Mechanical Project Executive

Project Executive - HVAC Estimating & Preconstruction

Location: Houston Metro

Our client is an established commercial mechanical contractor serving complex projects throughout the Houston market. As the company continues to grow, they are seeking an experienced Project Executive with a strong HVAC estimating and preconstruction background to help develop opportunities, strengthen client relationships, and guide projects from the earliest stages through successful execution.

The Project Executive will play a key role in both preconstruction and project leadership
, with a strong emphasis on HVAC estimating, proposal development, budgeting, client engagement, and overall project strategy.

This is not a takeoff-only estimating position. The ideal candidate will understand the full estimating process, including scope review, system evaluation, pricing strategy, subcontractor and vendor coordination, proposal development, risk analysis, and presentation of solutions to clients.

The right person will be comfortable working directly with general contractors, owners, engineers, vendors, and internal operations teams to pursue work, develop accurate budgets, negotiate opportunities, and ensure projects are positioned for success before transitioning into construction.

• Lead estimating and preconstruction efforts for commercial HVAC, sheet metal, and piping projects.
• Develop conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, proposals, and final pricing for negotiated and hard‑bid opportunities.
• Review plans, specifications, addenda, and project requirements to identify scope, risk, exclusions, and value‑engineering opportunities.
• Evaluate HVAC systems, equipment selections, labor requirements, material costs, subcontractor coverage, and project logistics.
• Work beyond takeoffs by developing complete project pricing, bid strategies, clarifications, qualifications, and proposal presentations.
• Meet directly with general contractors, owners, engineers, and other stakeholders to understand project needs and present mechanical solutions.
• Build and maintain long‑term client relationships that support repeat business and negotiated opportunities.
• Participate in project interviews, scope reviews, bid negotiations, and contract discussions.
• Collaborate with operations, project management, field leadership, vendors, and subcontractors throughout the preconstruction process.
• Provide strategic oversight as awarded projects transition from estimating into operations.
• Support project teams with budgeting, forecasting, change‑order strategy, procurement planning, and risk management.
• Review project performance and help ensure work is completed safely, profitably, on schedule, and in accordance with client expectations.
• Mentor estimators, project managers, and other team members as needed.
• Assist leadership with market strategy, opportunity evaluation, and long‑term growth initiatives.

• 10+ years of experience in commercial mechanical construction, with significant experience in HVAC estimating, preconstruction, project management, or executive project leadership.
• Strong HVAC estimating experience is required.
• Experience must extend beyond quantity takeoffs and include pricing, budgeting, proposals, scope development, risk evaluation, and client interaction.
• In‑depth understanding of commercial HVAC systems, sheet metal, hydronic piping, mechanical equipment, labor productivity, and installation requirements.
• Proven ability to estimate and support complex commercial, institutional, healthcare, education, industrial, or design‑build mechanical projects.
• Strong client‑fac­ing communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to evaluate opportunities strategically and identify both financial and operational risks.
• Experience working with general contractors, owners, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide estimating and project teams.
• Proficiency with mechanical estimating, takeoff, and project‑management software.
• Experience with design‑build, design‑assist, negotiated work, or conceptual estimating is highly preferred.

• Co…