Pre Construction Designer Specialist

Come be an Employee-Owner of one of the nation’s largest producers of metal roofing and siding! We sell, manufacture, build, and distribute metal building components and packages. Since 1988 we’ve grown to over 13 locations nationwide. We make raving fans of our customers with our “right, on time, every time” commitment. So, who are we looking for? People who “Own It” – Commitment to the customer, the company, and each other: You are customer-focused with an eye for detail. You are reliable. People who “Can Do” – Our Attitude: You are an innovative thinker pursuing continuous improvement. You embrace teamwork. You want to positively make an impact and open to change. People who “Act in Love” – Treats others with humility, respect, kindness, honesty, patience, and self-control. You enjoy giving back to your community. We take great pride in the communities we live in, so we give back with our time and talents. Each year you can take paid time off to support a cause close to your heart. And what will you do? Summary: The Pre-Sales Engineer – Building Works is a key pre-contract technical role responsible for supporting DSMs and customers during the front-end of the sales and quoting process. This position owns the interpretation of construction plans, specifications, and bid documents to ensure that Requests for Quotation (RFQs) are complete, accurate, and ready for estimating. Acting as a technical bridge between sales, estimating, and engineering, the Pre-Sales Engineer enables faster quote turnaround, reduces estimator rework, and improves overall quote quality—particularly for design-build and complex PEMB opportunities. This is a non-quota-carrying role aligned with sales strategy and customer engagement. Core Functions: Pre-Contract Technical Review & RFQ Preparation - Review architectural, structural, and bid documents to interpret customer intent and identify scope requirements. - Analyze plans and specifications to identify scope gaps, conflicts, over-design, or unclear requirements prior to estimating. - Develop clear, complete RFQs that accurately reflect project scope, assumptions, and customer expectations. - Prepare RFQ summaries, assumptions, and clarifications to support estimating accuracy and consistency. DSM & Customer Support - Work closely with the local DSM to support customer opportunities during the pre-contract phase. - Participate in early technical discussions with customers, contractors, and design-build teams as needed. - Assist DSMs with technical questions, constructability considerations, and scope alignment. - Support design-assist and design-build conversations by providing technically credible input. Estimating & Engineering Interface - Serve as the primary point of contact between sales and estimating for RFQ intake and clarification. - Proactively coordinate with engineering when early technical input is required to validate assumptions. - Reduce estimating and engineering rework by resolving scope questions before RFQs are released. - Ensure only well-defined, qualified RFQs are released into the estimating workflow. Pipeline & Opportunity Development - Identify and pre-qualify potential projects from Dodge Plan Rooms and other approved bid platforms. - Review Dodge-sourced plans and specs to determine fit, complexity, and pursuit strategy. - Convert qualified opportunities into estimate-ready RFQs in coordination with the DSM. Tools & Process Improvement - Utilize AI-assisted tools, bid platforms, and document review software to accelerate spec and drawing review. - Maintain accurate RFQ documentation, version control, and relevant records within CRM and quoting systems. - Contribute to continuous improvement of RFQ standards, templates, and best practices across Building Works. Performs other duties and activities related to the department as necessary to support overall operations and responsibilities, even if not specifically listed above. Key Measures of Success: - RFQs accepted by estimating without revision - Average RFQ-to-quote turnaround time - Reduction in estimator and engineering rework - Win rate on supported opportunities - Margin consistency vs. quoted assumptions - Collaborates effectively within a team environment while taking ownership of individual deliverables and departmental objectives. - Consistently exhibits and displays the company’s values of “Own It. Can Do. Act in Love.” - Own It – Commitment to customer, company, and each other. - Can Do – Team Player, Open to Change, & Pursuing continuous improvement. - Act in Love – Treating others with humility, respectfulness, kindness, honesty, patience, and self-control. Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not include supervisory responsibilities. Working Relationships - Internal: DSMs, Sales Operations, Estimating, Engineering, Manufacturing, Logistics - External: Contractors, Design-Build Firms, Architects, Developers, Bid Platforms Education & Experience: Minimum Required: - Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. - Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications. - Working knowledge of pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB) and commercial construction workflows. - Understanding of RFQs, addenda, scope clarifications, and pre-construction documentation. - Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly. - High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously. Preferred: - 3–7 years of experience in preconstruction, estimating support, project coordination, or related construction roles. - Experience working in or supporting design-build environments. - Familiarity with bid platforms such as Dodge Construction Network, Building Connected, or similar. - Experience using Bluebeam, PDF markup tools, and construction document management systems. - Exposure to AI-enabled document review tools is a plus (training provided). Physical Demands & Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in an office environment. This role will routinely utilize standard office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers, to perform the core functions listed in this job description. The work is primarily sedentary and requires extensive reading, data entry, and verbal/electronic communication. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies up to 25 pounds. This role involves minimal exposure to noise or temperature variations. Key Physical Requirements: - Regular activities: sitting, standing, typing, reading - Occasional activities: lifting office supplies up to 25 lbs., performing tasks requiring fine motor skills (e.g., reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, bending) - Environmental notes: minimal exposure to noise or temperature variations Reasonable accommodation is available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Travel: This position may require up to 10% travel, depending on business needs. Travel may include visits to company locations, client sites, training, or industry events. The amount of travel is subject to change and should not be considered a fixed or ongoing expectation. Benefits Offered: At Central States, we are an ESOP. That means each one of our employees is an owner of the company and receives an allocation of stock every year. This allows all our employees to share in the wealth and success of the company. We also offer: • 401K Match • Education assistance available – Up to $5,250 each year • Profit-Sharing bonus or own it bonus • Medical • Dental • Vision • Holiday pay • Vacation pay • Employee Assistance Program providing Confidential Emotional Support, Work and Lifestyle Support, Legal Guidance, Financial Resources and Digital Support • Care Guides to help employees navigate the complex healthcare system • Life insurance – 1.5x annual salary – 100% employer paid • Wellness Program – earn up to $1,200 annually when enrolling in a medical plan! • Health Savings Accounts • Flexible Spending Accounts • Short-Term Disability • Long-Term Disability – 100% employer paid • Performance based merit increases • SHINE program – Employee Financial Assistance and Dependent Scholarships! Central States Manufacturing, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.