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

iRecruit.co; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% of employee & family health insurance premiums paid

401(k) with generous employer matching

80 hours vacation and paid holidays

Job summary

A leading construction management firm is seeking a Senior Cost / Pre-Construction Manager in Columbus, OH, to guide early-stage planning and budgeting for a $4B greenfield data center project. This role involves managing the preconstruction process, aligning stakeholders on financial and operational outcomes, and ensuring a clear path to construction. The ideal candidate will have over 9 years of experience in commercial construction, with strong skills in estimating, cost management, and stakeholder coordination, along with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Qualifications

• Minimum 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 including Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction process from conceptual design through GC mobilization.
• Drive cost planning, estimate development, and constructability analysis.
• Manage design-phase budgets and utilize cost data to influence design decisions.

Skills

Estimating

Cost Management

Project Delivery Methods

Stakeholder Coordination

Microsoft Excel

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Construction Management Platforms

Job description

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?
Apply now or message us to learn more about this opportunity.