Preconstruction Manager

Elgin, Illinois, United States | Full-time | Fully remote

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Looking for more than just a job? MKD Electric offers careers. Rewarding careers at that! We provide excellent benefits, training, educational opportunities, and promote from within the company. 

For over twenty years, we have designed, built, installed, and maintained our clients’ systems, projects, and facilities with a wide range of service offerings.  We focus on safety, value, and quality as well as building and maintaining lasting relationships with a variety of national clients in renewables, data centers, oil and gas, food and beverage, manufacturing, chemical, and pharmaceutical fields. Quickly moving into other industries, we are a fast-paced and agile company looking for a best-in-class Preconstruction Manager willing to roll up their sleeves and exude a passion for the field!

What You Will Do…

Preconstruction Leadership

  • Lead preconstruction efforts for electrical construction, industrial, and mission-critical projects from initial opportunity through project award.
  • Coordinate estimating, budgeting, constructability reviews, scheduling, and value engineering efforts.
  • Partner with Business Development and Operations to develop competitive pursuit strategies.
  • Participate in go/no-go meetings, bid reviews, and project risk assessments.
  • Develop project budgets, scope reviews, and preliminary schedules.
  • Ensure seamless handoff of awarded projects to Project Management and Operations teams.

Estimating & Proposal Management

  • Manage the preparation of detailed cost estimates, labor projections, material pricing, and bid proposals.
  • Review drawings, specifications, and contract documents to identify project risks and opportunities.
  • Ensure estimates are accurate, complete, and aligned with company standards.
  • Coordinate subcontractor and vendor quotations.
  • Support negotiated work, design-build projects, and competitive bid opportunities.
  • Assist in developing customer presentations and proposal documents.

Procurement Coordination

  • Partner with the Purchasing team during preconstruction to identify long-lead equipment and material requirements.
  • Assist with vendor selection, pricing evaluations, and procurement planning.
  • Build relationships with manufacturers, distributors, and specialty suppliers.
  • Monitor material pricing trends, availability, and market conditions.
  • Support value engineering initiatives while maintaining project quality and customer expectations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Project Management, and Field Leadership throughout the preconstruction process.
  • Ensure project scopes, budgets, schedules, and assumptions are clearly documented.
  • Coordinate project turnover meetings and documentation.
  • Support constructability reviews and identify opportunities to improve project execution.
  • Communicate project risks, schedule impacts, and estimating assumptions to leadership.

Process Improvement

  • Help develop and improve estimating standards, templates, and preconstruction processes.
  • Assist with implementation of estimating software, ERP systems, and process improvements.
  • Track estimating accuracy and support continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Contribute to standardization of project documentation and reporting.

What You Will Need to Succeed…

  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field preferred.
  • 5–8+ years of experience in electrical construction, industrial contracting, mission-critical/data center projects, or a related industry.
  • Experience managing preconstruction, estimating, or project engineering functions.
  • Strong understanding of electrical systems, construction methods, labor productivity, and project delivery.
  • Experience preparing conceptual, design-build, and hard bid estimates.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
  • Strong knowledge of construction costs, labor units, material pricing, and scheduling.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Office Suite, and ERP/project management systems.

Preferred Experience…

  • Experience supporting:
    • Hyperscale and mission-critical data center projects
    • Industrial manufacturing facilities
    • Automation and controls projects
    • Renewable energy infrastructure
    • Large commercial electrical construction
  • Experience with Design-Build, Design-Assist, and EPC project delivery.
  • Familiarity with Bluebeam, Accubid, Trimble, ConEst, or similar estimating platforms.
  • Established relationships with electrical manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors.
  • Experience coordinating with purchasing and supply chain teams.
  • LEED, PMP, or other construction industry certifications are a plus.

Physical demands…

The physical demands described within are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
  • Must be able to lift to 20-30 pounds independently; lifting from knee to shoulder heights; other lifting required from various levels
  • Must be able to remain stationary position for extended periods of time, prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer  

What you’ll love about us…

MKD employees are the company’s greatest assets. To ensure employees are living life to the fullest we offer a wide range of benefits to ensure a well-balanced and healthy lifestyle in the office and at home. From mental wellbeing, physical health, and financial planning, to engaging perks and discounts, we are in the business of celebrating and supporting all the moments that matter. Along with flexible vacation, and parental leave, we prioritize initiatives that support the growth, development, and happiness of our people.

  • On the job training with fully accredited training programs
  • Eligibility to Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits and 401K with company match
  • Access to opportunities to expand your skill set and share your knowledge with others across the organization
  • Company culture of promotions from within, with a start-up atmosphere allowing for varied and rapid career growth & development

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The salary pay range for this position is $135,000- $160,000 annually. Please note that the compensation range reflects the base pay only and does not include benefits, or bonuses this role may be eligible to receive. 

MKD Electric is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. MKD Electric also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based upon any of these protected categories.

Please note this job description is a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.