Preconstruction Executive

Preconstruction Executive

About Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG)

Vertical Mechanical Group (VMG) is a leading mechanical contractor specializing in commercial HVAC, Plumbing, Piping, and Mechanical Construction. Originally formed through Anderson Mechanical Services, Inc. and Inspiration Plumbing Company, VMG brings decades of industry experience together with a forward-thinking approach to delivering high-quality mechanical solutions.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for an accomplished Preconstruction Executive to provide strategic leadership across our preconstruction and estimating efforts. This senior leadership position will play a critical role in shaping VMG's project pipeline, strengthening client relationships, developing pursuit strategies, and positioning the organization for continued profitable growth.

The ideal candidate combines deep mechanical construction expertise with strong business acumen, executive leadership, and the ability to build relationships with clients and industry partners.

What You'll Do

Lead Preconstruction Strategy

Provide strategic leadership for preconstruction activities across commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical construction projects

Lead pursuit strategy for negotiated, hard-bid, design-build, and other complex project opportunities

Establish estimating, budgeting, pricing, and risk-management strategies that support competitiveness and profitability

Provide executive oversight of conceptual estimates, cost models, budgets, and GMP development

Evaluate project opportunities and provide recommendations on pursuit strategy, pricing, risk, and overall business fit

Monitor market conditions, labor trends, material pricing, and industry developments to support informed decision-making

Drive Project Pursuits & Client Relationships

Partner with Business Development and Executive Leadership to identify and pursue strategic project opportunities

Participate in client meetings, interviews, presentations, and negotiations throughout the pursuit process

Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, developers, general contractors, architects, engineers, and industry partners

Develop preconstruction strategies that demonstrate VMG's technical expertise and differentiate the organization in competitive pursuits

Support proposal development and presentations for high-value and strategic opportunities

Serve as a senior-level representative of VMG throughout the preconstruction and pursuit process

Partner Across the Business

Collaborate closely with Executive Leadership, Operations, Project Management, Business Development, Engineering, and field leadership

Ensure preconstruction strategies align with operational capabilities and overall company objectives

Lead constructability reviews and value-engineering efforts to improve project outcomes

Facilitate strong project handoffs from Preconstruction to Operations

Incorporate historical project performance and lessons learned into future pursuits

Provide leadership with visibility into pipeline activity, project risk, pricing strategy, and upcoming opportunities

Build & Develop the Preconstruction Team

Provide leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to estimating and preconstruction professionals

Establish clear expectations for quality, accuracy, accountability, and performance

Develop processes and standards that improve consistency across the Preconstruction department

Identify opportunities to strengthen team capabilities through training, technology, and talent development

Support recruiting and development of high-performing estimating and preconstruction professionals

Foster a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence

Strengthen Processes & Performance

Establish, refine, and implement preconstruction standards, tools, workflows, and best practices

Evaluate estimating and preconstruction technology to improve accuracy, efficiency, and visibility

Utilize historical cost data, market intelligence, and project performance information to strengthen future estimates

Support long-range planning, forecasting, backlog development, and pipeline management

Identify opportunities to improve profitability, reduce project risk, and strengthen VMG's competitive position

What You Bring

10+ years of commercial mechanical construction experience with significant preconstruction or estimating leadership responsibility

Proven experience leading estimating, preconstruction, or project pursuit functions

Deep understanding of commercial HVAC, plumbing, piping, and mechanical systems

Strong experience with design-build, negotiated work, conceptual estimating, GMP development, and large-scale commercial projects

Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful pursuit and pricing strategies

Strong understanding of mechanical construction costs, labor productivity, material pricing, equipment, subcontractor scopes, and project risk

Proven success in client-facing roles, including presentations, interviews, negotiations, and relationship development

Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to balance competitiveness, profitability, and risk

Excellent executive-level leadership, communication, presentation, and decision-making skills

Ability to build strong relationships across executive, operational, and client teams

Proficiency with estimating software, preconstruction technology, and Microsoft Office

Preferred Experience

Senior leadership experience within a commercial mechanical contractor

Experience overseeing preconstruction for large-scale and complex commercial mechanical projects

Proven success developing relationships with general contractors, owners, developers, architects, and engineers

Experience leading strategic pursuits from early client engagement through project award

Experience developing and mentoring estimating and preconstruction teams

Experience implementing preconstruction technology, standardized processes, and departmental improvements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience considered

What We Offer

Competitive executive-level compensation

Performance-based bonus and incentive opportunities

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and company holidays

Remote flexibility with occasional travel to the DMV region

Executive-level visibility and the opportunity to directly influence VMG's growth strategy

Ongoing professional and leadership development opportunities

Long-term career advancement within a rapidly growing organization

A collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where your leadership and ideas make an impact

Why VMG?

At VMG, Preconstruction is where successful projects and long-term partnerships begin. As we continue to expand, we're investing in experienced leaders who can help us identify the right opportunities, strengthen our relationships, develop winning strategies, and position our teams for success before construction begins.

As Preconstruction Executive, you'll have the opportunity to influence which projects VMG pursues, how we approach them, and how we continue building our presence in the commercial mechanical construction market.

If you're an accomplished mechanical construction leader who combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, business development, and strong client relationships, we'd like to hear from you.

This position may be remote, with occasional travel to the DMV region for meetings, project pursuits, and executive collaboration.

Apply today and help shape the continued growth of Preconstruction at VMG.

VMG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.