Director, Construction Management

Aligned Data Centers, LLC; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Aligned Data Centers, LLC is seeking a Director of Construction Management to lead regional construction teams and develop best practices across platforms. You will oversee preconstruction through closeout, manage budgets, and drive performance with AHJs and vendors.

Strong leadership, collaboration, and strategic execution are essential for success. Ideal candidates will have 12+ years in data center construction, deep industry relationships, and proven ability to mentor teams while delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering or equivalent.
• 12+ years progressive experience in commercial construction programs, with data center experience required.
• Deep network of leaders within the data center design and construction community.
• Ability to navigate AHJs with zoning, permitting and inspection knowledge.
• Experience in lean construction methodologies and tools.
• Advanced Excel, Smartsheets and/or AutoCAD skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task with time and change management/organizational skills.
• Experience leading major construction projects or programs as a senior leader.
• May travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day operations of construction projects and lead a regional team (2-8 reports).
• Drive projects from inception through turnover, with focus on preconstruction, construction, commissioning and turnover phases.
• Develop and maintain relationships with general contractors, trade partners, AHJs, and design partners.
• Manage budgets and schedules; interface with multiple internal stakeholders to ensure on-time delivery.
• Provide guidance and leadership throughout lifecycle of projects and ensure performance certainty.
• Ensure contract administration and procurement processes are followed.

Skills

Team management

Communication skills

Mentoring

Time management

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Smartsheets

AutoCAD

Job description

JOB TITLE:

Director, Construction Management

DEPARTMENT:

Platform Delivery

REPORTS TO:

Regional Director, Platform Execution

SUMMARY:

Working closely with the Regional Director, Platform Execution and other regional Directors, Construction Management peers, this Director will develop best-in-class construction management policies, procedures, tools and best practices. Taking on a leadership role within the organization, this individual will also be a key player in developing and implementing consistently across regions, a robust training and accountability program that ensures the performance of the Construction Management team members. This Director will also possess an industry-leading reputation and history of providing leadership and direction in construction policies and procedures, partner relationships, accountability, training and employee development, AHJ and supplier relationships, and project and business predictability and profitability. This individual will oversee and support a team that leads all aspects of major construction programs that are targeting both colocation and hyperscale builds, including oversight of employee and third-party organizations engaged in the preconstruction, construction, commissioning and closeout phases. This role requires strong team management and communication skills and demonstrates advanced organizational and time management competencies. A successful Director, Construction Management with Aligned will possess a hunger to drive efficiencies and innovation, the humility to understand we are all working together during the design and construction process, and a heart to provide exceptional service to both internal and external customers and vendors. This role will have and be responsible for the performance of all Construction Managers reporting into it per geographic region.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Dual responsibility to direct day-to-day operations of construction management projects and lead a team of 2-8 direct reports in a geographic region to: Drive projects from inception through customer or business turnover, with heavy focus and leadership in the preconstruction, construction, commissioning and turnover phases of projects. The Construction Manager operates as the primary support role of the project to the Design Manager (DM) through design phase of the project and assumes overall project leadership role from the DM at GC mobilization. Direct accountabilities include: Main point of contact for construction management team in particular campus or geographic region. Works hand-in-hand with the regional Director, Design Management to ensure performance certainty across all projects. Direct the day-to-day operations and long-term strategic direction of active and pipeline construction projects within the region. Provide guidance and leadership throughout the entire lifecycle of projects, ensuring they are meeting or exceeding company expectations. Develop and maintain deep-rooted industry relationships with leaders in the contracting community including general contractors, trade partners, design partners, and AHJ’s. Collaborates with Director, Construction Management peers in other regions to maintain consistency across all regions/projects. Assists regional Director, Design Management in collaborating/coordinating with other design directors across all regions/projects. Assist to interview, hire, and assure effective training and development of new and existing staff. Reports status, successes, challenges, and plans of action to management team and company on a timely basis. Develop, manage and be accountable for achievement of key departmental metrics. Leads, evaluates, holds accountable and develops the regional Construction Management team members in the following: Providing guidance and project leadership including ground up construction, remodels, renovations, and fit outs, ensuring performance certainty of projects. Organizing and leading cross function work groups, including design, engineering, procurement, land enablement, commercial, operations, IT/network, sales, solutions architecture, legal, brand strategy, finance, and accounting as needed to achieve construction management best practices. Developing collaborative relationships with the construction community including general contractors, MEP trade partners, CSA trades, local Authorities Having Jurisdiction, design partners, and other key project vendors and suppliers. Active management of project budgeting from project inception through the various design phases and the completion of building turnover. Managing budgets during the design phase to utilize cost data as an input to design decisions. Direct as many as 25+ external vendors per project comprising of general contractors, A&E design teams, commissioning agents, equipment suppliers, etc. Assist in development and implementation of company and departmental processes and best management practices within areas of responsibility. Create effective tools to empower and incentivize contracting and design partners to innovate approaches and solutions for project delivery and specific challenges. Ensure effective contract administration including generation, review, management, and monitoring of prime contracts, subcontracts, change orders, cost forecasts, and other pertinent documents and documentation. Assure that internal controls are in place at each step of the process. Inspect work in place and work in progress to ensure same meets or exceeds quality, specification, and schedule requirements. Advocate for self-growth and promotion by seeking out training, professional development, and career advancement opportunities. Provide subject-matter expertise in areas of responsibility. Reports status, successes, challenges and plans of action to management team and company on a timely basis. Operates in lockstep with the DM on each project to ensure proper communications/escalations and regular reporting to all internal and external parties and leadership/management. Integrates with the sales and solutions engineering teams during the revenue generation process to meet with customers and ensure technical deliverables are met. Interfaces with customers through fit out design, construction and integration; accountable to successful delivery of customer contracts. Manages the project with the business in mind and works to ensure the project is meeting directives of CRC/SLT/Board. Operates with a constant mindset of continuous improvement, creativity, efficiency and innovation.

STRONGLY DESIRED WORKING EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF:

Construction management experience, with at least 5 years of direct oversight team management. Exposure to data center design and engineering Data center design/construction experience, especially with MEP systems Project Management Software (MS Projects, Prolog, Procore, BIM 360, or similar)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering or equivalent
• 12+ years progressive experience in successfully managing commercial construction project or programs, with data center experience required
• Deep network of leaders within the data center design and construction community
• Ability to navigate AHJ’s within a particular region with depth of understanding of the positions within local zoning, permitting and inspection authorities
• Experience in lean construction methodologies and tools
• Active listening and collaboration skills to engage all stakeholders in decision making process
• Thorough understanding of various project delivery methods including IPD, Design-Build, and Design-Bid-Build.
• Thorough understanding of various contract methods including lump sum, CM at risk, open book GMP, etc
• Experience on major construction projects for a general contractor or an MEP trade partner being the senior leader accountable for the delivery of the projects to the business.
• Advanced experience in Excel, Smartsheets and/or AutoCAD
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to multi-task, with strong time and change management/organizational skills
• Track record of mentoring and developing teams and individuals to take on new challenges and career opportunities
• Ability to always maintain discretion and confidentiality
• Ability to understand and follow clear directions and meet specific deadlines with reporting, communication and project schedules
• Team player across the organization
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Knowledge of construction cost estimating methods and development of scopes of work.
• Ability to understand construction project scopes.
• Able to monitor and interpret design and schedule changes and forecast their impact on overall project costs
• May travel at times up to 25%

GENERAL COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; assist in developing budgets and experience understanding reporting budgets/financials; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Change Management – Assists in the Development of workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Team Player with Strong Communications skills; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization’s goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Team Player across the organization; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Project Management - Develops project plans; Develops Budgets for projects; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization’s strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Frequently required to stand/walk/sit Frequently required to bend/climb Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

ABOUT US:

At Aligned, we are committed to transparency and fostering a positive employee experience from your very first interaction with us. In compliance with Illinois pay disclosure requirements, when you join Aligned, you’ll have access to the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, short and long disability, life insurance and other voluntary benefits, 401k with employer match, bonus opportunities, paid time off, wellness benefits and professional development opportunities, all designed to support your well-being and career growth. We want you to have a clear understanding of what we offer, so you can make informed decisions about your future with us. Aligned is equally committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for all employees. We ensure that all applicants and team members are considered for employment, advancement, and all other employment-related matters without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of your job due to a disability or medical condition, please contact our People & Culture team. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws. Aligned will make reasonable accommodations where necessary to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role. When you join Aligned, you’re joining a passionate and positive team where every voice matters. We are committed to fostering a diverse, gender-equal, and inclusive workforce, extending to our military veterans to whom we owe so much. If you’re interested in becoming a valued member of an infrastructure technology company driven by innovation, the needs of our customers, social value creation, and responsible stewardship of our planet,