Program Preconstruction Manager

Southland Industries, Inc.; Carrollton (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with 50% company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Annual bonus program

Term life, AD&D insurance

Disability income protection

Pre-tax flexible spending plans

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays, vacation, and personal

Training/professional development

Wellness benefits

Job summary

Southland Industries is seeking a Program Preconstruction Manager to lead preconstruction efforts from award through construction for hyperscale data center projects. You will coordinate design teams, manage budgets, and align strategies with client requirements to ensure successful delivery across projects.

You will collaborate with Estimating and Engineering on budgets, value engineering, and decision support, while mentoring teams and developing winning proposals for clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in engineering or construction management.
• 5+ years in Project Management.
• 7+ years in Engineering.
• Strong ability to plan, design strategies, and maintain budgets.
• Deep knowledge of HVAC and engineering systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage preconstruction from award to construction, including client interface and budget oversight.
• Coordinate with Estimating and Engineering for conceptual budgeting and value engineering.
• Prepare estimates, quantity takeoffs, and pricing as needed.
• Develop major proposals, presentations, and marketing materials for RFPs/RFQs.
• Mentor team members and ensure alignment with client requirements.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Client engagement

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

Tools

AutoDesk applications

NAVISworks

CAD MEP+

BIM tools

Project management software

Spreadsheets & word processing

Job description

Southland’s Hyperscale Data Center Program team partners with our division teams to support delivery for hyperscale data center owners. The team translates each client’s expectations, technical standards, and operating programs into practical guidance that helps our teams plan and execute their scope of work consistently.

The Program Preconstruction Manager serves as an internal consulting partner to the Preconstruction Manager and their team, providing specialized expertise and client-specific guidance throughout planning and execution. Together, they align approaches with client requirements, anticipate and resolve challenges, and apply lessons learned across projects. The division counterpart retains responsibility for execution within their scope, while the program role supports alignment, consistency, and successful delivery across the client program.

Manage the preconstruction effort from project award to construction, including client interface, managing the design team, managing unified workflow, as well as managing the overall budget through the preconstruction process. Assist in the development of project proposals, estimates, and executing the win‑strategy of project pursuit.

• Creates and maintains positive working relationships with assigned accounts, reinforcing the company’s reputation as a reputable provider and valuable partner.
• Facilitates the development of a business plan, including methods, contact personnel and short and long‑term goals regarding new work, contract negotiations, and future work potential.
• Meets with new and existing clients to communicate the company’s capabilities, resources, character, and value proposition, and supports team development through mentorship and shared client interactions.
• Determines client needs and guides the team in evaluating company resources and capabilities based on those needs, making sure responsibilities are appropriately delegated.
• Coordinates with Estimating and Engineering to provide conceptual estimating services, value engineering, analysis of alternatives and any other support client needs to make decisions and achieve their goals.
• Prepares or participates in the preparation of estimates, including quantity takeoffs, conceptual budgets, and detailed pricing as needed.
• Utilizes and understands historical data from estimate, purchase orders, subcontracts, productivity analysis reports, etc., as part of risk management.
• Facilitates the development of major proposals, presentations and marketing materials for RFP/RFQ’s.
• Communicates sales activities, pursuit timelines, and proposal/bid schedules to supervisors and stakeholders.
• Identifies new work leads and manages follow‑up, record‑keeping and information distribution.
• Reviews team work for accuracy, consistency, and alignment with project and client expectations, and provides day‑to‑day guidance, coaching, and support to team members

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management
• 5+ years in Project Management
• 7+ years in Engineering
• Demonstrated ability to proactively plan projects, implement design strategies, perform value‑engineering analyses, and maintain project budgets.
• Ability to lead major preconstruction efforts with deep technical understanding of engineering systems and strong knowledge of HVAC mechanical systems.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to present proposals, give sales presentations, and communicate effectively with all levels of management
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to gather information, develop alternative solutions, and apply sound judgment in decision‑making.
• Advanced technical proficiency, including working knowledge of design software, BIM tools,
• AutoDesk applications, NAVISWorks, CAD MEP+, project management software, spreadsheets, and word‑processing tools.
• Proven leadership and organizational skills with the ability to manage teams, coordinate projects, prioritize work, and complete assignments on time and within budget.
• Excellent attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to accuracy, thoroughness, and high‑quality work.

As a 100% employee‑owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

• 401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)
• Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability
• Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance
• Disability income protection insurance
• Pre‑tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time
• Training/professional development opportunities and company‑paid memberships for professional associations and licenses
• Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast‑paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, join our dynamic team.

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Contingent Employment

All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement

Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).