About this role
Preconstruction Manager - Power Foundations
Power Foundations | Transmission Foundations | Substation Foundations | Design-Build | Preconstruction
Location: Nationwide - Project-Based
Employment Type: Full-Time
Travel: Approximately 25-50% Travel Required
Build the Plan Before the Project Begins
The most successful projects are built long before construction starts. Accurate estimating, strategic procurement planning, schedule development, risk assessment, and early collaboration are critical to delivering safe, profitable, and successful projects.
As a Preconstruction Manager - Power Foundations , you will lead preconstruction efforts supporting complex transmission, substation, renewable energy, and power infrastructure foundation projects across North America. You will play a critical role in evaluating opportunities, developing project execution strategies, managing preconstruction activities, and partnering with customers, engineering teams, operations, procurement, and construction personnel to position projects for success.
About Michels Power, Inc.
Michels Power, Inc. supports America's electrical and communication backbone by delivering comprehensive overhead and underground construction services for 69 kV to 765 kV electric utility systems and fiber networks . As one of the largest private power utility electrical contractors in the United States, Michels Power combines experienced project leadership, highly skilled field resources, and one of the industry's premier equipment fleets to successfully execute complex power delivery projects across North America.
Our teams design, build, and maintain critical infrastructure including transmission lines, distribution systems, electrical substations, renewable energy facilities, battery energy storage systems (BESS), communication systems, structure foundations, heavy civil infrastructure, and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) projects. We provide comprehensive project oversight from planning and scheduling through procurement, construction, quality assurance, commissioning, and project closeout.
Leveraging engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) delivery capabilities, Michels Power is proud to be a member of the Michels Family of Companies.
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Position Overview
As a Preconstruction Manager - Power Foundations , you will manage the preconstruction phase of foundation construction projects and serve as a key link between business development, estimating, procurement, and operations teams.
You will lead project planning efforts including scope development, estimating, budgeting, scheduling, procurement planning, risk assessment, constructability reviews, and design coordination. Working closely with customers, design professionals, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, you will help develop competitive and executable project solutions that support both customer goals and company objectives.
Success requires strong estimating and project management experience, a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead preconstruction activities for power foundation projects from opportunity identification through project turnover.
- Manage project scope definition, budgeting, estimating, schedule development, procurement planning, and risk analysis activities.
- Coordinate with operations, procurement, and estimating teams to develop executable project plans.
- Support customer relationships and serve as a key point of contact during the preconstruction phase.
- Drive collaboration between internal and external stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes.
- Promote a strong culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
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What You'll Do
- Lead the preconstruction planning process for transmission, substation, renewable energy, and power foundation projects.
- Develop project budgets, cost estimates, schedules, execution plans, and risk assessments.
- Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates that account for labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and indirect costs.
- Coordinate design activities and support Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows when applicable.
- Partner with operations teams to evaluate constructability, execution strategies, resource requirements, and schedule assumptions.
- Collaborate with procurement personnel to develop procurement strategies and support long-lead material planning.
- Manage solicitation and evaluation of proposals from engineering firms, suppliers, subcontractors, and specialty vendors.
- Participate in contract negotiations and support development of commercial strategies.
- Travel to customer locations and project sites to understand project requirements and develop execution plans.
- Interface directly with customers to provide updates on project development, budgets, schedules, risks, and cost projections.
- Identify project risks and develop mitigation plans that support successful execution.
- Support design-build and EPC pursuits through early-stage planning, estimating, and coordination activities.
- Ensure compliance with project specifications, quality standards, permitting requirements, and customer expectations.
- Research industry trends, market conditions, new technologies, and construction methods to improve project performance and competitiveness.
- Support seamless turnover of awarded projects to Project Management and Operations teams.
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Foundation Market Focus
This role may support projects involving:
- Transmission Line Foundations
- Transmission Structure Foundations
- Substation Foundations
- Drilled Shafts
- Spread Footings
- Micropiles
- Helical Piles
- Ground Improvement Systems
- Switchyard Foundations
- Renewable Energy Infrastructure
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Heavy Civil Foundation Construction
- EPC Power Delivery Projects
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Why Michels Power, Inc.?
- We help build, strengthen, and modernize the infrastructure that powers communities and industries across North America.
- We execute challenging projects involving transmission, distribution, substations, renewable energy, and foundation construction.
- We are family owned and operated.
- We invest an average of $5,000 per employee per year in training and career development.
- We perform meaningful work that supports the future of energy infrastructure.
- We believe everyone is responsible for promoting safety, regardless of job title.
- We are part of the Michels Family of Companies, one of North America's largest and most diversified energy and infrastructure contractors.
- We provide opportunities to influence project strategy and shape major infrastructure projects before construction begins.
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Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Legal Plan
- Identity Theft Protection and Monitoring Plan
Benefits may vary based on position and location.
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Why You?
- You like to surround yourself with dedicated, value-driven people.
- You relish new challenges and evolving technology.
- You cringe when you hear: “Because that's the way we've always done it.”
- You like to know your efforts are noticed and appreciated.
- You want to make your own decisions, but know support is always available.
- You enjoy solving complex planning and execution challenges.
- You thrive when balancing technical, commercial, and operational considerations.
- You want to work to make a difference.
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What It Takes
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Project Management, Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a related field and 3-5 years of related experience , or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in construction estimating and project management.
- Experience supporting heavy civil, foundation, utility, transmission, substation, renewable energy, power delivery, industrial, or infrastructure projects.
- Strong understanding of construction estimating, budgeting, scheduling, procurement planning, risk management, and project execution.
- Ability to develop detailed cost estimates and analyze project risks, opportunities, and constructability considerations.
- Experience supporting design-build, EPC, or collaborative project delivery methods is preferred.
- Strong customer relationship management and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with customers, consultants, vendors, and internal teams.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Experience with estimating software, scheduling software, BIM platforms, or construction management systems is preferred.
- PE or PMP certification is preferred but not required.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to travel to customer locations and project sites as required.
Join a company that powers progress. Be a part of Michels Power, Inc.—where you don't just build projects, you build a career.
AA/EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability
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