Preconstruction Manager
Murphy Company, the Best Choice in Mechanical Construction since 1907, is hiring a Preconstruction Manager for our Construction Operations team, located in our Colorado Springs, CO office.
About Murphy Company
Since 1907, Murphy Company has been a leading mechanical contractor in the St. Louis and Denver markets that provides its professionals with the environment, opportunities, technology, and tools to experience a rewarding career. Being a company that prides itself on its core values of employee well-being, enduring relationships, and integrity and professionalism, we know it starts with our employees. We strongly believe our people are our most important asset, and we strive every day to make Murphy a great place to work as we build our clients’ visions.
Position Summary
The Preconstruction Manager is responsible for developing preliminary budgets for clients, securing negotiated projects, and leading the successful execution of all preconstruction activities. This role requires the ability to effectively manage multiple RFQs, RFPs, preconstruction projects, and budgets while maintaining a high level of professionalism and responsiveness.
Using conceptual drawings, narratives, and preliminary design information, the Preconstruction Manager visualizes complete mechanical systems and develops comprehensive, qualified budget estimates. The role actively collaborates with owners, architects, engineers, and other members of the project design team to develop mechanical solutions that meet project requirements in both design-build and design-assist delivery methods.
Working closely with Operations, the Preconstruction Manager ensures projects are well-defined, accurately budgeted, and positioned for successful execution and profitability. A key responsibility is facilitating a thorough and seamless project turnover, providing Operations with the information and resources necessary to successfully deliver the project while maintaining a positive client and general contractor experience.
This position is instrumental in building and maintaining strong relationships with owners, design teams, and general contractors by consistently meeting or exceeding expectations. Success in this role contributes to securing future design-build and design-assist opportunities. At all times, the Preconstruction Manager demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and customer service.
Key Responsibilities
Develop customer solutions
- Initiate and maintain relationships with client and A/E contacts to facilitate successful preconstruction process. This includes attending client-initiated meetings and ceremonial events
- Identify and integrate cost-effective design solutions based on owner, design team, and general contractor’s various needs and budget requirements
- Coordinate and integrate mechanical design with entire design team (architectural, structural, electrical, etc.)
- Develop mechanical scope of work and budget pricing from RFP schematic drawings and conceptual narratives in design-build or design assist format
- Work with external mechanical engineers to develop mechanical design and budgeting for conceptual projects in design-build or design assist format
- Work with design team to integrate LEED ® standards when applicable
Negotiate and Bid Projects
- Communicate overall value of doing business with the Murphy Company
- Conduct sales presentations/interviews with higher-level customer executives as appropriate
- Use proven sales techniques to influence customers
- Communicate understanding of how our value propositions address customer needs
- Adapt selling style to customer
- Identify and address customer resistance
- Assure that potential risk factors have been evaluated and reviewed with senior management
Conceptualize estimates utilizing design and/or design assist of mechanical systems
- Utilize internal budget estimating templates to develop and maintain budget estimates for the plumbing, HVAC/Process piping and HVAC sheet metal scopes of work.
- Assemble the proposal estimates including general conditions, indirect costs, insurance and bonds.
- Enlist key equipment vendors and subcontractors to provide technical and costing support through the design development process
- Interpret the project schedule to identify required equipment delivery dates and expedite selection, pricing, submittals, approval and procurement
- Identify and present value engineering opportunities
- Collaborate with Project Manager, Operations Manager and others to solve constructability and scheduling barriers
- Initiate MEP coordination utilizing internal CAD department when required
- Create historical data from estimates, actual job costs, etc. and update conceptual estimating tables as necessary
Effective transition to Estimating and Operations
- Once mechanical design is fully developed (100% CD’s), support the estimating department to produce a final estimate and phasing
- Perform turnover meeting(s) to the Operations team, ensuring a comprehensive, seamless turnover of information and responsibility to Operations
- Participate in review and approval of subcontracts and equipment vendors
- Support Project Manager as required during the construction phase
Generate customer satisfaction and loyalty
- Develop potential and current customers through the various stages of the relationship development process from establishing a business relationship to creating a long-term commitment
- Determine prospects for new business (e.g., identify potential customers, etc.)
- Identify and resolve customer feedback or concerns in a professional and timely manner
- Continue to be a resource to job site team to address customer requests or issues promptly
- Communicate with ease with senior or executive-level audiences in customer organization
Maintain professional and technical knowledge by
- Attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; and establishing personal networks
- Keeping current on changes and trends in methods of construction and materials, construction costs, wage rates, fringes, and working rules
- Demonstrating the application of skills learned
- Working with Director of Preconstruction to determine developmental needs that relate to Murphy and its goals and objectives
Able to respond to market changes by
- Participating in the identification and implementation of process improvements
- Regularly evaluating methods, looking for ways to improve productivity and efficiency
- Maintaining an in-depth knowledge base of industry, market, and competitive environment
- Providing strategic direction on emerging technology and value-added solutions
- Champion the development of forecasting skills throughout the organization
Contributes to team effort by
- Taking an active role in mentoring subordinates towards a successful career with the company
- Seeking out ways to help others accomplish related job results as and where needed
- Actively participating in internal teams that focus on continuous improvement of the business processes
- Participating in the monthly Project Reviews
- Performing other duties as delegated by the Director of Preconstruction or Executive Team
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Design and cost of HVAC and Plumbing Systems
- Energy Management Systems and Building Automation Systems
- Commissioning Process
- Value Engineering Techniques
- LEED Requirements
- Business processes and procedures
- Construction industry laws, regulations, policies, and practices
- Project Development department function and objectives
- Project Development processes, practices, and procedures
- Construction documents related to mechanical systems installation (drawings, dimensions, technical specifications)
- Professional communication and selling techniques
- A basic understanding of the subcontractor’s work on each project
Skilled in:
- Reading and interpreting data from various resources (scope of work, master schedule/critical path, drawings, submittals, Addenda) and applying them to project
- Communication (written, oral, email; tact, diplomacy, and influence)
- Negotiating
Ability to:
- Read, analyze, and interpret plans, specifications, contract documents, control drawings, service bulletins, technical procedure manuals, equipment specifications, and governmental regulations
- Write proposals, business correspondence and scope letters
- Effectively present information and respond to questions from top management, customers and service personnel
- Develop thorough knowledge of company procedures, cost control systems and accounts required.
- Perform financial budgeting, planning, and administration of Preconstruction fees
- Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
- Interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mechanical and mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables
- Multi-task and manage critical deadlines
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Interpret contract law to Murphy’s contract requirements with GC’s, vendors, and subcontractors (e.g. Scope of Work)
- Problem-solve
- Produce quality work with minimal errors
- Draw reasonable conclusions based on several factors
- Organize and attend to details
- Prioritize, coordinate, and follow up with other information providers to meet deadlines
- Be a self-starter who is able to work independently
- Learn and apply new technology as needed
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent combinations of technical training and/or related experience
- 7+ years of experience including Estimating, Cost Control, Design and Preconstruction in the bidding and design of complex mechanical solutions
- Advanced in Microsoft applications and estimating software
- LEED accredited
- P.E. License preferred
What We Will Bring to the Table
- A collaborative, family-friendly work environment
- Knowledge and expertise that have helped us grow and thrive for nearly 120 years
- Competitive pay, a bonus, and an excellent benefits package, including health and life insurance, a robust wellness program, 401(k), and profit sharing
- A robust PTO program designed to support real work–life balance
