The Preconstruction Project Manager leads early-stage planning for data center projects, coordinating vendors and managing RFPs, cost estimations, and permitting requirements.
About Overwatch Mission Critical
Overwatch is a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOB) certified through the national veterans business development council (NVBDC), offering construction professional services, talent acquisition, and general contractor for the mission-critical infrastructure industry. Our mission is the construction and management of state-of-the-art data centers with the precision and reliability this industry demands. From high-end engineers to seasoned professionals, we deploy the people you need to get your data center off the ground. At Overwatch, it's more than a job. It's purpose.
Overview
The Preconstruction Project Manager supports the data center development pipeline by leading early‑stage planning, vendor and partner coordination, GC RFP development, and ROM cost and schedule development. This role operates at the center of Development & Construction, Engineering, Estimating, and external partners—ensuring projects are aligned with feasibility, entitlement requirements, delivery strategy, and market conditions prior to execution.
The Preconstruction Project Manager plays a key role in shaping project direction by evaluating site constraints, coordinating consultants, validating assumptions, and supporting the internal development stage‑gate process.
Key Responsibilities
Vendor & Partner Coordination
- Lead onboarding, alignment, and performance management of A/E firms, civil engineers, surveyors, environmental consultants, general contractors, and specialty vendors.
- Maintain vendor qualifications, historical performance data, and regional partner availability to inform sourcing and engagement strategies.
- Develop and manage consultant scopes, RFPs, and engagement documentation, ensuring alignment with project requirements and internal stakeholders.
General Contractor RFP Development & Support
- Lead preconstruction GC RFP strategy development aligned with delivery method, schedule objectives, and market conditions.
- Oversee preparation of GC RFP packages, including scope definitions, assumptions, exhibits, and commercial requirements.
- Manage RFP distribution, bidder communications, Q&A processes, and proposal tracking.
- Support proposal evaluations, scope and cost leveling, risk assessments, and recommendation materials for leadership review.
Permitting & Entitlement Research
- Lead research into entitlement pathways, permitting requirements, anticipated durations, and AHJ review cycles across target markets.
- Document regional permitting nuances and identify opportunities for early‑release work packages (e.g., grading, site preparation, utilities).
- Support Project Directors with entitlement strategy development and documentation for executive and investment review.
ROM Cost & Schedule Support
- Lead coordination with Project Directors, Estimating, and Engineering consultants to align assumptions supporting ROM development.
- Own and maintain benchmarking databases for cost, schedule, utility infrastructure, and program basis‑of‑design inputs.
- Ensure normalization of new project data and support updates to dashboards and reporting tools.
- Apply benchmarking insights to guide ROM assumptions, site feasibility analysis, and early design discussions.
- Drive development of early conceptual schedules informed by entitlement steps, AHJ requirements, and regional construction durations.
Experience & Education
- Bachelor’s (preferred) degree in construction management, Engineering (Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical), or Architecture.
- 7+ years in preconstruction, estimating, or project management.
- Proven track record in mission-critical infrastructure (Data Centers, Semi-conductors, or large-scale Industrial). Hyperscale or Colocation experience is highly preferred.
- Mastery of ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude) cost modeling and benchmarking for major capital projects.
- Ability to interpret and "redline" conceptual Civil, MEP, and Structural drawings to ensure all scope is captured in RFPs.
- Knowledge of modular/prefabricated MEP skids and their impact on cost and "speed-to-market" schedules.
- Ability to assist in the creation of initial project budgets with minimal data.
- Hands-on experience with Procore, Bluebeam, and data visualization tools like PowerBI or Tableau.
Driver’s License Requirement:
For roles that require on-site presence or travel between work locations as an essential function of the position, candidates must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license appropriate for the role and be eligible to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with applicable laws.
Communication Skills:
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a professional work environment, including preparing written reports and documentation, conveying information clearly to team members, clients, and stakeholders, and responding appropriately to verbal and written communications related to job duties.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
This position operates primarily in an active data center construction environment, encompassing both indoor and outdoor work settings. The role requires the physical ability to perform essential job functions safely and effectively in a dynamic environment that includes ongoing construction activity and evolving site conditions.
The work environment includes areas and temporary structures owned, leased, or controlled by third parties over which Overwatch may have limited or no control. Because the project remains under construction, certain areas of the site — including access routes, staging zones, and temporary structures — may not yet be fully ADA-compliant until construction is complete or those third-party areas are finalized.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to walk, stand, stoop, twist, bend, and climb stairs or ladders for extended periods while navigating uneven, unpaved, or obstructed terrain.
- Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
- Must be able to drive between job sites and access all areas of an active construction zone, including raised platforms, scaffolding, and confined spaces.
- Must be able to tolerate exposure to outdoor weather conditions, dust, and construction-related noise, vibrations, and odors.
- Must be able to communicate effectively with contractors, engineers, and site personnel, and maintain situational awareness in high-activity environments.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety vests, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots, is required.
- Must have sufficient visual acuity to read drawings, specifications, and safety signage, and to observe site activity.
Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in and around active construction areas, which may include unfinished buildings, temporary field offices, staging areas, and partially completed infrastructure. These locations may contain uneven surfaces, limited accessibility, and other conditions typical of construction projects prior to final completion. Overwatch does not control and cannot modify accessibility conditions within areas, facilities, or temporary structures owned or managed by third parties.
Reasonable Accommodation:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, provided such accommodations do not create safety hazards, impede essential mobility within active work zones, or require modification of facilities not owned or controlled by Overwatch.
Benefits:
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid time off. Relocation assistance is available to support candidates transitioning to the location.
OVERWATCH is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. OVERWATCH considers candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
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