Pursuits & Preconstruction Manager

Ames Construction; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ames Construction seeks an experienced Pursuits & Preconstruction Manager to guide complex project pursuits from opportunity identification through award. Lead proposal development, pricing coordination, and preconstruction strategy with operations, estimating, and business development teams.

Ideal candidate brings strong heavy civil experience, leadership, and a proven track record in alternative delivery projects and risk management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• 8+ years in heavy civil construction or related roles.
• Experience leading complex proposals for infrastructure projects.
• Experience with design-build, CM/GC, or progressive design-build.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead pursuit go/no-go decisions and opportunity qualification.
• Develop pursuit strategies aligned with growth objectives.
• Coordinate proposal development, client interviews, and presentations.
• Collaborate with operations, estimating and business development for winning strategies.
• Mentor pursuit coordinators, estimators, and preconstruction staff.
• Support development of innovative construction approaches and risk management.

Skills

Pursuit management

Preconstruction

Estimating

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management / Civil Engineering / Engineering / Business

Tools

MS Office Suite

Estimating software

Job description

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are the reason we continue to succeed. We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected. At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means we look out for 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 through challenges and deliver work we’re proud of. When you join Ames, you’re joining 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.

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are the reason we continue to succeed. We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected. At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means we look out for 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 through challenges and deliver work we’re proud of. When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long‑term success — where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future. 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.