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.
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.
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
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
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.