Director, Development (Pre-Construction)

About the Company

QTS Data Centers is a global leader in digital infrastructure, designing, building, and operating advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud, and digital transformation initiatives. As a portfolio company of Blackstone, QTS is committed to connecting the world for good through purpose-driven innovation, sustainability, and renewable energy solutions. The company culture is powered by people — mission-driven, resourceful team members dedicated to positive community impact.

Role Overview

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

Responsibilities

Preconstruction Planning & Coordination

• 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 up-to-date 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).

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 influence 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.

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

Benefits

• 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 for primary and secondary caregivers
• Military Benefits Package
• QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
• QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
• QTS Crisis Fund
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Eagle Club Award Trip Eligibility
• Paid Volunteer and Floating days
• Tuition Assistance, Parental Leave and Military Leave Assistance