Pre-Construction Project Manager

J. F. Ahern; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-Tier Benefits

Incentives

Generous PTO

Paid Parental Leave

Mental Health Resources

Wellness Programs

Professional Growth

Work-Life Balance

Job summary

J. F. Ahern in Madison, WI is seeking a Pre-Construction Project Manager to lead estimating, bid preparation, and design reviews for fire protection projects.

You will gather drawings, specs, and pricing requests, build estimates, and craft preconstruction designs for take-offs. You will collaborate with sales, project teams, and management to support bid/no-bid decisions and help drive profitable work while upholding our standards of quality and customer service.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in a technical field.
• 5+ years of fire protection design experience required.
• Experience estimating in a construction environment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Review bid requests, drawings, and specs to build estimates.
• Prepare preconstruction designs for take-offs and electrical pricing requests.
• Support bid/no-bid decisions in partnership with sales and management.

Skills

Fire Protection Design

Mathematical Aptitude

Deadline-driven

Education

Associate Degree

Job description

Requisition ID25578-Posted10/15/2026-Madison, WI-Project Management

Looking for a company that values your skills, respects your contributions, and gives you the tools to thrive?

With more than 145 years as a family-owned business, we’ve built a reputation as one of the best mechanical and fire protection contractors in the country. We pride ourselves on delivering unmatched quality and innovation while providing you with job stability, opportunities for career progression, and support. We have an exciting opportunity for aPre-Construction Project Manager located in Madison, WI.

How you will contribute:

This is a great opportunity to showcase your estimating skills while playing a key role in acquiring profitable Fire Sprinkler work for the company by working with customers and internal sales, project, and management teams. You will review bid requests and gather drawings/specs, build estimates, and prepare preconstruction designs for take-offs and electrical pricing requests. You will be responsible for providing timely and accurate estimates within the specifications and customer requirements of each project. The Pre-Construction Project Manager is a technical expert and is, therefore, a key participant in bid/no-bid decisions, in partnership with sales and management. The Pre-Construction Project Management position is an excellent stepping stone into Sales and Project Management through strategic account management of an established, partnership-oriented client base.

What you need to qualify:

Ahern will help make the most of your Associate Degree, or the equivalent combination of education and/or experience, preferably in a technical field such as Design. 5 years or more of Fire Protection Design experience is essential and prior experience estimating in a construction environment is highly desirable. Experience may have been attained through other related roles such as design, project management, or sales. Strong mathematical aptitude is essential. You can stand out above other candidates by demonstrating the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment. A commitment to providing exceptional customer service, maintaining cutting-edge industry knowledge and being able to execute tasks with a great amount of detail will be crucial. If you are ready to demonstrate this expertise, Ahern wants you!

What’s in it for you?

At Ahern, we understand that life is more than just work - and we’re committed to supporting our employees in every aspect of their lives. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to give you the flexibility, security, and support you need to thrive - at work and at home.

Here’s how we stand out from the rest:

• Top-Tier Benefits: Our 401(k) match and health benefits rank in the top 20% nationwide
• Incentives: A significant portion of our profits is shared with employees through bonus programs
• Generous PTO with the opportunity to buy additional time off
• Paid Parental Leave: Supporting you at every life stage with paid maternity and paternity leave
• Mental Health Resources: Free, full-service mental health care for you and your family
• Wellness Programs: Access on-site fitness centers, personal development funds, and more
• Professional Growth: Take advantage of education assistance, training programs, and development opportunities to advance your career
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy hybrid and flexible schedules to fit your needs

By joining Ahern, you’ll gain the stability of a company that’s been a leader in the industry since 1880, the pride of doing meaningful work, and the support of a team dedicated to your success. Don’t settle for just any job—experience what it’s like to work for the best!

Ahern is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.