Director of Project Controls & Preconstruction Development

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director of Project Controls & Preconstruction Development based in United States.

This executive-level role provides strategic leadership for complex infrastructure projects, shaping the processes and teams that guide projects from early opportunity development through execution readiness. The position oversees preconstruction strategy, estimating, procurement planning, risk management, scheduling, and project controls for large-scale energy and industrial initiatives. Working across engineering, construction, finance, legal, and business development teams, the role drives disciplined decision-making and successful project outcomes. The ideal candidate brings deep EPC expertise, strong commercial judgment, and experience leading high-value, technically complex projects. This is an opportunity to build scalable processes, mentor high-performing teams, and influence the future of critical energy infrastructure delivery.

Accountabilities:: The Director of Project Controls & Preconstruction Development will lead the development and execution of preconstruction strategies for major infrastructure opportunities. This role is responsible for establishing best practices, improving operational maturity, and providing executive-level guidance throughout the project lifecycle.

Build and lead the preconstruction organization, including estimating, project planning, procurement strategy, scheduling, and pursuit support functions.

Establish departmental standards, governance frameworks, KPIs, operating models, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen preconstruction capabilities.

Lead project pursuit activities, including Go/No-Go reviews, capture planning, proposal development, executive reviews, client presentations, and commercial strategy.

Oversee cost estimating activities from early conceptual estimates through detailed validation, including benchmarking, cost modeling, escalation analysis, and design-to-budget reviews.

Drive constructability reviews, engineering coordination, design management, and value engineering efforts to optimize project execution.

Develop procurement strategies, supplier engagement plans, long-lead equipment approaches, and subcontracting strategies to reduce project risks.

Create construction execution plans covering logistics, labor planning, modularization, commissioning readiness, and turnover strategies.

Facilitate project risk assessments and maintain mitigation plans addressing commercial, technical, procurement, and execution challenges.

Promote the adoption of digital construction technologies, analytics tools, BIM/VDC platforms, scheduling systems, and AI-enabled solutions to improve project performance.

Recruit, mentor, and develop preconstruction professionals while fostering accountability, collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

Provide leadership recommendations regarding project investments, pursuit decisions, commercial strategies, and overall project risk.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate is a senior construction and infrastructure leader with extensive experience managing preconstruction, estimating, and project development for large-scale EPC projects. They combine technical expertise with strategic leadership, strong communication skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across complex organizations.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.

15+ years of EPC construction experience, preferably within energy infrastructure, power generation, industrial, data center, or mission-critical projects.

10+ years of leadership experience in preconstruction, estimating, project controls, project development, or related functions.

Demonstrated experience supporting projects valued at $500M or greater.

Strong understanding of EPC, EPCM, CMAR, Design-Build, and Progressive Design-Build delivery models.

Proven experience leading preconstruction activities for utility-scale power plants, battery storage systems, substations, transmission projects, industrial facilities, or mission-critical infrastructure.

Strong knowledge of cost estimating, procurement planning, construction execution strategies, scheduling, and risk management.

Experience with tools such as Primavera P6, Procore, Bluebeam, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Navisworks, BIM/VDC, Power BI, or similar construction technologies.

Familiarity with emerging technologies including AI-enabled analytics, drone mapping, and reality capture solutions is preferred.

Executive presence with strong strategic, commercial, and operational decision-making abilities.

Excellent negotiation, communication, and client relationship management skills.

Ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage ambiguity, and develop high-performing professionals.

Preferred certifications include PE, PMP, DBIA, or equivalent credentials.

Benefits:

Competitive compensation package aligned with experience and qualifications.

Comprehensive employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance options.

Retirement savings and investment programs.

Incentive opportunities and performance-based rewards.

Remote work flexibility with occasional travel requirements.

Opportunity to contribute to large-scale energy transition and infrastructure projects.

Collaborative environment focused on innovation, professional growth, and leadership development.

Access to a culture that values initiative, accountability, and technical excellence.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1