National Project Executive - Data Centers

McGough; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

McGough is seeking a National Project Executive to plan and lead major projects from inception through deployment, providing day‑to‑day management of resources, budgets and scope. You will serve as the primary client contact and guide design‑build efforts to align client expectations with company goals.

You will oversee all project phases, foster strong partnerships with owners, designers, and subcontractors, and mentor staff to ensure excellence across McGough’s national portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering or Construction Management.
• 15‑20+ years managing large and/or simultaneous projects, including self‑perform.
• Strong ability to relate to owners, design consultants, contractors and staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead key projects from inception through deployment; oversee resources, tasks, timelines, and budgets.
• Manage project financials, client satisfaction, and design‑build alignment.
• Build and maintain client relationships; mentor project management staff and grow McGough capabilities.
• Oversee all phases of design, procurement, construction and closeout; ensure quality and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Client relations

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

Procore

P6

Autodesk

Job description

McGough is a respected partner that brings six generations of experience to high profile, unique and complex construction projects. We take great pride in our people and their extraordinary expertise in planning, development, construction and facility management. McGough employee tenure reflects the commitment and pride we share in our work. Ask anyone who knows us - the caliber of our people sets us apart.

NATIONAL PROJECT EXECUTIVE

The National Project Executive will plan and lead key projects or multiple projects from inception through deployment, providing day‑to‑day management and oversight of project resources, tasks, issues, timelines, cost and scope. Experience with advanced technology projects, such as semiconductor or data center initiatives, will be essential for success in this role. In addition to managing projects, a Project Executive is responsible for:

• The success and profitability of projects:
  • Successful management of project financials, including fee retention
  • Client satisfaction
• Oversee all phases of construction including design, procurement, construction and closeout.
• Serve as primary point of contact with client. Maintain strong relationships to ensure successful project. Manage expectations of designers and staff with regards to owner communications.
• Lead and manage design‑build project(s) with understanding of the alignment of client expectations and company goals.
• Create and implement regular meetings with designers, subcontractors, owner and staff for efficient integration of design and construction activities.
• Lead the development of strategic project plans such as schedule, budget, procurement and design deliverables.
• Successfully lead a cohesive project team balancing work obligations, accountability while maintaining a positive/teaming environment throughout the team, both internally and externally.
• Plan and execute project team creation including hiring, onboarding and training of staff aligned with McGough standards and support staff.
• Guide and mentor project management staff to ensure these individuals are trained for the next level in their career.
• Develop, review and audit all budgeting phases of the project from conception to closeout.
• Oversee all cost expenditures and change orders for the project. Ensure that staff is following company procedures and best practices for financial oversight.
• Identify with the team any potential risks (cost and schedule) and mitigate project delays, cost overruns and quality issues.
• Ensure all design and construction work meets the highest standards of quality as outlined at the start of the project.
• Manage all billing requirements monthly including review and subcontractor billings and payments.
• Foster and build relationships with owners, design partners, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Champion company initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering or Construction Management
• 15‑20+ years managing large and/or simultaneous projects, including experience with self‑perform capabilities
• Broad professional skill set to effectively relate to and understand owner/client, design consultant, contractor, and staff (field and office) issues
• Demonstrated experience with and understanding of building systems, system coordination and regulatory issues (structure, MEP, landscape, building code, ADA, etc.)
• Proven track record of successful Design‑Build projects on time and on budget
• Experience in managing large project teams over 30 people.
• Proficiency in project management software (Procore, P6, Autodesk, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience and in‑depth knowledge of construction methods, materials and standards. Including MEP trades, gas and chemical and HPW and industrial wastewater.
• Proven experience building strong partnerships and trust with external partners, including owners, owner’s representatives, design firms, and subcontractors
• Strong collaboration and communication skills

Preferred

• Estimating and field experience a plus
• Scheduling experience preferred

Skills

• Highly skilled to communicate with multiple levels across organization; effectively convey technical topics to non‑technical audience.
• Proficiency in project management software (Procore, P6, Autodesk, etc.) and strong computer skills including Excel.
• Creative, diplomatic, and calm problem solver
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, organization and time‑management skills
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Thorough and detail‑oriented
• Ability to prioritize and multi‑task within time constraints
• Self‑starter and motivated with minimal supervision
• Good verbal and written communication skills and computer skills.

Office and Travel

• This is a national position with opportunities across various geographic US regions.

Responsibilities and Tasks

Pursuit, Preconstruction and Business Development

• Take lead in responding to RFPs with sector team and Marketing
• Take lead in interview preparation
• Take lead in preconstruction effort including:
  • Major equipment procurement and tracking
  • Contract negotiations
  • GMP establishment
• Client relationships (establish/maintain/build)
• Design partner relationships (establish/maintain/build)
• Owner’s representative relationships (establish/maintain/build)
• Lead/coordinate page turn
• Identify and pursue leads prior to RFPs being issued; assist in acquiring new work
• Verify scope/budget/schedule are in alignment throughout preconstruction process
• Promotion of other McGough services (SP, Commercial, FM, Development, etc.)

McGough Self‑Performed Work

• Understand and oversee quantity take‑offs and assist in estimating labor production, materials and equipment
• Understand warehouse equipment, rentals, small tools, services and costs
• Oversee implementation of Project Assessments preparation and projections
• Scope bid materials (concrete, rebar, brick, etc.)
• Approve Critical Path Method schedules for our work

Estimating and Bidding

• Review estimates prepared by project managers and estimating
• Lead estimate presentation to owner/design team
• Review proposed subcontractors prior to presenting to owner
• Final review/sign subcontractors

Scheduling

• Last Planner coach/champion
• Lead preconstruction scheduling effort
• Construction schedule review and oversight
• Oversight of Last Planner System during design and construction

Project Oversight

• Understand project staffing needs and make sure proper resources are involved
• Review and understand project financial condition and profitability (PACE)
• Assure the safety protocols are in place and adhered to
• Regular jobsite walks with McGough project staff
• Understand the requirements of our Owner’s contract, as well as Subcontractors

Project Management Oversight

• Coach/Mentor project management staff
• Understand specific training needs of staff
• Review and understand global project management staffing needs and available resources
• Ensure project management staff is mentoring at all levels

Post‑Construction

• Ensure cost history information is uploaded
• Follow up with owner on lessons learned, strengths/weaknesses
• Ensure internal "lessons learned" meeting is held

Other Duties as Assigned

• Actively contribute as a member of the National Team by collaborating on shared goals, aligning efforts across departments, and supporting team priorities.
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders, including clients, contractors, design partners, and suppliers.
• Represent the company at business development events such as client functions, industry conferences, and design firm open houses.
• Foster ongoing relationships with existing clients, architects, engineers, consultants, and subcontractors to strengthen partnerships and ensure future collaboration.
• Proactively seek and cultivate new relationships with potential clients and design firms to support business growth.
• Attend and engage in internal project management and cross‑functional company meetings.
• Participate in relevant training opportunities for personal and professional growth, including leadership development and human resources topics.
• Support and participate in company‑sponsored events and initiatives that promote team engagement and culture.
• Perform duties of a Project Engineer or Project Manager, as needed, to support project execution.
• Follow and reinforce standards of work, ensuring consistency and accountability.
• Participate in Lean events and actively support continuous improvement initiatives aligned with the McGough Way.
• Emphasize relationship‑building as a core part of the role, both internally and externally.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position involves sitting for extended periods of time at employee’s work station and during meetings as well as while traveling, either by plane or car. Employee needs to be able to lift up to 20 pounds as frequently as needed to move objects; dexterity to write and manipulate computer keyboard and mouse; ability to hear and speak clearly; and ability to distinguish between colors on graphs and charts.

Occasionally, employee will be required to visit construction jobsites which may expose the employee to dirt, dust, uneven surfaces, outdoor weather conditions and extreme temperatures.