Trade Partner Relationship Manager

Position Overview

The Trade Partner Relationship Manager plays a critical role in strengthening, expanding, and managing Kiewit’s network of subcontractors and trade partners. This position is responsible for building long-term, strategic relationships that support preconstruction, estimating, procurement, and project execution across Industrial markets—including data centers, advanced manufacturing, power, mission critical, and other large-scale EPC projects.

You will work closely with Preconstruction, Estimating, Engineering, Supply Network, and Project Leadership to ensure Kiewit engages qualified, high-performing trade partners who align with our culture, safety standards, and technical expectations. This role blends relationship-building, operational support, market intelligence, and strategic sourcing.

District Overview

Kiewit Engineering Group, Inc is a full-service engineering consulting and design firm serving a broad range of industrial markets. Our combined staff of more than 1,300 engineers and design professionals have expertise that spans all major engineering disciplines to serve the industrial, transportation, power, water/wastewater, mining, building, and oil, gas & chemical markets. Our operations-focused engineering provides our clients with safe and efficient facilities, and it integrates our 130 years of construction experience to finish projects on time and to make sure that Nobody Gets Hurt.  
   
Our rapidly growing Industrial and Water Engineering team, which includes process, mechanical, electrical, controls, structural, architectural, geotechnical, and civil disciplines, is a multi-faceted and leading-edge division of Kiewit with best-in-class technical expertise focused on EPC (Engineer Procure Construct) and design-build delivery of industrial projects in markets such as Food & Beverage, Mineral Processing, Renewable Fuels, Pulp and Paper, Steel & Aluminum, Industrial Buildings, and Industrial Energy, Water and Utilities.

Location

This position is based in our Lenexa, KS office. We do offer relocation assistance. 

Responsibilities

Trade Partner Strategy & Market Development

• Identify, research, and qualify new trade partners in existing and emerging markets to support Kiewit’s growth.
• Maintain a pulse on the subcontractor market, including capabilities, capacity, performance, and competitive intelligence.
• Partner with preconstruction leaders to align trade partner strategies with project win themes and pursuit needs.

Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact and relationship manager for assigned trade partners.
• Lead recurring check-ins, capability discussions, and performance alignment meetings.
• Facilitate early involvement conversations, budgetary pricing requests, and pre-bid support efforts.

Operational Support & Enablement

• Guide trade partners through Kiewit’s prequalification, onboarding, bid management, compliance, and safety requirements.
• Ensure partners have the necessary tools, systems access, and process clarity to engage effectively with Kiewit.
• Collaborate with internal departments—including KSN, Estimating, Department Managers, Discipline Leads, and Project Leadership—to support partner engagement throughout the project lifecycle.

Issue Resolution & Performance Improvement

• Address escalations related to performance, logistics, compliance, or commercial matters.
• Monitor KPIs such as bid responsiveness, execution quality, safety performance, and service levels.
• Document partner performance and support continuous improvement of trade partner programs.

Internal Collaboration & Reporting

• Work cross-functionally with estimating and project teams to align scopes, understand upcoming needs, and recommend appropriate partners for upcoming pursuits.
• Support the development of standardized trade partner databases, reporting tools, and collaboration platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience with subcontractor management, preconstruction, estimating, supply chain, or project delivery in construction/industrial markets.
• Strong understanding of subcontractor ecosystems within industrial, power, data center, or large commercial markets.
• Proven ability to build trust and relationships at all organizational levels—both internally and externally.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple partner relationships and priorities simultaneously.
• Comfort with Kiewit systems, technology platforms, and structured processes (experience with KSN/SAP a plus).

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