Institutional Sector Preconstruction Lead

About PARIC

Since 1979, PARIC has been a leader in general contracting, construction management, and design-build services. As one of the largest, privately-held companies in the Midwest, we are committed to investing in our communities and building lasting client relationships.

At PARIC, our employees operate in alignment with our core values, ensuring a safe, client-focused approach that delivers excellence on every project. We hire top talent, provide cutting-edge tools and training and turn our clients’ visions into reality.

PARIC’s Core Values

POWER OF ONE TEAM – Because people are the force behind every success. We have unity in purpose and diversity in talent.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS – Because surpassing all expectations is so profoundly satisfying. This commitment to excellence extends to every employee and to every project.

ENHANCING OUR COMMUNITY – Because we build more than buildings. We give our time, talents and resources to a range of community efforts.

DOING WHAT WE SAY – Because as the adage says: “You’re only as good as your word.” If we say something is going to happen, it will happen.

RELENTLESS EVOLUTION – Because if you’re not learning from your mistakes, you’re not growing. We embrace positive change, face challenges head-on and get even better with every project.

Institutional Sector Preconstruction Lead

Position Description:

PARIC is seeking a highly strategic and relationship-driven leader to serve as our Institutional Sector Preconstruction Lead. This role directly impacts the trajectory of the sector by improving how we pursue work, position ourselves in the market, and convert opportunities into profitable projects.

This is not a traditional estimating or preconstruction role. This is a senior leadership position focused on pursuit strategy, competitive positioning, and driving successful outcomes from initial opportunity through transition to Operations.

The Institutional Sector Preconstruction Lead will take ownership of pursuits once Business Development establishes initial client engagement. This individual will define the pursuit strategy, align internal teams, and lead the process required to win.

This role operates across Business Development, Marketing, Preconstruction, and Operations to bring clarity, accountability, and alignment to every pursuit. The ideal candidate is highly strategic, owner-facing, and capable of influencing outcomes across multiple teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Pursuit Strategy & Positioning

• Lead the development of pursuit strategies aligned with sector priorities and market conditions
• Define differentiators, risk positioning, team structure, and delivery approach for each opportunity
• Take ownership of pursuits once opportunities are identified and drive them through award
• Influence go/no-go decisions based on strategic fit, probability of win, and resource alignment

Proposal & Interview Leadership

• Set the strategy and direction for proposals to ensure alignment with owner priorities and evaluation criteria
• Partner with Marketing to produce differentiated, high-quality submissions
• Align technical content with overall pursuit strategy for consistency and clarity
• Lead interview preparation and execution to position PARIC for success

Integration with Preconstruction

• Partner closely with Preconstruction teams to align estimating, logistics, schedule, and risk strategies with overall pursuit goals
• Ensure pricing reflects a clear execution strategy and supports the client-facing position
• Bring discipline to assumptions, risk identification, and value strategies

Transition to Operations

• Lead transition from pursuit to project execution teams
• Ensure commitments, assumptions, and execution strategies are clearly aligned
• Remain engaged during early project phases to maintain continuity and reinforce client expectations

Owner Engagement & Business Development Support

• Engage directly with owners and clients throughout the pursuit process
• Support Business Development efforts through strategic positioning and messaging
• Provide insight into procurement behaviors, decision drivers, and competitive dynamics

Sector Strategy Contribution

• Help define sector pursuit strategy, including target clients and project types
• Identify market trends and adjust pursuit approaches to remain competitive
• Continuously improve pursuit processes and cross-functional alignment

Performance Expectations

This role is accountable for measurable outcomes, including:

• Improved pursuit win rates
• Stronger project selection
• Increased sector growth and backlog
• Improved profitability and margin performance
• Better recovery of preconstruction investment through negotiated work and successful project conversion

Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in construction with strong exposure to preconstruction, project management, or design-build delivery
• Proven success leading pursuits, proposals, or major project positioning efforts
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working directly with owners and leading client-facing engagements
• Deep understanding of estimating, scheduling, logistics, and risk management
• Strategic mindset with the ability to turn high-level goals into actionable plans

Why Join Us?

We offer comprehensive benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible PTO, 10 Paid Holidays per year, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.

Career development and professional growth opportunities.

A collaborative and inclusive workplace culture rooted in our core values.

AAP/EEO Statement

PARIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected Veteran status.