Preconstruction Executive

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc

Sterling (VA)

Remote

USD 180,000 - 240,000

Full time

12 days ago

A complete application in a minute

Tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities
Medical insurance
401(k) with match
Paid time off
Remote flexibility
Leadership development

Job summary

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) seeks a Preconstruction Executive to lead and coordinate preconstruction, estimating, and pursuit activities for commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical construction. This senior role shapes project pipelines, pricing strategies, and client engagement to drive profitable growth.

The ideal candidate brings deep mechanical construction expertise, executive leadership, and the ability to build lasting relationships with owners, developers, GC’s, and

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of commercial mechanical construction with significant preconstruction or estimating leadership.
  • 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 projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and execute 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.

Responsibilities

  • Lead preconstruction strategy across HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical construction 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, GMP development.
  • Evaluate opportunities and advise on pursuit strategy, pricing, and risk.
  • Monitor market conditions, labor trends, material pricing and industry developments.
  • Partner with Business Development and Executive Leadership to identify opportunities.
  • Participate in client meetings, interviews, presentations, and negotiations.
  • Build relationships with owners, developers, general contractors, architects, engineers, partners.
  • Develop preconstruction strategies to differentiate VMG.
  • Support proposal development and presentations for high-value opportunities.
  • Serve as senior-level VMG representative throughout preconstruction and pursuit process.
  • Collaborate with leadership to align strategies with operations and company objectives.
  • Lead constructability reviews and value-engineering to improve outcomes.

Skills

Commercial mechanical construction
Preconstruction leadership
Estimating leadership
Design-build expertise
Client relationship management
Pricing strategy
GMP development
Microsoft Office proficiency
Estimating software familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Estimating software
Preconstruction technology
Microsoft Office

Job description

Preconstruction Executive
About 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 Do
Lead 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.

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.

Get your free, confidential resume review.

or drag and drop your file here.

Similar jobs

Similar jobs worth comparing

Preconstruction Executive
Preconstruction Executive

Vertical Mechanical Group • Sterling (VA)

Remote
USD 144,000 - 176,000
Health insurance
401(k) match
Paid time off
+3
Preconstruction Manager
Preconstruction Manager

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc • Washington

On-site
USD 120,000 - 170,000
Medical insurance
401(k) with match
Paid time off
Chief Estimator
Chief Estimator

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc • Reston (VA)

Remote
USD 140,000 - 190,000
Remote work
Healthcare
401(k) with company match
+1
Project Executive
Project Executive

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc • Baltimore (MD)

On-site
USD 180,000 - 300,000
Chief Estimator
Chief Estimator

Vertical Mechanical Group • Reston (VA)

Remote
USD 126,000 - 154,000
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and holidays
+1
Estimator
Estimator

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc • Charleston (SC)

On-site
USD 90,000 - 130,000
Medical insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off
Estimator
Estimator

Vertical Mechanical Group • South Carolina

On-site
USD 68,000 - 92,000
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and company holidays
+3
Preconstruction Manager
Preconstruction Manager

Vertical Mechanical Group • Washington

On-site
USD 120,000 - 180,000
Project Manager
Project Manager

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc • Berryville (VA)

On-site
USD 110,000 - 170,000
Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and holidays
+1
Remote Strategic Preconstruction Exec – HVAC & Piping
Remote Strategic Preconstruction Exec – HVAC & Piping

Vertical Mechanical Group Inc • Sterling (VA)

Remote
USD 180,000 - 240,000
Bonus opportunities
Medical insurance
401(k) with match
+3