Collaborate closely with the design and engineering teams to refine estimating techniques and improve overall accuracy and precision.
  
  
  • Proficient in various contracting methods such as lump sum, GMP, cost‐plus construction management, and fee‐based construction. Thorough understanding of legal aspects and implications of contractual language.
  
  
  
  


• Subcontractor Coordination & Integration
  
  
  
  • Cultivate strong relationships and partnerships with key mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and controls subcontractors, leveraging their expertise in system design and construction methodologies.
  
  
  • Lead the distribution of technical RFP documents, manage bid leveling processes, and ensure subcontractor proposals are aligned with project scope, technical specifications, and budget constraints.
  
  
  • Resolve high‐level technical conflicts or escalations between design teams and subcontractors to maintain scope, schedule, and cost integrity.
  
  
  
  


• Internal and External Customer Presentations
  
  
  
  • Plan, prepare, and present project specific details to internal and external customers.
  
  
  • Lead team presentations of project updates and deliverables to customers, engineers, sub‐contractors or other team members.
  
  
  • Travel to support the project needs at any phase of construction or pre‐construction.
  
  
  
  


• Documentation & Reporting
  
  
  
  • Prepare and maintain detailed, organized records of cost estimates, project specifications, and bid documentation.
  
  
  • Lead the development of exhibit A's, contract documentation, and project status reports, ensuring all technical and contractual elements are clearly communicated to internal teams and external stakeholders.
  
  
  
  


• Mentorship & Team Development
  
  
  
  • Provide leadership and direction for a multidisciplinary team, including junior engineers, technical staff, and interns. Set performance expectations and create development plans to build long‐term team capability.
  
  
  • Serve as a thought leader within the MEP group, championing best practices, continuous improvement initiatives, and cross‐training programs.
  
  
  • Direct reports may be assigned.
  
  
  
  


• Project Management Support
  
  
  
  • Evaluate project viability and advise on high‐level trade‐offs between design, cost, and constructability during early‐stage planning.
  
  
  • Support a seamless transition from pre‐construction to construction phases by delivering necessary documentation and detailed design specifications.
  
  
  • Manage concurrent pre‐construction efforts and support execution teams through the development and deployment of complex system solutions.
  
  
  
  


• Design Collaboration & Oversight
  
  
  
  • Provide expert‐level recommendations for the design of mechanical systems, driving innovation, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.
  
  
  • Collaborate with design teams to ensure the technical feasibility and efficiency of proposed designs.
  
  
  • Analyze and refine design documents to optimize system performance and integration within the broader project scope.
  
  
  
  


• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

Who we want… (Requirements)

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or chemical engineering (or related discipline) is preferred, with significant experience (12+ years) in mechanical design, project estimating, or construction management.


• Equivalent years of related experience will be considered in place of a technical degree.


• An MBA or related business qualification or experience is desirable.


• Prior experience in construction estimating is required. (Emphasis on design‐build MEP approach with coordination of design and engineering efforts.)


• Experience reviewing and analyzing construction documents from subcontractors and engineers to confirm they comply with the project scope.


• Direct management and supervisory experience is desirable.


• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed.


• Experience working with design and engineering managers to ensure project(s) is/are designed, specified, procured, and constructed within the boundaries of operating guidelines, while conforming to technical requirements and ensuring customer satisfaction.


• Experience with HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, process piping, ductwork, wastewater, process engineering, mechanical design, and construction management is required.


• Proven ability to influence without authority, working across departments and functions to drive alignment and results.


• Executive presence with excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to C‐suite or senior leadership.


• Strong leadership capabilities with a focus on mentoring and developing junior engineers and technical staff.


• Proven ability to guide teams in applying best practices for system design, installation, and problem‐solving.


• Proficiency in industry specific modeling or estimating tools is preferred, in addition to Microsoft Office Suite.

The new team member should be an energetic, self‐motivated individual who enjoys a team environment, as well as a passion for collaboration and professional development. If you are a high achiever striving to exceed expectations in a fast-paced innovative company, then Gray is the place for you.

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Visa Sponsorship: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the team member is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands or arms and talk or hear. They may occasionally be required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision.

Generally, normal office environment where noise level is moderate, and temperature/humidity is controlled. 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, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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