Objective:
The Director of Preconstruction will support the Market VP in overall market growth related to Modern’s areas of expertise. This role will focus heavily on Preconstruction and Business Development activities. This role has a direct impact on realizing Modern’s vision of ‘Building for the Next Generation’ by implementing its mission of ‘Growth Through Exceptional Delivery’. This role is also responsible for taking care of Modern’s customers and being the face of Modern to the local community by building strong relationships and rapport with others.
The Director of Preconstruction upholds Modern’s Core Values of Integrity, Service, Leadership, Empowerment, and Innovation while demonstrating a dedicated and results-driven work ethic. This individual demonstrates a commitment to building strong internal and external relationships.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Preconstruction
Lead all preconstruction activities in the market, ensuring accurate cost planning, estimating, and budgeting
Oversee conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates, including cost modeling and value engineering
Collaborate with design teams to optimize constructability, cost efficiency, and schedule performance
Manage subcontractor and supplier engagement during preconstruction, including bid leveling and scope alignment
Establish project schedules and milestones during preconstruction to support successful execution
Partner with operations leadership to ensure effective handoff from preconstruction to project execution
Business Development
Drive backlog growth by identifying, pursuing, and securing new project opportunities within the market
Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor during early project stages
Lead proposal development, interview strategy, and presentation delivery to win work
Partner with leadership team to define market strategy, target clients, and expansion initiatives
Track market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities to inform business decisions
Industry and Community Leadership
Participate in association training, social and networking events
Active community involvement in the form of volunteering, board seats, etc.
Active participation in trade associations
Maintain positive labor relations with all unions
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Expert-level knowledge of mechanical construction systems, estimating, and preconstruction practices
Advanced proficiency with mechanical estimating software, financial modeling tools, and MS Excel
Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, including executive and client-facing interactions
Extensive experience in leading teams to deliver customer and company success through strong communication and accountability
Extensive experience with project management practices and skills to grow internal team to meet and exceed customer/project expectations
Strong business acumen and ability to learn about Modern and its services
Baseline understanding of construction financials and areas to own and impact
Effective written and verbal communication skills, both professional and interpersonal
The ability to work both independently and within a team
A responsible, organized, and detail-oriented mindset
Refined time management skills and the ability to multi-task
Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Strong communication skillset across all communication channels with an ability to respond urgently to emerging needs while empowering others to tackle daily tasks or projects
A strong affinity to driving process and accountability for people across the organization to improve performance in all areas
Highly tenacious, self-motivated and goal driven; responsive and quick thinking; able to adapt quickly to changes in direction or client needs
Willingness to travel up to 60% of the time to team meetings, client consultations, on-site walkthroughs, etc.
Willingness to work evenings as necessary to meet with clients, project teams and/or vendors
Work Environment Considerations:
Primarily office-based with regular jobsite and client meeting visits as required
Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with responsibility for major financial decisions
Jobsite visits may require wearing personal protective equipment including hardhat, safety glasses, and work boots
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position
Qualifications and Education Requirements:
Strong preference for bachelor’s degree or commensurate business experience
10+ Years of Project Management and mechanical estimating experience
Experience leading MEP teams and/or operations
Experience with large-scale, complex, or design-build mechanical projects preferred
AAP/EEO Statement:
At Modern Inc., we understand that every employee is different in his or her own way. We support and thrive off those differences. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, military status, or other non-merit factors. Modern Inc. is a proud Equal Opportunity workplace and Affirmative Action employer.