Preconstruction Manager

Murphy Company; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Annual bonus opportunities

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) and profit sharing

Generous PTO

Wellness programs

Work-life balance

Job summary

Murphy Company in St. Louis, Missouri, invites a Preconstruction Manager to join our Construction Operations team.

The role develops conceptual budgets, negotiates projects, and leads preconstruction from pursuit to turnover, collaborating with owners, architects, engineers, and contractors. The ideal candidate has extensive mechanical construction experience, strong budgeting and design-build/design-assist delivery knowledge, and proven client relationship management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years in preconstruction, estimating, design, cost control, or project development in mechanical construction.
• Experience with design-build and design-assist project delivery methods.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and estimating software.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• LEED Accreditation or PE license is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual and detailed budget estimates for HVAC, plumbing, process piping, and sheet metal systems.
• Analyze drawings, narratives, specifications, and project requirements to provide pricing and scope.
• Collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and contractors to develop cost-effective mechanical solutions.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and constructability improvements.
• Coordinate mechanical design efforts and integration with project teams.
• Support LEED and sustainability initiatives when applicable.
• Mentor team members and support professional development.
• Stay current on construction trends, technologies, regulations, and market conditions.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Relationship-building

Presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

LEED Accreditation

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

Job description

Murphy Company, the Best Choice in Mechanical Construction since 1907, is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to join our Construction Operations team in St. Louis, Missouri.

About Murphy Company

For more than 100 years, Murphy Company has been a leading mechanical contractor serving the St. Louis and Denver markets. We are committed to employee well-being, enduring relationships, integrity, and professionalism. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we provide the opportunities, technology, and support needed to build rewarding careers while delivering exceptional results for our clients.

Position Summary

The Preconstruction Manager is responsible for developing conceptual budgets, securing negotiated projects, and leading all preconstruction activities from project pursuit through turnover to Operations. This role collaborates closely with owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and internal teams to develop mechanical solutions that meet project goals, budget requirements, and schedule expectations.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in mechanical construction, estimating, design-build/design-assist delivery methods, client relationship management, and project budgeting. This individual will play a key role in ensuring successful project execution, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction & Project Development

• Develop conceptual and detailed budget estimates for HVAC, plumbing, process piping, and sheet metal systems.
• Analyze drawings, narratives, specifications, and project requirements to provide accurate pricing and scope development.
• Collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and contractors to develop cost-effective mechanical solutions.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and constructability improvements.
• Coordinate mechanical design efforts and integration with project teams.
• Support LEED and sustainability initiatives when applicable.

Business Development & Client Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers, and general contractors.
• Participate in client presentations, interviews, and project pursuit activities.
• Communicate Murphy Company's value proposition and differentiate our services.
• Address customer concerns and provide exceptional service throughout the project lifecycle.

Estimating & Budgeting

• Prepare and maintain conceptual and preconstruction estimates.
• Coordinate with vendors and subcontractors for pricing, equipment selection, and technical support.
• Evaluate project risks and review findings with senior leadership.
• Assist estimating teams during final pricing and bid development.

Project Transition & Operations Support

• Facilitate thorough project turnover meetings with Operations teams.
• Ensure all project assumptions, budgets, schedules, and scope requirements are clearly communicated.
• Support project managers during construction as needed.
• Participate in subcontractor and equipment vendor reviews and approvals.
• Mentor team members and support professional development.
• Stay current on construction trends, technologies, regulations, and market conditions.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and operational best practices.
• Participate in project reviews and other leadership activities.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years of experience in preconstruction, estimating, design, cost control, or project development within mechanical construction.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, process piping, and sheet metal systems.
• Experience with design-build and design-assist project delivery methods.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and estimating software.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, budgeting, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.

Preferred

• LEED Accreditation.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Knowledge of building automation systems, energy management systems, commissioning processes, and value engineering practices.

What We Offer

• Collaborative and family-friendly work environment.
• Opportunity to work with an industry leader with nearly 120 years of success.
• Competitive compensation, annual bonus opportunities, and comprehensive benefits.
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, wellness programs, 401(k), and profit sharing.
• Generous PTO and a strong commitment to work-life balance.

Join Murphy Company and help shape the future of mechanical construction while building lasting relationships and delivering innovative solutions for our clients.