Senior Pursuits & Precon Manager

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are the reason we continue to succeed. 

We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected. 

At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means we look out for one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long-term health of the company. 

Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges and deliver work we’re proud of. 

When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long-term success — where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.

This position will be responsible for the oversight and execution of all project pursuits (proposal and precon efforts) for their respective office. These projects will typically be delivered by “best value” and “alternative delivery” methods, and will typically have some type of written “proposal” component.  Position will also assist in the collection, dissemination and storage of all written proposals and associated documentation for future reference.     

Essential Functions:

Primary: Execute Proposal Phase Duties (Includes Pre-Sell Efforts):

• Seek out negotiated and alternative delivery type projects that fit the procurement goals of company.

• Work closely with business development, operations and estimating (i.e. “Groups”) when seeking out and vetting potential projects; lead and/or assist in the preparation of the Go No-Go decision for potential projects.

• Work closely with these Groups to position and pre-sell our team with Owner.

• Identify and vet potential teaming partners (contractors/sub-contractors/engineering firms) and assist with the development of formal teaming, JV, and subcontract agreements with these selected partners.

• Work closely with the corp disciplines and groups to identify key individuals to be named in the proposal and/or are needed in preparation of a formal proposal.

• Provide and update monthly, a formal Pursuit Status Report to leadership during the pursuit phase.

• Work closely with the estimating group if any pricing components are needed for the proposal.  

• Ensure the overall quality of our pursuit proposals and that they are compliant with requirements and submitted as required.

Secondary: Execute Precon Phase Duties:

• Identify precon group personnel that will assist in the pursuit phase of the project.

• If company is selected in the pursuit phase; work closely with the Groups to assign personnel to the precon phase of the project.

• Work closely with the Groups to advance the overall project and/or design to the RFC stage.

• Maintain and provide monthly, a formal Precon/Project Status Report to leadership during the precon phase.

• Work closely with the ops group as aspects of the project transitions from precon to execution in the field.

• Provide a formal summary of the pursuit/precon efforts including lessons learned.

Qualifications:

• Degree in engineering, construction management or similar is preferred.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Smartsheet is preferred.

• 15 or more years of heavy civil construction industry management experience is preferred.

• 10 years of alternative delivery experience with 5 of those in project pursuit management is preferred. 

• Strong leadership and communication skills.

• Ability to interact effectively with all levels and all groups within a large company.

• Ability to maintain a high level of trust and confidentiality.

• Be self-motivated with strong organizational skills.

Working Conditions

• Travel – 30% travel to business unit offices, industry functions, potential teaming partners, and project sites.

• Office environment – extensive sitting at desk and computer; some standing, bending, lifting 5-20 pounds occasionally.

Total Rewards

People are the most important asset at Ames Construction.

• Base salary range is $200,000-$235,000 a year, which varies depending on many factors, including experience, skills, and knowledge.
• This role is eligible for a discretionary bonus.
• Ames offers generous retirement benefits, including Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) participation and a 401k match.
• Ames' non-craft health benefits package is designed so that our team members flourish, with medical, dental, and vision (all at one low premium), voluntary benefits, company holidays, and paid time off. Please see the Benefits section of our Careers page for more information.

Ames Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.