Senior MEP Preconstruction Manager

The Weitz Company / Contrack Watts, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Bonus program

Benefits: HSA and FSA

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Wellness program

Job summary

The Weitz Company is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Manager focused on MEP to lead preconstruction activities, delivering estimates, schedules, and value analyses that set projects up for successful delivery.

You will build client relationships, guide design teams, manage risks, and mentor a project team while leveraging BIM/Lean strategies and industry tools to enhance delivery and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of estimating and/or project management experience in construction.
• Electrical or Mechanical engineering background is a plus but not required.
• Strong estimating and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with clients, design teams, and partners.
• Support RFP responses and proposal development.
• Lead full preconstruction process including estimating, scheduling, constructability reviews, and value analysis.
• Provide accurate conceptual and detailed estimates and cost analyses.
• Oversee design-phase progress to align with scope and budget.
• Identify and mitigate project risks through contract and market analysis.
• Integrate BIM, LEED, Lean strategies to improve delivery.
• Collaborate across departments for timely inputs.
• Prepare and maintain preconstruction and construction schedules.
• Ensure smooth transition from preconstruction to construction.

Skills

Estimating

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Presentation

Client relationships

Education

Electrical/Mechanical Engineering background

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

WinEst

SureTrak

Prolog

BIM

Job description

The Weitz Company is hiring a Senior Preconstruction Manager focused on Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP). The Senior MEP Preconstruction Manager is responsible for providing outstanding customer service and setting projects up for success through successful delivery of preconstruction services. This role provides value to our customers by leading the project team, predicting cost and schedule, being an advocate for our owners, and transitioning preconstruction services to operations as construction starts.

The Weitz Company has been Building a Better Way since 1855. We are a full-service construction company, general contractor, design-builder, and construction manager with office locations throughout the United States. We believe our employees to be our most valuable asset, and we are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive culture that inspires, motivates, and continuously improves.

What You'll Do:

• Build, nurture, and maintain strong relationships with clients, design teams, and partners to support business development and repeat work.
• Support RFP responses, proposal development, and interview preparation with tailored schedules, scopes, and sales materials.
• Lead and manage the full preconstruction process including estimating, scheduling, constructability reviews, and value analysis.
• Provide accurate conceptual and detailed estimates, including feasibility studies, cost comparisons, and subcontractor engagement.
• Oversee and communicate progress at each design phase while ensuring deliverables align with scope, budget, and client goals.
• Identify and mitigate project risks through analysis of contract language, market conditions, and scope elements.
• Integrate sustainability and technology strategies (BIM, LEED, Lean) to enhance project delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal departments to ensure timely input and alignment across all preconstruction activities.
• Prepare, update, and maintain preconstruction and construction schedules while proactively addressing potential delays or cost impacts.
• Ensure smooth transition from preconstruction to construction, participating in handoff, reporting, and operations meetings.
• Lead client presentations and communicate with confidence on building systems, estimates, logistics, and value engineering.
• Stay current with construction trends, materials, regulations, and best practices to continuously improve service delivery.
• Support subcontractor/vendor prequalification and coordinate specialty cost inputs (insurance, bonds, taxes, permits, etc.).

What We're Looking For:

• Experience:
  • 6+ years of extensive estimating and/or project management construction experience is required.
  • Experience working as an Electrical Engineer or Mechanical Engineer is a plus but not required.
• Skills:
  • Solid construction knowledge and estimating skills.
  • Analytical thinker comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent leadership skills with a desire to mentor, coach, and develop a team.
  • Ability to compare and analyze various systems and related cost impacts.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to balance and prioritize projects with impending deadlines.
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized.
  • Strong negotiation skills.
  • Business acumen and relationship building skills.
  • Strong presentation skills.
• Technology:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Experience with Procore, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, WinEst, SureTrak, Prolog, and/or BIM is desirable.
  • Ability to learn specific job-related software upon hire.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay
• Rewarding Bonus Program
• Comprehensive Benefits Package with Tax-Advantaged HSA and FSA offerings
• Employer-Paid Short- and Long-Term Disability Programs
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off Provisions
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Fully Paid Parental Leave
• Voluntary Products Including: Critical Illness Insurance and Accident Insurance
• Corporate Wellness Program with Wellness Time Off and Rewards

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

The Weitz Company, LLC (and its U.S.-basedsubsidies and affiliates) recognizes the value of and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and follow applicable affirmative action guidelines and policies. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected categories in accordance with applicable state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and background checks are required if applicable. Review our Privacy Notice.