Director, Development (Pre-Construction)

QTS Realty Trust; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life

401(k) + matching

FSA / HSA

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Volunteer days

EAP

Tuition assistance

Parental leave

Military benefits

Scholarship for dependents

Wellness program

Job summary

QTS Realty Trust is seeking a hands-on Pre-Construction Manager to lead early-stage planning for mission-critical data center projects. You will coordinate cost estimation, budgets, schedules and GC/subcontractor engagement, ensuring design intent aligns with business goals and regulatory requirements.

You will collaborate with design, procurement and construction teams, manage risk, quality and regulatory reviews, and communicate with clients and stakeholders to keep projects on time and within

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or professional license in CM/Engineering/Architecture.
• 10+ years in development of mission-critical facilities.
• 5+ years in data center project construction.
• Ability to lead cross-discipline teams while managing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Define Scope & Deliverables with clients and internal teams.
• Schedule Development aligned with client timelines and targets.
• Cross Functional Coordination across design, procurement, and construction.
• Permit & Regulatory Planning to meet local/national rules.
• Cost Estimation & Budget Oversight with estimators.
• Client Engagement and meeting facilitation with stakeholders.
• Subcontractor & Supplier Coordination and bid reviews.
• Risk Identification & Mitigation during planning.
• Quality Control & Regulatory Compliance reviews.
• Reporting & Documentation of budgets, milestones, and risks.
• Team Collaboration & Mentoring of junior staff.
• Technology & Innovation using ACC/Procore/Primavera P6.

Skills

Data Center development

Cost management

Schedule development

Cross-functional coordination

Client engagement

Risk management

Quality control

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Architecture

Tools

Autodesk Construction Cloud

Procore

Primavera P6

Job description

Who we are:

As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be. Who we are: It's pretty exciting to find yourself standing in a pivotal moment in time. It’s even more exciting to be out front leading it. At QTS, our world-class data centers are supporting our customers’ most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us at the forefront of today’s dynamic digital transformation. As AI and cloud drive the demand for increased speed, capacity and capability, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader, committed to connecting the world for good. Driven by purpose and fueled by a spirit of innovation, QTS designs, builds and operates some of the world’s most advanced, forward‑thinking data centers.QTS is a portfolio company of Blackstone. QTS is Powered by People. People who play a vital role in our company’s culture, innovation and growth. People who are committed to contributing to the communities where we operate and work. People who are knowledgeable, resourceful and mission driven. Together, we do great things.

Who You Are:

Role overview: The Pre‑Construction Manager at QTS is an integral part of the Development team and is responsible for coordinating all preconstruction activities, from initial Pre‑development engagement through to the start of onsite construction. This role involves managing cost estimation, schedules, budgets, general contractor / subcontractor engagement, and early‑stage risk and quality control. The Pre‑Construction Manager ensures project readiness by aligning design intent, costs, and planning with the business expectations and local regulations. Working closely with the pre‑development teams, schedule planners, external partners, and consultants, this role supports the successful setup of projects for delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest QTS standards.

The Impact You Will Have:

Key Responsibilities:

• Define Scope & Deliverables: Collaborate with clients and internal teams to confirm project scope, milestones, and deliverables.
• Schedule Development: Create and manage preconstruction schedules aligned with client timelines and internal targets.
• Cross Functional Coordination: Work with design, procurement, and construction teams to ensure alignment of all preconstruction inputs.
• Permit & Regulatory Planning: Coordinate early‑stage approvals, permits, and documentation in accordance with local and national regulations.

Cost Estimation & Budget Oversight:

• Support Estimating Efforts: Collaborate with estimators to develop accurate and competitive cost estimates, reflecting current market rates and project conditions.
• Budget Tracking: Assist in monitoring budgets during the preconstruction phase, flagging potential overruns or savings opportunities.
• Value Engineering: Participate in cost review meetings to suggest materials, systems, or methods that maintain quality while reducing costs.

Client & Stakeholder Communication:

• Client Engagement: Serve as the point of contact for clients during the preconstruction phase, ensuring clear communication of progress and changes.
• Meeting Facilitation: Lead preconstruction meetings with stakeholders including architects, consultants, and subcontractors to align on scope, budget, and timelines.
• Expectation Management: Ensure clients are informed of risks, changes, and cost implications throughout planning.

Subcontractor & Supplier Coordination:

• Subcontractor Engagement: Support the selection and onboarding of subcontractors, ensuring they meet project requirements and deadlines.
• Bid Reviews: Coordinate the review and comparison of subcontractor bids to ensure value and compliance with scope.
• Performance Oversight: Monitor subcontractor participation in the preconstruction process, ensuring deliverables and commitments are met.

Risk Identification & Mitigation:

• Early Risk Detection: Identify risks related to budget, design feasibility, procurement, and schedule during planning stages.
• Mitigation Planning: Assist in the development of risk mitigation strategies and contingency planning.
• Contractual Risk Review: Provide input into contract terms to allocate and reduce risk exposure for QTS.

Quality Control & Compliance:

• Documentation Review: Ensure that all design, scope, and tender documents meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Regulatory Compliance: Coordinate with internal compliance and legal teams to ensure adherence to relevant health, safety, and environmental laws.
• Sustainability Review: Promote the integration of sustainable construction practices into early‑stage planning.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Progress Reporting: Produce timely reports detailing budget updates, preconstruction milestones, and risk status for internal and client reporting.
• Record Management: Maintain UpToDate records for all estimates, schedules, approvals, and preconstruction decisions.
• Audit Preparation: Ensure all documentation is audit ready and aligned with project requirements and legal obligations.

Team Collaboration & Development:

• Team Coordination: Work closely with estimators, planners, and bid managers to ensure efficient workflow and deliverable quality.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance to junior staff and support their growth in preconstruction planning and project coordination.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to ongoing improvements in preconstruction processes by sharing lessons learned and adopting best practices.

Technology & Innovation:

• Software Utilization: Use project management and estimating software effectively (e.g. Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), Procore, Primavera P6, or equivalent).
• Digital Integration: Support implementation of digital tools that enhance collaboration, schedule accuracy, and document control.

What You Will Need to be Successful (basic qualifications)

Preconstruction is a key phase that significantly influences the success and flow of the project timeline. Other Key Skills:

• Data Center development and construction experience
• Master site planning and site due diligence
• Deep Cost Management and estimation background
• Site Logistics and Planning experience
• Constructability Design review expertise

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and/or professional licenses in Construction Management, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or Architecture.
• Ten or more years of progressive responsibility in the development of Mission Critical Facilities.
• Five or more years of responsibility for data center project construction with large-scale data centers or DC lease providers.
• Ability to incluence cross discipline teams while managing deadlines and support staff.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing situations at a high‑growth company.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience managing multiple large, multi‑faceted projects.
• Experience with Construction Health & Safety knowledge.
• Experience with Customer Deployment Technologies and Equipment; RCDD is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong Verbal and Written Communication Skills
• Ability to independently manage deadlines and support staff
• Ability to influence cross‑discipline teams
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing situations at a high growth company

TOTAL REWARDS

This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes:

• medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance;
• 401(k) retirement plan;
• flexible spending and HSA accounts;
• paid holidays;
• paid time off;
• paid volunteer days;
• employee assistance program;
• tuition assistance;
• parental leave;
• military leave assistance;
• QTS scholarship for dependents;
• wellness program, and other company benefits.

This position is Bonus eligible. This job may be eligible for equity. In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees: Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting Every employee is bonus or commission eligible Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays Stock Purchase Plan (SPP) 11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when worked Pet and Legal Insurance Q-Rest Sabbatical Program Q-Anniversary Service Award Program Parental Leave Military Benefits Package QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents QTS Crisis Fund Wellness Program Tuition Reimbursement Program

QTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Learn more: Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim. The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here: Know Your Rights (English) Know Your Rights (Spanish) The pay transparency policy is available here: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster-Formatted QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.