Preconstruction Manager

X4 Engineering; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

X4 Engineering in Lexington, KY is seeking a seasoned preconstruction leader to drive cost, scope and delivery strategy for a major data center project. You will lead preconstruction activities from design through GMP, partnering with owners, design teams, trade partners and construction leadership to price, schedule and plan the work.

The role demands strong data center and MEP experience, expert budgeting, risk assessment and early procurement strategy development to support a successful

Qualifications

• 5+ years in preconstruction or estimating on large-scale projects.
• Experience leading preconstruction on technically complex data centers.
• Strong knowledge of MEP, CSA and subcontractor scopes.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction activities from conceptual design through GMP/construction handoff.
• Develop and maintain detailed estimates, budgets and bid packages.
• Review drawings for constructability issues and cost risks.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers and consultants during design development.
• Develop value engineering opportunities without compromising requirements.
• Establish procurement strategies and engage early with trade partners.
• Solicit and level subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Coordinate estimating across CSA, MEP and specialty systems.

Skills

Preconstruction estimating

MEP knowledge

Budget development

Subcontractor bidding

Stakeholder communication

Estimating software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Tools

Estimating software

CSA knowledge

Job description

Industry: Data Center / Mission Critical Construction

Employment Type: Full-Time

The Opportunity

We are partnered with a rapidly growing organization delivering mission-critical data center infrastructure across the United States and are looking to appoint an experienced Preconstruction Manager to support a major data center development in Lexington, Kentucky.

This is an opportunity to join a project environment where preconstruction is heavily involved from the earliest stages of development through to construction. You will work closely with the owner, design teams, trade partners and construction leadership to establish the cost, schedule, scope and delivery strategy for a large-scale data center facility.

The role is suited to someone with strong data center, mission-critical, industrial or highly technical commercial construction experience who understands the level of detail required to successfully plan and price complex MEP‑intensive projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction activities from conceptual design through GMP / construction handoff
• Develop and maintain detailed estimates, budgets, cost plans and bid packages
• Review drawings and specifications to identify scope gaps, constructability issues and cost risks
• Work closely with architects, engineers and consultants throughout design development
• Develop value engineering and cost‑saving opportunities without compromising project requirements
• Establish project procurement strategies and manage early engagement with key trade partners
• Solicit, evaluate and level subcontractor and vendor proposals
• Develop detailed bid scopes and procurement packages for major trades
• Coordinate estimating across CSA, MEP and specialty systems
• Support development of project schedules, procurement schedules and long‑lead equipment strategies
• Participate in design reviews, constructability reviews and value engineering workshops
• Track design development against established budgets and identify cost impacts
• Assist with development of GMPs, guaranteed pricing and commercial negotiations
• Work alongside project executives, construction managers, estimators and operations teams to ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction into construction
• Maintain strong relationships with owners, developers, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers
• Provide clear reporting around cost, schedule, procurement and project risk

Data Center Experience

The ideal candidate will understand the unique requirements of delivering large-scale data center infrastructure, including:

• Hyperscale and colocation data center construction
• AI / high‑density computing environments
• Mission‑critical MEP infrastructure
• Electrical distribution and utility infrastructure
• Generators, UPS systems and backup power
• Medium‑voltage systems and substations
• Mechanical plants, chillers and cooling infrastructure
• Direct‑to‑chip and other liquid‑cooling applications
• CRAH / CRAC systems and cooling distribution
• Fire protection and life safety systems
• Structured cabling and low‑voltage systems
• Large‑scale site development and utility coordination
• Phased construction and multi‑building campus development
• Commissioning and turnover requirements

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of construction preconstruction / estimating experience
• Experience managing preconstruction on large‑scale, technically complex construction projects
• Data center or other mission‑critical experience strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of MEP, CSA and subcontractor scopes
• Proven experience developing budgets and estimates from conceptual design through final pricing
• Experience managing subcontractor bidding and bid leveling
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications and contract documents
• Ability to identify constructability issues and commercial risks early in the design process
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work with both technical and executive stakeholders
• Experience with estimating and construction management software
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline preferred

Why This Opportunity?

This is more than a traditional estimating position. You will have the opportunity to influence a major data center project before construction begins, helping establish how the project is scoped, budgeted, procured and ultimately delivered.

You will work within a highly technical environment alongside experienced data center construction professionals and have exposure to large‑scale, mission‑critical infrastructure projects that are shaping the next generation of US digital infrastructure.

Location: Lexington, KY

Sector: Data Centers / Mission Critical

Level: Preconstruction Manager