Preconstruction Manager, Data Centre Projects

About the role

Digital Realty is looking for a Preconstruction Manager to play a critical role in the planning and preparation phase of construction projects, particularly data centre projects. You will coordinate and oversee all pre-construction activities, including tendering, project analysis, budgeting, scheduling and resource allocation, setting the groundwork for a smooth transition from planning to execution.

Key responsibilities

• Safety: embed safety in design with consultants and supply chain partners, identify residual safety risks and mitigation measures, and assess DfMA design and delivery strategies
• Project analysis: analyse architectural plans, engineering specifications and client expectations, evaluate feasibility and constructability, and flag risks and opportunities
• Budgeting and cost estimation: develop accurate cost estimates, monitor and update project budgets, and negotiate competitive pricing with suppliers
• Scheduling and planning: create and manage project schedules, identify critical path activities and propose mitigation strategies
• Permitting and regulatory compliance: obtain permits and approvals, ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations, and coordinate design modifications with architects and engineers
• Procurement: develop the project delivery procurement strategy, source resources within budget and timeline, and assist in negotiating contracts with consultants and general contractors
• Team collaboration: act as liaison between the pre-construction team and PMG, Sales, Design, Procurement, architects, engineers, clients, vendors and subcontractors, and mentor junior team members
• Additional duties: approve change requests, prepare and distribute RFPs, support a standardized design approach, develop the DFSMA strategy for DE&C, manage governance and reporting structures, coordinate design and construction standards, run lessons learned exercises, manage multiple projects, monitor budgets and ROM budgets, introduce a quality assurance process, liaise with customers, report to sector leads, develop project execution plans, manage risk and opportunity procedures, and set performance KPIs

Required profile

• 10 years of experience in construction project management, preferably in data centres
• Proven pre-construction or construction project management experience
• Experience managing a multi-country project structure and in a multi-cultural environment
• Experience in continuous process improvement and managing metrics and KPIs
• Data centre or similar mission-critical environment experience is a significant advantage

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of construction processes, techniques and best practices
• Good understanding of the pre-construction role and reasonable understanding of contract models
• Proficiency in project management software for scheduling, budgeting and cost estimation
• Project management methodologies