Sr. Manager, Mechanical, Pre-Construction Services

Gray; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Mentorship opportunities

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Charlotte, NC is seeking an experienced Sr. Mechanical Manager, Preconstruction to oversee mechanical systems and manage relationships with subcontractors. This role emphasizes cost estimating, technical issue resolution, and collaboration with design teams. The ideal candidate has over 12 years of experience in mechanical design and project estimating, with significant skills in leadership and problem-solving. Competitive compensation and a dynamic work environment offered.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in mechanical design, project estimating, or construction management.
• Prior experience in construction estimating, especially design-build MEP.
• Experience with HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and mechanical design.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine cost estimates for mechanical systems.
• Manage relationships with subcontractors and lead bid processes.
• Prepare and maintain records of cost estimates and project documentation.

Skills

Cost Estimating & Value Engineering

Technical Issue Resolution

Strong leadership and mentoring

Executive communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering

MBA or related business qualification

Tools

Industry-specific modeling or estimating tools

Job description

Gray Construction is looking for an experienced Sr. Mechanical Manager, Preconstruction to join our team in our Charlotte, NC office.

Overview

Gray is a fully integrated, global service provider deeply rooted in engineering, design, and construction, along with smart manufacturing and equipment manufacturing services. We focus on markets including Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Data Centers, Distribution, and Advanced Technology. Founded in 1960, Gray delivers customized solutions with a focus on precision and partnership.

Responsibilities

• What we expect… (Essential Functions)
• Cost Estimating & Value Engineering: Develop and refine cost estimates for mechanical systems based on historical data, market analysis, and technical specifications; perform detailed value engineering analyses to optimize system performance and cost-efficiency; collaborate with design and engineering teams to improve estimating techniques.
• Contracting & Subcontractor Coordination: Manage relationships with mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and controls subcontractors; lead the distribution of technical RFP documents and bid leveling processes; ensure proposals align with scope, specifications, and budget.
• Technical Issue Resolution: Resolve high-level technical conflicts or escalations between design teams and subcontractors to maintain scope, schedule, and cost integrity.
• Customer Presentations: Plan, prepare, and present project details to internal and external customers; lead team presentations of project updates and deliverables.
• Travel: Travel to support project needs at any phase of construction or pre-construction.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare and maintain detailed records of cost estimates, project specifications, and bid documentation; develop exhibit A’s, contract documents, and status reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentorship & Team Development: Provide leadership for a multidisciplinary team, set performance expectations, and develop plans to build long-term capability; act as a thought leader within the MEP group.
• Project Management Support: Evaluate project viability and advise on design, cost, and constructability trade-offs; support a seamless transition from pre-construction to construction; manage concurrent pre-construction efforts and assist execution teams with complex system solutions.
• Design Collaboration & Oversight: Provide expert-level recommendations for mechanical system design, drive innovation and compliance; collaborate with design teams to ensure feasibility and efficiency.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering (or related discipline) preferred, with significant experience (12+ years) in mechanical design, project estimating, or construction management; equivalent experience will be considered.
• An MBA or related business qualification/experience is desirable.
• Prior experience in construction estimating is required (emphasis on design-build MEP with coordination of design and engineering).
• Experience reviewing construction documents for scope compliance; direct management experience is desirable.
• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed.
• Experience ensuring projects are designed, specified, procured, and constructed within operating guidelines while meeting technical requirements and customer satisfaction.
• Experience with HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, process piping, ductwork, wastewater, process engineering, mechanical design, and construction management.
• Proven ability to influence across departments; executive communication skills and experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities; ability to guide teams in applying best practices for system design and problem-solving.
• Proficiency in industry-specific modeling or estimating tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

Visa Sponsorship

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to perform essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. The role involves standard office duties with potential site visits. Travel may be required; overtime may be required; travel <10–25% as needed.

EEO Disclaimer

Gray is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes everyone to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.