Preconstruction Executive

Vertical Mechanical Group; Sterling (VA); On-site; USD 136,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Bonus opportunities

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is a leading mechanical contractor specializing in commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical construction. We seek a Preconstruction Executive to shape project pipelines, strengthen client relationships, and drive profitable growth.

The role requires deep mechanical construction expertise, executive leadership, and the ability to work with owners, developers, and engineers. Remote flexibility with occasional DMV region travel is offered.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in commercial mechanical construction with preconstruction leadership
• Experience leading estimating, preconstruction, or project pursuit functions
• Deep understanding of HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical systems
• Strong experience with design-build, negotiated work, GMP development
• Proven ability to develop and execute pursuit and pricing strategies
• Knowledge of mechanical construction costs, labor, materials, and risk
• Proven client-facing skills: presentations, interviews, negotiations, relationship building
• Strong business acumen balancing competitiveness, profitability, and risk
• Excellent executive-level leadership, communication, and decision-making

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction strategy for commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical projects
• Lead pursuit strategy for negotiated, hard-bid, design-build opportunities
• Establish estimating, budgeting, pricing, and risk-management strategies
• Provide executive oversight of conceptual estimates, cost models, budgets, and GMP development
• Evaluate opportunities and advise on pursuit strategy, pricing and risk

Skills

Preconstruction leadership

Estimating

Client relationships

Pricing strategies

Executive communication

GMP development

Design-build

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering

Tools

Estimating software

Preconstruction tech

MS Office

Job description

Preconstruction ExecutiveAbout Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG)

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is a leading mechanical contractor specializing in commercial HVAC, Plumbing, Piping, and Mechanical Construction. Originally formed through Anderson Mechanical Services, Inc. and Inspiration Plumbing Company, VMG brings decades of industry experience together with a forward-thinking approach to delivering high-quality mechanical solutions.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for an accomplished Preconstruction Executive to provide strategic leadership across our preconstruction and estimating efforts. This senior leadership position will play a critical role in shaping VMG's project pipeline, strengthening client relationships, developing pursuit strategies, and positioning the organization for continued profitable growth.

The ideal candidate combines deep mechanical construction expertise with strong business acumen, executive leadership, and the ability to build relationships with clients and industry partners.

What You’ll DoLead Preconstruction Strategy

• Provide strategic leadership for preconstruction activities across commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical construction projects
• Lead pursuit strategy for negotiated, hard-bid, design-build, and other complex project opportunities
• Establish estimating, budgeting, pricing, and risk-management strategies that support competitiveness and profitability
• Provide executive oversight of conceptual estimates, cost models, budgets, and GMP development
• Evaluate project opportunities and provide recommendations on pursuit strategy, pricing, risk, and overall business fit
• Monitor market conditions, labor trends, material pricing, and industry developments to support informed decision-making

Drive Project Pursuits & Client Relationships

• Partner with Business Development and Executive Leadership to identify and pursue strategic project opportunities
• Participate in client meetings, interviews, presentations, and negotiations throughout the pursuit process
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, developers, general contractors, architects, engineers, and industry partners
• Develop preconstruction strategies that demonstrate VMG's technical expertise and differentiate the organization in competitive pursuits
• Support proposal development and presentations for high-value and strategic opportunities
• Serve as a senior-level representative of VMG throughout the preconstruction and pursuit process

Partner Across the Business

• Collaborate closely with Executive Leadership, Operations, Project Management, Business Development, Engineering, and field leadership
• Ensure preconstruction strategies align with operational capabilities and overall company objectives
• Lead constructability reviews and value-engineering efforts to improve project outcomes
• Facilitate strong project handoffs from Preconstruction to Operations
• Incorporate historical project performance and lessons learned into future pursuits
• Provide leadership with visibility into pipeline activity, project risk, pricing strategy, and upcoming opportunities

Build & Develop the Preconstruction Team

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to estimating and preconstruction professionals
• Establish clear expectations for quality, accuracy, accountability, and performance
• Develop processes and standards that improve consistency across the Preconstruction department
• Identify opportunities to strengthen team capabilities through training, technology, and talent development
• Support recruiting and development of high-performing estimating and preconstruction professionals
• Foster a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence

Strengthen Processes & Performance

• Establish, refine, and implement preconstruction standards, tools, workflows, and best practices
• Evaluate estimating and preconstruction technology to improve accuracy, efficiency, and visibility
• Utilize historical cost data, market intelligence, and project performance information to strengthen future estimates
• Support long-range planning, forecasting, backlog development, and pipeline management
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, reduce project risk, and strengthen VMG's competitive position

What You Bring

• 10+ years of commercial mechanical construction experience with significant preconstruction or estimating leadership responsibility
• Proven experience leading estimating, preconstruction, or project pursuit functions
• Deep understanding of commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical systems
• Strong experience with design-build, negotiated work, conceptual estimating, GMP development, and large-scale commercial projects
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful pursuit and pricing strategies
• Strong understanding of mechanical construction costs, labor productivity, material pricing, equipment, subcontractor scopes, and project risk
• Proven success in client-facing roles, including presentations, interviews, negotiations, and relationship development
• Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to balance competitiveness, profitability, and risk
• Excellent executive-level leadership, communication, presentation, and decision-making skills
• Ability to build strong relationships across executive, operational, and client teams
• Proficiency with estimating software, preconstruction technology, and Microsoft Office

Preferred Experience

• Senior leadership experience within a commercial mechanical contractor
• Experience overseeing preconstruction for large-scale and complex commercial mechanical projects
• Proven success developing relationships with general contractors, owners, developers, architects, and engineers
• Experience leading strategic pursuits from early client engagement through project award
• Experience developing and mentoring estimating and preconstruction teams
• Experience implementing preconstruction technology, standardized processes, and departmental improvements
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience considered

What We Offer

• Competitive executive-level compensation
• Performance-based bonus and incentive opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Remote flexibility with occasional travel to the DMV region
• Executive-level visibility and the opportunity to directly influence VMG's growth strategy
• Ongoing professional and leadership development opportunities
• Long-term career advancement within a rapidly growing organization
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where your leadership and ideas make an impact

Why VMG?

At VMG, Preconstruction is where successful projects and long-term partnerships begin. As we continue to expand, we're investing in experienced leaders who can help us identify the right opportunities, strengthen our relationships, develop winning strategies, and position our teams for success before construction begins.

As Preconstruction Executive, you'll have the opportunity to influence which projects VMG pursues, how we approach them, and how we continue building our presence in the commercial mechanical construction market.

If you're an accomplished mechanical construction leader who combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, business development, and strong client relationships, we'd like to hear from you.

This position may be remote, with occasional travel to the DMV region for meetings, project pursuits, and executive collaboration.

VMG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary: $160000 per year