Pursuits & Preconstruction Manager

Ames Construction; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ames Construction, a trusted heavy civil and industrial contractor with over six decades of project experience, seeks an experienced Pursuits & Preconstruction Manager in Charlotte, NC. This role leads strategic pursuits, preconstruction efforts, and coordination with operations, estimating, and executive leadership to win projects and ensure profitable execution.

The ideal candidate will have strong heavy civil background, proven leadership, and a track record managing pursuits, estimates,

Qualifications

• 8+ years in heavy civil construction, estimating, PM, or pursuit management.
• Experience leading complex proposals for infrastructure projects.
• Experience with Design-Build, CM/GC, or Progressive Design-Build.
• Strong communication, presentation, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office and construction software.

Responsibilities

• Lead go/no-go evaluations and opportunity qualification.
• Develop pursuit strategies aligned with growth objectives.
• Coordinate proposal development and client engagement.
• Mentor pursuit coordinators, estimators, and preconstruction staff.
• Drive design development reviews and cost alignment discussions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Strategic planning

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CM / Civil Eng / Engineering / related field

Tools

MS Office

Construction software

Job description

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are thereasonwe continue to succeed.

We are a full-service,heavy civil and industrial contractorbuildingcritical infrastructure, includinghighways, bridges, mines,dams,rail, andmore.Ourteams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chainsmoving,and the country connected.

At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means welook outfor one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long-term health of the company.

Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision , we do what we say we will do, push throughchallengesand deliver workwe’reproud of.

When you join Ames,you’rejoining a company built for long-term success—where skilled people, strong teams,and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.

We are seeking an experienced Pursuits & Preconstruction Manager to lead strategic project pursuits and preconstruction efforts across our heavy civil construction operations. This role serves as a key partner to operations, estimating, business development, and executive leadership teams to position Ames for successful project wins and profitable project execution.

Position Summary

The Pursuits & Preconstruction Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of complex project pursuits from opportunity identification through project award. This role leads proposal development, preconstruction strategy, client engagement support, risk assessment, pricing coordination, and transition to operations.

The ideal candidate has strong heavy civil construction experience, exceptional leadership and communication skills, and a proven history of successfully managing pursuits, estimates, alternative delivery projects, and preconstruction activities.

Key Responsibilities

Pursuit Management

• Lead go/no-go evaluations and opportunity qualification efforts.
• Develop pursuit strategies that align with company growth objectives.
• Coordinate proposal development, interview preparation, presentations, and client engagement activities.
• Partner with operations, estimating, and business development teams to create winning project strategies.
• Facilitate pursuit planning meetings and manage pursuit schedules and deliverables.
• Identify competitive advantages and differentiators for project submissions.
• Track pursuit performance metrics and lessons learned.

Preconstruction Leadership

• Lead preconstruction efforts for design-build, CM/GC, progressive design-build, and negotiated projects.
• Coordinate conceptual estimating, budgeting, scheduling, constructability reviews, and value engineering efforts.
• Work closely with owners, engineers, designers, and project stakeholders during project development.
• Oversee project risk identification and mitigation planning.
• Support development of innovative construction approaches and execution strategies.
• Facilitate design development reviews and cost alignment discussions.

Estimating & Strategy

• Collaborate with estimating teams to develop competitive and accurate project pricing.
• Review estimates for accuracy, risk exposure, and strategic alignment.
• Assist in procurement planning, subcontractor engagement, and market analysis.
• Support alternative technical concepts and value-driven project solutions.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor pursuit coordinators, estimators, and preconstruction professionals.
• Foster collaboration between business development, estimating, engineering, and operations teams.
• Promote continuous improvement of pursuit and preconstruction processes.
• Participate in strategic planning initiatives and market growth opportunities.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in heavy civil construction, estimating, project management, business development, preconstruction, or pursuit management.
• Experience leading complex proposal and pursuit efforts for public and private infrastructure projects.
• Experience with transportation, bridges, water resources, earthwork, utilities, or mining projects.
• Strong understanding of construction estimating, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.
• Experience with alternative delivery methods including Design-Build, CM/GC, or Progressive Design-Build.
• Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong organizational and strategic planning abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and construction industry software platforms.

Travel & Working Conditions

• Travel may be required to client meetings, project sites, and regional offices.
• Combination of office and construction site environments.
• Ability to visit active construction sites and navigate varying terrain and weather conditions.

Ames Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.