Vp Research And Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Every day, our team members do amazing things in pursuit of our shared purpose to build trust with our clients, partners, subcontractors, and teammates. No matter your background, education, or career path, if you share our vision to create extraordinary experiences, you belong at HITT.

HITT Contracting has an immediate need for a Vice President of Preconstruction. This leadership role is responsible for providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and organizational leadership for all preconstruction-related functions across the company. As a key member of the leadership team, the Vice President will drive excellence in estimating, preconstruction services, and bidding operations while supporting HITT's long-term growth and strategic initiatives.

The Vice President of Preconstruction is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving department standards, processes, and best practices that ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality preconstruction services. This leader will proactively manage risk, strengthen client and trade partner relationships, support business development efforts, and ensure seamless project transitions from preconstruction through construction execution.

This position provides leadership to various team members across the Preconstruction department and reports directly to the Senior Vice President. The Vice President serves as a strategic partner to Operations, Business Development, and Executive Leadership, helping position HITT as an industry leader while driving operational excellence, innovation, and profitable growth.

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all Preconstruction, Estimating, Bidding Services, and Virtual Construction functions across the organization.

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of preconstruction standards, processes, and best practices that support operational excellence and company growth.

• Oversee more than $40 billion in annual bid volume, ensuring accuracy, consistency, competitiveness, and risk mitigation across all pursuits.

• Prepare and facilitate preconstruction strategy meetings to establish project approach, pursuit strategy, estimating methodology, and client engagement plans.

• Develop and oversee conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and competitive bid estimates.

• Analyze cost models and pricing strategies throughout all phases of design and project development.

• Proactively identify project risks, market conditions, escalation factors, and procurement challenges, advising executive leadership on opportunities and risk exposure.

• Partner with Operations leadership to establish project-specific indirect costs, contingency plans, insurance requirements, bonding strategies, fees, and execution approaches.

• Establish and maintain standard operating procedures for budgeting, estimating, competitive bidding, and preconstruction services.

• Create and update master budget templates and maintain company-wide pricing databases to support accurate forecasting and estimating.

• Present budgets, estimates, value engineering recommendations, and preconstruction solutions directly to clients, design teams, and project stakeholders.

• Provide value-added consulting services, including constructability reviews, system studies, market analysis, and cost-saving recommendations.

• Strengthen and maintain relationships with clients, architects, consultants, subcontractors, and trade partners throughout the preconstruction process.

• Ensure successful and timely turnover of projects to Construction Operations teams and support seamless project startup activities.

• Monitor industry trends, labor markets, material pricing, sustainability requirements, building codes, and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive advantage.

• Manage departmental budgets, resource planning, staffing forecasts, and operational performance metrics.

• Build and sustain a preconstruction talent pipeline with structured mentorship, clear career paths, and technical training programs.

• Collaborate with Operations, Business Development, Safety, Quality, and Executive Leadership to support company-wide priorities.

• Champion the adoption and integration of AI-assisted workflows and advanced analytics to support early risk identification, estimate accuracy and team efficiency.

• Champion the adoption and integration of model-based estimating workflows

• Participate in client presentations, project interviews, proposal development, and business development initiatives.

• Represent the company at industry organizations and events, including ABC, AGC, DCBIA, NAIOP, WBC, and other professional associations.

• Serve on corporate committees and contribute to organizational improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field required.

• Master's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred.

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in commercial construction, preconstruction, estimating, or project management leadership roles.

• Proven experience overseeing large-scale commercial construction pursuits, complex project portfolios, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrated success leading organizational initiatives, developing high-performing teams, and driving operational excellence.

• Strong expertise in conceptual estimating, budgeting, value engineering, procurement strategies, risk management, and project delivery methods.

• Advanced knowledge of commercial construction means and methods, scheduling, constructability reviews, and cost management practices.

• Experience supporting complex commercial projects across sectors such as mission critical, healthcare, government, hospitality, multifamily, industrial, advanced manufacturing and corporate office.

• Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze project opportunities, assess risk, and support strategic business decisions.

• Exceptional verbal, written, presentation, and client-facing communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, design teams, subcontractors, and industry partners.

• Experience utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies, including 3D, 4D, and 5D modeling, preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, ACC, Revit, Bluebeam, and other construction technology platforms.

• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) certification preferred.

• Ability to think strategically and efficiently manage resources while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated leadership competencies including strategic orientation, talent development, innovation, collaboration, and executive presence.

In accordance with Virginia Senate Bill 215 (SB 215), the base salary range for this position is:

Compensation in other cities and states may vary. HITT Contracting offers a competitive total benefits and compensation package including performance-based bonuses, premium health care coverage including vision and dental, employer-matched 401(k), wellness reimbursement program, paid holidays and time-off, and other voluntary benefits and leave types. The determination of salary is based on the candidate's individual professional experience, qualifications, education, skills, and training.

HITT Contracting is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring and developing the most qualified individuals based on job-related experience, skills, and merit. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We value a respectful, inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. HITT Contracting maintains a drug-free workplace, consistent with applicable local, state, and federal laws.