Vice President of Pre-Construction - The Schaaf Group

The Schaaf Group is proud to share, on behalf of our Client:

Vice President of Pre-Construction

Growth ignites opportunity! Our Phoenix based business is drafting the top talent in our specialty contractor business to walk onto the field and join our ‘Super Bowl’ team and take the industry as the leader to be followed! Are you seeking a career that is full of opportunity and advancement? Do you yearn for an environment that allows you to fully utilize your deep expertise in construction, while aligning with one of the leading specialty contractors in the Western United States, and the opportunity to work on some of the largest construction projects on the West Coast? If so, read on!

This specialty contractor in the greater Phoenix, AZ area, is a diversified contractor who navigates everything from drywall assemblies to interior painting to exterior framing.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are looking for an ambitious and proven leader with a strong background in the commercial walls and ceiling industry to join our Executive Leadership Team (ELT). As key member of this growing organization, you will excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while embracing our company culture, driving profitability, and spearheading growth. The ideal candidate is dedicated, highly skilled (proven), team-oriented, and possesses strong leadership and mentoring abilities. Clients’ sectors include large-scale commercial, infrastructure, and industrial projects.

The successful candidate will be tasked with leading the pre-construction and estimating team, developing company-wide pre-construction, and estimating strategies, and ensuring that all work is in line with the company's mission and goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-Construction & Leadership:

• Reports to President and serves as part of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), collaborating closely with the VP of Construction and VP of Operations.
• Recruit, hire, lead, and managing personnel for the estimating team, sales/business development efforts.
• Oversee all pre-construction processes, including the development of strategies, budgets, and schedules, to align with the company’s strategic goals.
• Lead the preparation of cost estimates and bid packages for specialty construction projects in commercial, public, and private sectors, ensuring accuracy and comprehensiveness.
• Develop and maintain sales goals in collaboration with the ELT and chair weekly sales/business development meetings.
• Provide technical support and guidance during the bidding and negotiation process, while monitoring industry costs to maintain estimate accuracy.
• Participate in “Close Out Meetings” to capture the latest trends and chair Hand-Off meetings for awarded jobs.
• Lead efforts to improve estimating software by cleaning up data, pulling historical information, tracking it, and incorporating insights into future strategies.
• Provide coaching and mentoring for team members to foster professional growth and development.
• A proven track record in a similar leadership role is essential, as this position plays a critical role in the company’s operations.

Financial:

• Conduct forecasting, estimating, and budgeting activities to support financial planning and decision-making.
• Implement cost control measures for both company and project budgets.
• Collaborate with project managers and the accounting department to align accounts receivable and payable process with budgets and maintain healthy cash flow.

Operations:

• Lead the estimating process, including reviewing and approving estimates and proposals.
• Train team members on estimating best practices and processes.
• Vendor and sub-contractor vetting and award letters, collaborating with ELT with review of current trends.
• Oversight and coordination of bid documents, proposals and scope reviews.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with clients.
• Make strategic decisions on pursuing or declining project opportunities.
• Conduct constructibility reviews to optimize project success while reducing risks.
• Manage departmental HR functions and promote employee engagement, relations, and company culture.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies for employee development and growth.
• Stay abreast of technological advancements and suggest relevant tools and systems to enhance operations.

Outside Management & Business Development:

• Build and maintain relationships with clients, contractors, vendors, sub-contractors, and prospects.
• Primary contributor to client presentations and key assist with business development efforts.
• Cultivate strong relationships with customers to understand their needs and deliver exceptional service.
• Seek guidance and advice from advisors to inform strategic decision-making.
• Identify new customers, business opportunities, and develop strategic relationships.
• Participate in round table discussions and industry networking events to stay informed about industry trends and opportunities.
• Engage in community activities that advance the company’s strategic goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of construction management with 5+ years of senior leadership experience
• 7+ years of estimating experience in commercial, public, or private markets as a subcontractor.
• Framing and Drywall experience is a PLUS.
• 5+ years in business development, financial forecasting, annual budgeting, and daily/weekly monitoring of labor and material controls.
• Ability to read and comprehend ALL construction documents as it pertains to our industry.
• Experience with Design Build and Assist approaches.
• Proven track record of producing accurate estimates across all design levels, including, schematic, conceptual, tenant improvement, industrial, casinos, data centers and design build assist.
• Knowledge of local contractors and vendors.
• Leadership, mentoring and team building.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage effective teams.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, bilingual is a plus.
• Proficient in MS Suite: (Excel, Outlook, Word, Teams), Blue Beam, Plexxis, OST, Quick Bid, Procore and other industry software.
• Expert knowledge of estimating, value engineering and cost tracking.

COMPANY BENEFITS

Competitive Compensation

Bonus Potential

Unlimited Paid Time-Off

Opportunity for Growth

Health Benefits - 100% employer aid for insurance

401(K) + 8% Employer Match

Profit Sharing