Pre-Construction Section Manager – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Position Overview

The Pre-Construction Section Manager – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is responsible for the managerial direction, leadership, and operational success of the Pre-Construction section supporting utility-scale energy storage and hybrid renewable projects. Operating within an Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC), Design-Build, and Construction Management delivery framework, this role balances executive section leadership—including resource planning, staff development, and financial performance—with hands-on oversight of proposal development, estimating, constructability, and early procurement.

The Section Manager will lead and grow a high-performing team of pre-construction managers, estimators, and technical support staff. By collaborating closely with Business Development, Engineering Global Practices, Estimating Leadership, and Field Operations, this role drives profitable growth and positions the firm as an industry leader in the evolving battery energy storage sector.

What You Will Do

Section Leadership & Resource Management

• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and managerial direction to pre-construction managers, estimators, schedulers, and support staff within the energy storage section.
• Manage section workload, project assignments, and staff loading to meet project timelines, billable targets, and business unit utilization goals.
• Direct recruitment, onboarding, training, and retention efforts to build and sustain a top-tier pre-construction team specialized in utility-scale BESS.
• Champion company culture, core values, diversity, and safety across all pre-construction and proposal workflows.
• Manage section budgets, overhead expenditures, software/tool licensing, and operational resources.

Business Strategy & Pursuit Leadership

• Partner with Business Development, Global Practice Leaders, and Construction Directors to define pursuit strategies, market positioning, and client relationship management for BESS opportunities.
• Lead pre-construction strategy meetings, aligning proposal win strategies, project execution plans, and competitive value propositions.
• Lead high-stakes client interviews, technical presentations, and commercial alignment sessions.
• Review incoming RFPs/solicitations to determine pursuit viability, resource commitment, and overall commercial risk.

Estimating Oversight & Financial Governance

• Direct the preparation of comprehensive, competitive, and transparent cost models ranging from early conceptual estimates to detailed Class 1 EPC bid submissions.
• Ensure consistent application of standardized Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), indirect cost assessments, and cash flow forecasting.
• Establish and govern the section's historical estimating database, tracking equipment pricing trends, labor productivity, and balance-of-plant (BOP) benchmarks.
• Chair formal estimate and risk review sessions with executive leadership, presenting variance analyses, contingency modeling, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor monthly pre-construction budgets, proposal costs, and deliverable schedules across all active pursuits.

BESS Technical Alignment & Constructability

• Act as executive sponsor for constructability reviews and value analysis, ensuring seamless integration between engineering disciplines and construction teams.
• Drive the adoption of advanced estimating and coordination tools, including BIM and digital takeoff platforms, to enhance accuracy and design coordination.

Trade Partnering, Procurement & Commercial Strategy

• Oversee subcontractor and vendor pre-qualification, bid leveling, scope clarification, and commercial risk evaluations.
• Collaborate with legal, insurance, and risk management teams to review contract terms, bonding requirements, warranties, and tax/tariff considerations.
• Cultivate strategic industry partnerships with key trade contractors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers.

Operational Handoff & Project Governance

• Establish standardized handoff protocols to transition awarded projects smoothly from pre-construction to the project execution and field construction management teams.
• Participate in early mobilization reviews, initial procurement buyouts, and alignment meetings with project managers and superintendents.
• Conduct periodic quality, progress, and financial audits on active pre-construction efforts to identify lessons learned and drive continuous process improvements.