Preconstruction Manager

Preconstruction Manager

Location: Phoenix, AZ  

About Kelso Southwest (KSW)

Kelso Southwest (KSW), a subsidiary of Kelso Industries, is a rapidly growing mechanical contractor delivering commercial and industrial construction projects across the Southwest and beyond. Backed by the strength and resources of Kelso Industries, KSW combines the agility of a growing contractor with the stability of an established organization.

We're looking for leaders who thrive in building processes, improving operations, and helping shape the future of a high-growth company.

Position Summary

The Preconstruction Manager will lead KSW's preconstruction efforts from opportunity identification through project turnover. This individual will oversee estimating strategy, budgeting, conceptual estimating, value engineering, constructability reviews, proposal development, and client collaboration while partnering closely with Operations, Business Development, and Executive Leadership.

This role is ideal for someone who has successfully led mechanical preconstruction efforts and understands both estimating and project execution. Experience managing projects is highly valued, as this leader will also serve as a technical resource for Operations as business needs evolve.

Essential Responsibilities

Preconstruction Leadership

• Lead all preconstruction activities from initial opportunity through project award.
• Develop pursuit strategies and participate in Go/No-Go decisions.
• Review drawings, specifications, and bid documents to identify scope, risk, and opportunities.
• Oversee conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and proposal development.
• Lead estimate reviews to ensure accuracy, competitiveness, and consistency.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and recommend cost-effective solutions.
• Review constructability concerns early in the design process to minimize project risk.
• Coordinate RFIs, assumptions, clarifications, and scope inclusions throughout the bidding process.
• Support negotiated, design-build, and plan/spec opportunities.

Client & Business Development

• Develop strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Support business development efforts by participating in client meetings and project pursuits.
• Assist with presentations, interviews, and proposal strategy as needed.
• Help identify future project opportunities and maintain awareness of market conditions.

Operations Partnership

• Lead preconstruction-to-operations turnover meetings.
• Communicate estimate assumptions, risks, and project strategy to Operations.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to support successful project execution.
• Provide project management support or technical guidance during peak operational periods.
• Monitor estimating performance and incorporate lessons learned into future pursuits.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Help establish and improve estimating standards, processes, and best practices.
• Mentor estimators and support professional development as the team grows.
• Promote collaboration between estimating, operations, procurement, and BIM/VDC teams.
• Drive continuous improvement through post-project reviews and lessons learned.

Qualifications

Required

• 8+ years of experience in commercial or industrial mechanical construction.
• Extensive experience leading estimating and preconstruction efforts.
• Strong understanding of HVAC and plumbing systems.
• Experience preparing conceptual and detailed estimates.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple pursuits simultaneously.

• Project Management or Senior Project Management experience.
• Experience with Design-Build and Design-Assist delivery methods.
• Experience supporting self-perform mechanical construction.
• Experience leading estimating teams or departments.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam, Procore, Microsoft Office, and estimating software.
• Familiarity with BIM/VDC coordination and prefabrication processes.