Preconstruction Manager

Since 1929, Dave Steel Company, a Walters Group Company, has primarily focused on industrial projects requiring expert fabrication, exceptional quality, and exemplary service across the United States. As Dave Steel grows and expands into new markets, we are seeking to welcome aspiring and driven individuals to our team who share our vision, mission and core values.

We are incredibly proud of our projects, to name a few: Sierra Nevada Brewery in Asheville, NC, the Mission Hospital Cancer Center in Asheville, NC, The ASU End Zone in Boone, NC, and the Pratt Whitney Building in Asheville, NC.

We're an AISC Certified Fabricator in business since 1929. We are committed to supporting and developing our teams. We also ensure a positive, safe, collaborative work environment with ample personal and career development opportunities.

If you want to be a part of our team – read on and apply. Even if you feel like you don’t meet all the criteria, please give it a shot, and still apply.  

Basic Function:

The Preconstruction Manager plays a key role in securing new business by developing strong client relationships and promoting Dave Steel Company’s reputation for excellence in fabricated steel, engineering, and construction services. This role also leads the preconstruction process, including estimating, proposal development, scheduling, and cost analysis to support successful project acquisition and long-term client partnerships. We strongly prefer candidates who can work onsite and be actively engaged with our team. However, we are open to discussing remote or hybrid work arrangements for highly qualified candidates. 

Key Responsibilities:

Business Development & Market Intelligence

- Identify and pursue new business opportunities aligned with Dave Steel Company’s capabilities.

- Build and maintain strong relationships with first and second-tier clients, contractors, and industry partners.

- Conduct risk assessments on potential projects to determine strategic fit and pursuit priority.

- Respond to client inquiries during the pre-bid phase, offering guidance on project development.

- Promote company capabilities through presentations, meetings, and industry events.

- Gather and analyze market intelligence, including competitor activity and industry trends.

- Maintain a high-quality CRM database with client interactions, opportunities, and market insights.

- Prepare weekly reports on project status, timelines, and resource impacts.

- Collaborate with leadership to align business development efforts with strategic goals.

Bidding & Proposal Management

- Prepare comprehensive project proposals detailing scope, schedule, technical modeling, and cost. Enlist the support of other appropriate experts on large scale, complex projects.

- Coordinate bid logistics, team responsibilities, and proposal timelines.

- Attend client meetings to clarify bid submissions and address technical questions.

- Review project drawings and specifications, guiding estimators in accurate cost development.

- Ensure proposals meet client requirements and company standards.

- Support contract formation, administration, and resolution of disputes or claims.

Education/Experience Required:

- A university degree in engineering or business administration.

- 3 years structural steel sales and customer service relationship experience.

- Experience in dealing with long sales cycles and interested in working on large scale projects.

- Experience in estimating small and large-scale projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Competency Requirements:

- Knowledge of steel fabrication concepts, practices, and procedures.

- Ability to read structural and architectural drawings.

- Organizational skills and the ability to be flexible in managing changing priorities.

- A team player, who can interrelate and operate effectively with peers and other associates within a collegial, yet demanding, work environment.

- The ability to make compelling presentations to a variety of audiences using visual aids, slide shows and other media.

- Ability to build strong relationships–is friendly, engaging and able build trust with clients.

- Ability to be flexible, multi-task and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

- Persuasive, credible, and polished communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.

- Client focused; able to adopt client perspective in all interactions.

- Proven expertise in the following software – MS Office, Outlook, Word, Excel, Visio, and PowerPoint.

Highly developed:

- Business Acumen

- Presentation Skills

- Persuasive Skills

- Communication Skills –Written, Verbal, & Listening

- Interpersonal Skills

- Negotiating

- Leadership Skills

- Analytical and problem-solving skills

Benefits:

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Matching Contributions

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO) 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)