Sr. Manager, Mechanical, Pre-Construction Services

Sr. Mechanical Manager, Preconstruction

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

At Gray, we are shaping the future of construction through innovation and collaboration. From designing state-of-the-art data centers to contributing to strategic manufacturing, distribution, and distillery projects, we believe that every successful project starts with talented individuals eager to learn and grow.

The Mechanical or Electrical Manager will play a key role in the pre-construction phase, helping to estimate project costs, coordinate bids with subcontractors, design systems and communicate those details to internal and external customers. This position is ideal for professionals with 8-12 years of experience who are looking to highlight their technical expertise, communication skills, and business acumen in a dynamic environment.

You will gain hands-on experience working on diverse, high-profile projects and have the opportunity to travel to construction sites to see the designs you have helped influence come to life. As part of our team, you will work and partner with industry experts, giving you the resources, guidance, and exposure to showcase your skills and abilities.

• 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 while ensuring design integrity. Collaborate closely with the design and engineering teams to refine estimating techniques and improve overall accuracy and precision. Proficient in various contracting methods such as lump sum, GMP, cost-plus construction management, and fee-based construction.
  
  Thorough understanding of legal aspects and implications of contractual language.
• Subcontractor Coordination & Integration:
  Cultivate strong relationships and partnerships with key mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and controls subcontractors, leveraging their expertise in system design and construction methodologies. Lead the distribution of technical RFP documents, manage bid leveling processes, and ensure subcontractor proposals are aligned with project scope, technical specifications, and budget constraints. Resolve high-level technical conflicts or escalations between design teams and subcontractors to maintain scope, schedule, and cost integrity.
• Internal and External Customer Presentations:
  Plan, prepare, and present project specific details to internal and external customers. Lead team presentations of project updates and deliverables to customers, engineers, sub-contractors or other team members. Travel to support the project needs at any phase of construction or pre-construction.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  Prepare and maintain detailed, organized records of cost estimates, project specifications, and bid documentation. Lead the development of exhibit A's, contract documentation, and project status reports, ensuring all technical and contractual elements are clearly communicated to internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Mentorship & Team Development:
  Provide leadership and direction for a multidisciplinary team, including junior engineers, technical staff, and interns. Set performance expectations and create development plans to build long-term team capability. Serve as a thought leader within the MEP group, championing best practices, continuous improvement initiatives, and cross-training programs. Direct reports may be assigned.
• Project Management Support:
  Evaluate project viability and advise on high-level trade-offs between design, cost, and constructability during early-stage planning. Support a seamless transition from pre-construction to construction phases by delivering necessary documentation and detailed design specifications. Manage concurrent pre-construction efforts and support execution teams through the development and deployment of complex system solutions.
• Design Collaboration & Oversight:
  Provide expert-level recommendations for the design of mechanical systems, driving innovation, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. Collaborate with design teams to ensure the technical feasibility and efficiency of proposed designs. Analyze and refine design documents to optimize system performance and integration within the broader project scope.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Who we want… (Requirements)

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or chemical engineering (or related discipline) is preferred, with significant experience (12+ years) in mechanical design, project estimating, or construction management.
• Equivalent years of related experience will be considered in place of a technical degree.
• An MBA or related business qualification or experience is desirable.
• Prior experience in construction estimating is required. (Emphasis on…