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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
