Preconstruction Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Preconstruction and Estimating Manager, Power Market will play a critical role in shaping and advancing our presence within the natural gas and thermal power generation market. This leader oversees the full preconstruction process, ensuring the development of accurate, strategic, and competitive estimates that support project pursuits and position the company for long-term success. In addition to managing estimating, cost modeling, trade partner engagement/procurement, and early project strategy, they will collaborate closely with operations, business development, engineering partners, OEMs, and key industry stakeholders to ensure alignment with client expectations, project risk profiles, and commercial objectives. 

As we expand our footprint in the power market, this individual will influence market strategy by applying deep technical knowledge of power generation systems, EPC delivery models, and industry cost drivers. The role requires strong leadership capabilities to guide teams, support pursuit efforts, and establish repeatable processes that drive operational excellence. Ultimately, this position ensures that our preconstruction planning is rigorous, market informed, and integrated with overall power sector strategy, enabling successful pursuits and high performing project execution. 

*Note: This role will require extensive travel with a strong preference for the incumbent to be located in Atlanta, GA or Kansas City, MO but may have flexibility based on experience and/or willingness to travel.* 

PRECONSTRUCTION FAMILY - CORE

• Leads overall preconstruction process, resulting in a comprehensive deliverable which includes competitive bids, negotiated proposals, cost estimates, analysis and budgets. 
• Prepares and executes project win strategies by preparing for interviews and leading internal and external presentations of estimates and proposals to support the business development process.
• Oversees project teams and ensures successful execution and completion of preconstruction process. 
• Manages relationships with key clients and design team contacts during the preconstruction phase.
• Capable of performing estimating tasks as needed, including self-perform estimating.
• Creates conceptual budgets.
• Reports accurate project cost history.
• Partners with operations to review project risk assessment, scoring and completion.
• Reviews project business plan with other stakeholders, such as operations and office leadership, to ensure alignment and profitability.
• Leads, supports and promotes a culture of diversity and inclusion within JE Dunn.  Understands JE Dunn's policy of non-discrimination and ensures positive, proactive implementation throughout the organization.
• Provide insight into market trends, cost escalation factors, and competitive intelligence specific to natural gas and thermal power to guide pursuit strategies.
• Identify and understand power generation regulatory and permitting requirements to work with key stakeholders to ensure early compliance. 
• Work with the Project Leadership team to manage the trade partner procurement process including developing scope of work, solicitation, interviews, and relationship management. 
• Identify and track Long Lead material/equipment procurement in order to influence successful project delivery and develop procurement strategy to minimize risk. 

• Ability to perform work accurately and completely, and in a timely manner.
• Communication skills, verbal and written.
• Ability to conduct effective presentations.
• Ability to coordinate and lead large teams (external and internal) through the design and preconstruction process. 
• Proficiency in MS Office with emphasis on strong Excel skills.
• Ability to read and understand drawings and specifications.
• Proficiency in construction estimating software.
• Proficiency in required construction technology.
• Ability to prepare quantity surveys.
• Knowledge of the means and methods of construction management.
• Knowledge of field operations through project support.
• Knowledge of specific trades and scopes of work.
• Knowledge of self-perform and labor productivity.
• Knowledge of MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), WBE (Women's Business Enterprise), and SBA (Small Business Administration) regulations.
• Ability to develop General Requirements estimates.
• Knowledge of project processes and how each supports the successful completion of a project.
• Knowledge of Lean process and philosophy.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate within a team, internally and externally.
• Maintain a deep understanding of power generation technologies. 
• Ability to execute preconstruction for successful EPC contracts. 
• Advanced understanding of natural gas and thermal power generation systems, including design and preconstruction. 
• Comprehensive understanding of cost drivers for major power plant components. 
• Ability to analyze technical documentation such as process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and OEM performance guarantees. 
• Ability to lead early-phase constructability reviews for thermal power projects. 

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering or related field (Required).
• In lieu of the above requirements, equivalent relevant experience will be considered.

• 10+ years construction estimating experience.
• People management experience preferred.
• Proven track record managing major power generation projects including from pursuit through preconstruction (Preferred). 
• Expertise in EPC delivery model, risk management, and commercial structures (Preferred). 
• Established network of relationships with utilities, developers, engineering partners, trade partners, OEM's, and key industry stakeholders (Preferred). 
• Experience developing preconstruction strategies for natural gas combined-cycle, simple-cycle, RICE, or thermal power facilities (Preferred). 

The benefits package aligned to this position is Professional Non-Union. Please click the link below for more details.

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