VP of Preconstruction - Data Centers

Location: Denver, CO preferred; also open to Phoenix, AZ; Santa Clara, CA; Columbus, OH; Atlanta, GA; or Ashburn, VA.
Sector: Data Centers / Mission Critical
Type: Full-time

The Opportunity

A leading global data center developer is seeking an experienced VP of Preconstruction to take a senior leadership role across its North American platform.

The position sits at the front end of the development lifecycle and will play a critical role in shaping how large-scale hyperscale and mission-critical projects progress from early feasibility through design development and into construction readiness.

This is a highly strategic position with responsibility for preconstruction planning, cost management, estimating, constructability, procurement strategy, scheduling and early contractor engagement across a significant and growing development pipeline.

The successful individual will work closely with development, design, engineering, commercial and construction leadership to ensure projects are commercially robust, technically viable and appropriately de-risked before entering full delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction function across a growing North American data center portfolio

• Own conceptual estimating, budgeting, cost planning and benchmarking across projects

• Develop and implement consistent preconstruction processes, standards, reporting and performance metrics

• Lead constructability reviews and identify key project risks during early development

• Support site evaluation, infrastructure planning and power-related due diligence

• Oversee early-stage scheduling and sequencing for large, multi-phase developments

• Shape procurement strategy and support engagement with general contractors, trade partners and key suppliers

• Work alongside design and engineering teams through concept, design development and construction readiness

• Provide executive-level visibility across cost, programme, procurement, risk and project viability

• Ensure lessons learned and cost intelligence are captured and applied consistently across future developments

• Recruit, mentor and develop a high-performing preconstruction team

• Support broader market development and investment decisions where preconstruction expertise is required

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will bring substantial experience in preconstruction, estimating or project development within the data center, mission-critical or complex infrastructure sector.

You will ideally have:

• Significant leadership experience within preconstruction or a closely related discipline

• A strong track record delivering large-scale data center or mission-critical projects

• Deep knowledge of conceptual estimating, cost planning and project benchmarking

• Strong understanding of construction methodology, constructability and programme risk

• Experience working with general contractors, designers, engineers and specialist trade partners

• Strong commercial judgement and the ability to challenge cost, programme and procurement assumptions

• Experience operating across complex, multi-project or multi-market portfolios

• The ability to communicate effectively with senior executives and cross-functional stakeholders

• Proven experience building, leading and developing teams

• A strong understanding of the challenges associated with large-scale, phased hyperscale campus development

Experience gained from a data center developer, owner, general contractor or specialist consultancy could all be relevant, provided there is genuine exposure to complex mission-critical development and delivery.

Why This Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior and highly influential role within a well-capitalised global data center platform with significant growth ambitions across North America.

The successful individual will have the opportunity to shape preconstruction strategy at scale, influence major investment and development decisions, and build the processes and teams required to support the next phase of the organisation's growth.