Senior Cost / Pre-Con Manager - $4B Data Center Build

Job Title: Senior Cost / Pre-Construction Manager

Location: Columbus, OH (Onsite - 5 days a week)

Compensation: $180k - $200k

Project: Confidential $4B Greenfield Data Center

Build the Foundation for a Landmark Data Center Project.

We're recruiting on behalf of a nationally recognized construction management firm - known for delivering some of the most complex and mission-critical data center programs in the U.S. As they expand operations in Columbus, OH, they are seeking a Senior Cost / Pre-Construction Manager to guide early-stage planning, budgeting, and preconstruction execution on a confidential $4B greenfield data center project.

This is a high-impact opportunity to shape one of the largest data infrastructure builds in North America-working cross-functionally to drive cost certainty, design alignment, and schedule confidence before construction even begins.

About the Role

As the Senior Cost / Pre-Construction Manager, you'll serve as a strategic partner during the most critical early phases of the project lifecycle. You'll own the budgeting process, guide value engineering efforts, and align internal and external stakeholders on technical, financial, and operational outcomes. Your leadership will ensure a clear, achievable path from design through mobilization and ultimately to delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the preconstruction process from conceptual design through GC mobilization

Drive cost planning, estimate development, and constructability analysis

Collaborate with cross-functional teams across design, engineering, finance, procurement, land enablement, and operations

Guide subcontractor procurement and bid strategy in partnership with commercial and construction leads

Manage design-phase budgets and use cost data to influence design decisions

Create and manage tools for budget forecasting, cost analysis, and risk tracking

Oversee contract administration, including scopes, change orders, and vendor agreements

Build relationships with general contractors, MEP/CSA trades, consultants, and permitting authorities

Represent project cost, budget, and readiness to senior leadership and external stakeholders

Assist in development and implementation of best practices across preconstruction workflows

Set expectations and frameworks that allow construction and commissioning phases to run with certainty Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field

9+ years of progressive experience in commercial construction with direct experience in cost and preconstruction management

Deep understanding of estimating, bid packaging, GMP strategies, and procurement

Strong grasp of project delivery methods (Design-Build, IPD, Design-Bid-Build)

Familiarity with CM-at-Risk and open-book contracting models

Data center or mission-critical project experience strongly preferred

Competency in project controls, forecasting tools, and construction documentation

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, and construction management platforms

Excellent verbal and written communication, stakeholder coordination, and leadership skills

Experience managing cross-functional teams and influencing without direct authority Benefits

50% of employee & family health insurance premiums paid

50% of employee dental coverage paid

100% employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance (up to $50,000)

401(k) with generous employer matching

80 hours vacation, 40 hours sick leave, and paid holidays (including one floating holiday)

Clear advancement opportunities across a portfolio of high-profile infrastructure programs

Want to shape a project before a shovel hits the ground?