Manager, Preconstruction

ROLE OVERVIEW

Nscale is seeking a hands-on Manager, Preconstruction — a pivotal role within our growing North American Preconstruction team reporting directly to the Director/Senior Manger, Preconstruction. As Manager, you will be a key contributor to the Preconstruction team, supporting integrated Capex Total Development Cost Proformas, integrated development cash flow/commitment/cancellation Cost Ledgers, and planning level constructability analysis across a portfolio of hyperscale and mission-critical data center projects.

This is a team role: you will set the standard for technical excellence with internal and external partners, develop projects and workflows, and drive process consistency. You will be a critical contributor in shaping the Preconstruction team while providing professional cost, schedule, risk, and constructability analysis for prospective developments shaping capital expenditure decisions across North America.

 

LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

• You are a key contributor to a high-performance team culture grounded in accountability, technical rigor, and continuous improvement
• Own complex scope, development cost, and risk issues for active and perspective sites
• Support Preconstruction Leadership in building out processes, leading implementation and rollout at a project level, and contributing to overall Capex and Schedule strategy for perspective developments

PRECONSTRUCTION EXECUTION & OVERSIGHT

• Support the delivery of site-specific CapEx proformas, conceptual estimates, GC RFP reviews, Cost Ledgers consisting of project wide cash flow/commitment/cancelation costs, and revenue-ready date forecasting across specific projects in the portfolio
• Perform independent take-offs, cost estimates, and contractor pricing validations
• Support Prime Contractor Budget Reviews, directly contributing to cost and schedule analysis from conceptual phase through IGMP
• Ensure thorough review of Prime Contractor, Subcontractor, Colocation Provider, Power Entity, Building Design, and Consultant proposals for scope completeness, cost competitiveness, and schedule integrity
• Maintain and continuously improve the internal project cost database, incorporating lessons learned to keep estimating data accurate and market-competitive

STRATEGY & BUSINESS PLANNING

• Serve as an internal subject matter expert on total development cost, providing strategic guidance from conceptual phase through Construction Documents
• Partner with Commercial Management, Sales, Site Selection, Design / Engineering, Construction, Energy, Procurement, Project Controls and Finance to ensure Preconstruction outputs support optimal capital deployment and revenue realization
• Contribute to project development strategy and early-stage decision-making on site characteristics, construction methodology, and cost optimization

RISK, PROCESS & STANDARDS

• Identify, escalate, and develop mitigation strategies for risks related to scope, schedule, procurement, labor availability, and market escalation across the team's portfolio
• Drive standardization of Preconstruction procedures, documentation, reporting, and estimating workflows across all projects and team members
• Lead adoption of digital tools, estimating technology, and process improvements within the team
• Contribute to departmental KPIs and operational standards set by the Vice President

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Build and maintain relationships with feneral contractors, major trade partners, consultants, and key vendors
• Support Prime Contractor commercial negotiations, site procurement strategy, and commercial positioning in partnership with the Preconstruction Team leadership

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a relevant discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 8+ years of related Preconstruction or Construction management experience
• Experience managing Analysts and Senior Estimators, with demonstrated ability to lead a team of experienced professionals
• Data center or mission-critical facility experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in all cost code divisions, conceptual estimating, cash flow modeling, GC and Contractor RFP review, and Contractor Budget Reviews
• Strong understanding of construction documents at all levels of design — drawings, specifications, and contracts
• Proven ability to contribute to multiple high-value concurrent projects while maintaining team cohesion and deliverable quality
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools including Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Word
• Excellent communicator across all levels — from trade partners to executive leadership and clients
• Willingness to travel up to 25% based on business needs