Preconstruction Director (Data Centers)

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

About the role

Our People & Places Solutions business reinforces our drive to improve the lives of people everywhere and epitomizes the "why" of what we do – the tremendous positive impact and value our solutions bring to our communities and society. From facilities delivering life-saving therapies and ensuring clean water to enabling the connection of people through all modes of transportation and providing access to technology – we're integrating a multitude of these solution elements to build the smart environments of tomorrow.

Start your Jacobs career with a company that inspires and empowers you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow and succeed – today and into tomorrow. We're looking for an experienced and collaborative Preconstruction Director to drive growth and provide leadership for our global Data Center market, supporting our Greenville, South Carolina office.

As a passionate leader, you'll leverage your people management skills to help your team members discover what inspires them, nurturing their purpose and guiding them forward. Your role keeps our company connected, and we’ll support you with what you need to be successful.

Responsibilities

• Leading, directing, developing, communicating, and implementing strategic goals for the Data Center business unit
• Reshaping and creating a construction operations team capable of executing EPCM and CM projects with the goal of expanding engineering-centric model to full project delivery
• Setting the safety performance standard of the business unit
• Leading, guiding, directing, and evaluating the work of the Construction leadership team
• Identifying market trends and applications for existing and new technologies
• Monitoring and supporting the pursuit of viable business opportunities for profitable growth
• Supporting Business Development with new and prospective pursuits
• Representing and leading in design-build pursuits that may involve construction partners to deliver with Jacobs as AE services provider
• Driving the growth in gross margin as a percentage of revenue
• Supplying resources and training necessary to assess, screen, and develop business opportunities and optimize utilization of resources
• Developing strong relationships with internal and external clients, and with engineering and matrix counterparts
• Acting as a key participant in contract discussions
• Overseeing financial performance of projects and performance against established business plan
• Collaborating across lines of business and leadership/participation in various meetings and forums as necessary

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in an Engineering discipline, Construction Management, or in lieu of a degree, at least 10+ years’ additional experience in positions with progressive accountability
• 20 years’ construction delivery experience (Design Build, CM, PMCM, EPCM, lump-sum EPC work, etc.)
• Working knowledge of the sales process – including client presentations
• Breadth of experience in multiple markets including Electronics, Battery, Data Centers, EV Giga Factory, and Manufacturing
• International experience (desired but not required)
• Willingness to travel extensively as needed

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance
• 401(k) plan with company stock purchase options at a discount
• Deferred compensation plan or Executive Deferral Plan (for eligible employees)
• Unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees
• Seven paid holidays and caregiver leave
• Additional rewards for certain roles, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $179,100.00 to $235,125.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Job posted on September 14, 2025. Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.