Preconstruction Manager - Mechanical Construction

5F Mechanical Group Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

5F Mechanical Group Inc. in Texas seeks an experienced Preconstruction & Estimating Manager to lead our estimating team and drive upfront planning for large-scale commercial and industrial mechanical projects across Texas.

You will oversee the preparation of accurate budget estimates and hard bids for HVAC, piping, and plumbing systems, collaborating with leadership, project managers, engineers, and clients to win profitable work and ensure smooth transitions from bidding to construction.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of estimating and preconstruction experience in the mechanical contracting industry.
• At least 3 years of leading an estimating/preconstruction team.
• Experience estimating and winning commercial/industrial mechanical projects valued between $5M and $30M.
• Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., QuoteExpress) and digital takeoff tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Deep understanding of Texas commercial construction markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the estimating team to ensure accuracy and accountability in all deliverables.
• Oversee and review conceptual, schematic, design-development, and GMP estimates.
• Identify cost-saving alternatives and innovative mechanical design solutions while maintaining quality.
• Develop winning bid strategies aligned with target profit margins.
• Source and manage relationships with vendors and subcontractors for competitive pricing.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and project management for risk assessments and constructability reviews.
• Present detailed estimates and preconstruction proposals to general contractors and developers.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Team management

Cost estimation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Mechanical engineering

Tools

QuoteExpress

Digital takeoff

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Preconstruction & Estimating Manager to lead our estimating team and drive the upfront planning phases for large-scale commercial and industrial mechanical projects across Texas. In this role, you will oversee the preparation of accurate, competitive budget estimates and hard bids for multi-million dollar HVAC, piping, and plumbing systems. You will collaborate closely with executive leadership, project managers, engineers, and clients to secure profitable work and ensure seamless transitions from the bidding phase to construction.

Key Responsibilities

• esTeam Leadership: Manage, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical estimators, ensuring accuracy and accountability in all deliverable
• s.Estimate Preparationn: Oversee and review comprehensive conceptual, schematic, design-development, and guaranteed maximum price (GMP) estimate
• s.Value Engineering: Identify cost-saving alternatives and innovative solutions in mechanical design without compromising project quality or inten
• t.Bid Strategy: Analyze project specifications, blueprints, and market trends to develop winning bid strategies tailored to our target profit margin
• s.Vendor & Subcontractor Relations: Source, negotiate, and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors to secure competitive pricin
• g.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with operations, engineering, and project management teams to conduct thorough risk assessments and constructability review
• s.Client Engagement: Present detailed estimates and preconstruction proposals directly to general contractors, developers, and facility owner

Required Qualifications

• onsExperience: Minimum of 7–10 years of estimating and preconstruction experience specifically within the mechanical contracting indust
• ry.Leadership: At least 3 years of experience directly managing an estimating or preconstruction te
• am.Project Portfolio: Proven track record of estimating and winning commercial/industrial mechanical projects valued between $5M and $30
• M+.Technical Skills: Proficiency with industry-standard mechanical estimating software (e.g., QuoteExpress) and digital takeoff too
• ls.Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field (equivalent field experience will be considere
• d).Market Knowledge: Deep understanding of Texas commercial construction markets, regional labor rates, and local building cod

Preferred Qualifications

• ionsExperience working for a mechanical contractor with annual revenues exceeding $50M–$1
• 00M.Strong network of general contractor and subcontractor relationships throughout major Texas metro areas (Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Anton
• io).Advanced certification from ASPE (American Society of Professional Estimators) or MCAA (Mechanical Contractors Association of Ameri