Director of Preconstruction Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Director of Preconstruction roles sit at the intersection of estimating, design coordination, and project strategy, making them strong candidates for H-1B visa specialty occupation sponsorship. Employers in construction management and general contracting regularly file LCAs for this title, and the role's degree requirements support a straightforward specialty occupation argument.
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iSuite L.L.C. is seeking a qualified professional to join our Preconstruction team. iSuite is a business support services organization formed in 2023. The organization provides business development and pursuit, estimating, safety, accounting, human resources, information technology, marketing, and training services to clients within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (A/E/C) industry.
This shared-services company supports the IMI business units and provides a uniform, employee-based culture founded on our Support the Build mentality. This mentality aligns with our employee-owned company so that all personnel take an owner’s mindset approach to our business. iSuite is headquartered in Nashville, TN and has branches in Granite City, IL, Chesterfield, MO and Charlotte, NC.
We are currently looking for a Director of Preconstruction, with an emphasis on Leading Pursuits to join our Preconstruction team located at our office in Charlotte, NC and Raleigh, NC. Our ideal candidate for a Director of Preconstruction is someone who has 10+ years of experience in mechanical contracting preconstruction, estimating, or project management. This role owns each assigned pursuit from opportunity acknowledgement through contract signing, scope, proposal, estimate review, client communication, post-bid negotiation, and contract terms, then handing a clean, fully understood project to Operations. This role has no direct reports but leads and aligns a cross-functional pursuit team.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities for iSuite’s Director of Preconstruction include:
- Owning each assigned pursuit from opportunity acknowledgement through contract signing, serving as the single accountable lead until the project is handed off to Operations.
- Accepting the pursuit handoff from Business Development or opportunity you may have generated, keeping CRM current, and documenting client intent, scope assumptions, and key dates.
- Building and managing the pursuit plan and bid schedule, including kickoff, scope review, and final-review meetings, and leading the cross-functional pursuit team (estimating, engineering, operations, and coordinators) to meet it.
- Owning the outcome & process of each assigned pursuit: becoming the subject-matter expert on the scope, identifying risks and scope gaps early, documenting assumptions, clarifications, and exclusions, and presenting options so decisions are made with full information.
- Reviewing design documents and specifications for scope gaps, constructability, and cost, and collaborating with clients, architects, and engineers to define scope, schedule, and budget.
- Supporting estimating by reviewing and finalizing detailed and accurate cost estimates for HVAC, plumbing, and other mechanical systems, including materials, labor, and equipment.
- Developing constructability, cost-saving strategies for clients, and identifying budget concerns early in the planning process.
- Proactively communicating pursuit status, key milestones, risks, decisions, and action items to all key stakeholders, ensuring BD, Estimating, Engineering, and Ops remain aligned, informed, and accountable throughout the pursuit lifecycle.
- Assisting in developing project schedules, procurement strategies, and resource allocation plans, and providing input on project execution.
- Preparing / writing the proposal, including scope narrative, pricing, proposal letter, and clarifications and exclusions that reflect the true scope, and ensuring a clean, quality checked on-time submission (ensuring buy-in from estimating, operations, and engineering).
- Leading front-end and contract terms and conditions review, identifying contractual, payment, schedule, bonding, and insurance requirements and risks, and escalating them to leadership before submission and signing.
- Leading post-bid communication and negotiation of price, scope, and contract terms with the client, with leadership approval as required, and owning the award-to-signature process, including open items, contract documents, and required submittals, until the agreement is fully executed.
- Serving as the primary client contact from opportunity acknowledgement through contract signing, addressing questions, concerns, and changes promptly.
- Coordinating with the Operations team to secure buy-in on estimates, markups, factors, and margin, and delivering a documented transition package at award for a smooth handoff to construction Ops.
- Contributing to go/no-go decisions on technical feasibility, capacity, strategy, and risk.
- Adhering to all relevant safety standards and company policies.
Non-primary responsibilities that may be required:
- Generating or originating opportunities when business needs require, which may include attending industry events, client meetings and staying in front of clients to learn about projects before they reach an RFP or RFQ, particularly for the client base you develop.
- Staying updated on industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in mechanical contracting.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Primary qualifications for iSuite’s Director of Preconstruction include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, including experience preparing proposals with clarifications and exclusions and reviewing contract terms.
- Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and related trades.
- Proven experience managing multiple projects or pursuits simultaneously with a focus on budget, timeline, and quality.
- Ability to lead and influence a cross-functional team without direct reports.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in Excel, construction software (e.g., Bluebeam, Navisworks), project management tools, and CRM software (e.g., Salesforce).
- Ability to work collaboratively with a focus on internal team and client satisfaction.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred qualifications (a plus, not required):
- A minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical contracting, preconstruction, estimating, or project management within the construction industry.
- Mechanical project management or fabrication experience.
- Direct client-facing experience, including owner or general contractor interactions through bid, negotiation, and contract award.
- Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Salary Range: $130,000 - $200,000
- Employee Stock Ownership Program
- Discretionary Annual Bonus
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 401k with Discretionary Company Contributions
- Paid Time Off (Vacation; Sick Time)
- Paid Company Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Gym Reimbursements
DIVERSITY
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion starts with us. The IMI companies strive to build a team that is truly reflective of the communities we serve in every level of our business. We know that when diverse minds and perspectives come together, the possibilities are limitless.
WHY iSuite L.L.C?
At the IMI companies, we don’t just admire thinking outside of the box, we encourage it. IMI knows that to tackle the challenging projects we are faced with every day takes a team of creative problem solvers who aren’t afraid to be bold. Which is why IMI companies work every day to create a work environment that gives back to our employees. Our family-first approach and commitment to work-life balance are just a couple of the things that make the IMI companies an ideal career destination.
Our philosophy is to hire talented people, provide them with the training, tools, and resources to be successful, empower them to go and contribute to the success of the company, and to reward performance. If you’re ready to be a part of our team AND a part of our solution, APPLY TODAY!
EOE/M/F/V/D
INTRODUCTION
iSuite L.L.C. is seeking a qualified professional to join our Preconstruction team. iSuite is a business support services organization formed in 2023. The organization provides business development and pursuit, estimating, safety, accounting, human resources, information technology, marketing, and training services to clients within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (A/E/C) industry.
This shared-services company supports the IMI business units and provides a uniform, employee-based culture founded on our Support the Build mentality. This mentality aligns with our employee-owned company so that all personnel take an owner’s mindset approach to our business. iSuite is headquartered in Nashville, TN and has branches in Granite City, IL, Chesterfield, MO and Charlotte, NC.
We are currently looking for a Director of Preconstruction, with an emphasis on Leading Pursuits to join our Preconstruction team located at our office in Charlotte, NC and Raleigh, NC. Our ideal candidate for a Director of Preconstruction is someone who has 10+ years of experience in mechanical contracting preconstruction, estimating, or project management. This role owns each assigned pursuit from opportunity acknowledgement through contract signing, scope, proposal, estimate review, client communication, post-bid negotiation, and contract terms, then handing a clean, fully understood project to Operations. This role has no direct reports but leads and aligns a cross-functional pursuit team.
Responsibilities
Primary responsibilities for iSuite’s Director of Preconstruction include:
- Owning each assigned pursuit from opportunity acknowledgement through contract signing, serving as the single accountable lead until the project is handed off to Operations.
- Accepting the pursuit handoff from Business Development or opportunity you may have generated, keeping CRM current, and documenting client intent, scope assumptions, and key dates.
- Building and managing the pursuit plan and bid schedule, including kickoff, scope review, and final-review meetings, and leading the cross-functional pursuit team (estimating, engineering, operations, and coordinators) to meet it.
- Owning the outcome & process of each assigned pursuit: becoming the subject-matter expert on the scope, identifying risks and scope gaps early, documenting assumptions, clarifications, and exclusions, and presenting options so decisions are made with full information.
- Reviewing design documents and specifications for scope gaps, constructability, and cost, and collaborating with clients, architects, and engineers to define scope, schedule, and budget.
- Supporting estimating by reviewing and finalizing detailed and accurate cost estimates for HVAC, plumbing, and other mechanical systems, including materials, labor, and equipment.
- Developing constructability, cost-saving strategies for clients, and identifying budget concerns early in the planning process.
- Proactively communicating pursuit status, key milestones, risks, decisions, and action items to all key stakeholders, ensuring BD, Estimating, Engineering, and Ops remain aligned, informed, and accountable throughout the pursuit lifecycle.
- Assisting in developing project schedules, procurement strategies, and resource allocation plans, and providing input on project execution.
- Preparing / writing the proposal, including scope narrative, pricing, proposal letter, and clarifications and exclusions that reflect the true scope, and ensuring a clean, quality checked on-time submission (ensuring buy-in from estimating, operations, and engineering).
- Leading front-end and contract terms and conditions review, identifying contractual, payment, schedule, bonding, and insurance requirements and risks, and escalating them to leadership before submission and signing.
- Leading post-bid communication and negotiation of price, scope, and contract terms with the client, with leadership approval as required, and owning the award-to-signature process, including open items, contract documents, and required submittals, until the agreement is fully executed.
- Serving as the primary client contact from opportunity acknowledgement through contract signing, addressing questions, concerns, and changes promptly.
- Coordinating with the Operations team to secure buy-in on estimates, markups, factors, and margin, and delivering a documented transition package at award for a smooth handoff to construction Ops.
- Contributing to go/no-go decisions on technical feasibility, capacity, strategy, and risk.
- Adhering to all relevant safety standards and company policies.
Non-primary responsibilities that may be required:
- Generating or originating opportunities when business needs require, which may include attending industry events, client meetings and staying in front of clients to learn about projects before they reach an RFP or RFQ, particularly for the client base you develop.
- Staying updated on industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in mechanical contracting.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Primary qualifications for iSuite’s Director of Preconstruction include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated attention to detail, including experience preparing proposals with clarifications and exclusions and reviewing contract terms.
- Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and related trades.
- Proven experience managing multiple projects or pursuits simultaneously with a focus on budget, timeline, and quality.
- Ability to lead and influence a cross-functional team without direct reports.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Proficiency in Excel, construction software (e.g., Bluebeam, Navisworks), project management tools, and CRM software (e.g., Salesforce).
- Ability to work collaboratively with a focus on internal team and client satisfaction.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred qualifications (a plus, not required):
- A minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical contracting, preconstruction, estimating, or project management within the construction industry.
- Mechanical project management or fabrication experience.
- Direct client-facing experience, including owner or general contractor interactions through bid, negotiation, and contract award.
- Familiarity with Building Information Modeling (BIM) processes.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Salary Range: $130,000 - $200,000
- Employee Stock Ownership Program
- Discretionary Annual Bonus
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- 401k with Discretionary Company Contributions
- Paid Time Off (Vacation; Sick Time)
- Paid Company Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Gym Reimbursements
DIVERSITY
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion starts with us. The IMI companies strive to build a team that is truly reflective of the communities we serve in every level of our business. We know that when diverse minds and perspectives come together, the possibilities are limitless.
WHY iSuite L.L.C?
At the IMI companies, we don’t just admire thinking outside of the box, we encourage it. IMI knows that to tackle the challenging projects we are faced with every day takes a team of creative problem solvers who aren’t afraid to be bold. Which is why IMI companies work every day to create a work environment that gives back to our employees. Our family-first approach and commitment to work-life balance are just a couple of the things that make the IMI companies an ideal career destination.
Our philosophy is to hire talented people, provide them with the training, tools, and resources to be successful, empower them to go and contribute to the success of the company, and to reward performance. If you’re ready to be a part of our team AND a part of our solution, APPLY TODAY!
EOE/M/F/V/D
See all Director of Preconstruction Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Director of Preconstruction Jobs
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
H-1B eligibility requires a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. A degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture maps cleanly to this role. If your degree is in a different discipline, document how your coursework directly supports preconstruction functions.
Target general contractors with active LCA histories
Large general contractors and construction management firms file LCAs for preconstruction leadership more than any other construction employer type. Focus your outreach on firms managing projects above $50 million in value, where dedicated preconstruction directors are standard organizational roles.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Search Migrate Mate's job board to browse Director of Preconstruction openings at employers with verified LCA filing history. This filters your job search to companies already familiar with sponsoring specialty occupation roles in construction management and estimating.
Benchmark your compensation against OFLC prevailing wages
Your employer must certify that your offered salary meets the prevailing wage for your location and role before the LCA is approved. Run the OFLC Wage Search for your target metro area before negotiating an offer so you know the DOL-defined wage floor in advance.
Get your PERM labor certification timeline right
If you're pursuing a green card through the EB-2 or EB-3 category, PERM requires the employer to demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available. For Director of Preconstruction roles, advertising requirements and DOL audit timelines can extend this process well beyond 12 months.
Prepare a specialty occupation evidence package early
USCIS scrutinizes construction management titles more than software or finance roles. Collect your employer's written job description, relevant licensing requirements, your degree transcripts, and any professional certifications like DBIA or LEED that reinforce the specialized nature of the position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Director of Preconstruction role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS evaluates whether the position normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Directors of Preconstruction typically require a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or architecture, and the complex estimating, design coordination, and risk analysis duties support that argument. Employers should document the degree requirement explicitly in the job description to avoid a Request for Evidence.
Which visa types are realistic for a Director of Preconstruction seeking sponsorship?
The H-1B is the most common path for this role. If you hold a TN visa-eligible profession under the USMCA and are Canadian or Mexican, TN status may apply if your degree matches a listed category. For permanent residence, EB-2 or EB-3 through PERM labor certification is the standard route. The O-1 visa is possible for candidates with demonstrably exceptional recognition in the construction industry.
How do I find employers willing to sponsor a Director of Preconstruction role?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified sponsorship history for construction management and preconstruction leadership roles, so you can focus your search on companies that have already navigated the LCA and H-1B filing process. This saves time compared to approaching employers who have no experience with work visa sponsorship.
Does my overseas construction experience count toward H-1B eligibility if my degree is not in a directly related field?
USCIS allows three years of specialized work experience to substitute for one year of formal education under the specialty occupation equivalency rules. For a Director of Preconstruction without a directly related degree, this means 12 or more years of progressively responsible preconstruction experience, ideally supported by an independent credential evaluation from a NACES-member organization and a detailed expert opinion letter.
What makes it harder to get H-1B approval for a Director of Preconstruction compared to other specialty roles?
USCIS has historically issued Requests for Evidence on construction management titles because the agency sometimes questions whether a bachelor's degree is a universal requirement across the industry. The strongest petitions include detailed evidence that the specific employer's role requires a degree, industry salary data from O*NET or the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and documentation of the technical complexity of the preconstruction scope involved.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Director of Preconstruction jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.