Construction Manager - Data Centers

Construction Manager

We are seeking an experienced Construction Manager to join our owner-side development team in Dallas, Texas. In this role, you will be working with our Data Centers platform, working under the Director, Construction Management and reporting directly to the Executive Director, Vertical Development & Delivery. You will help manage the delivery of ground-up, utility-scale data center developments across the United States, managing all phases from pre-construction through substantial completion and turnover.

The ideal candidate brings a foundation in electrical or mechanical engineering, paired with hands-on experience managing mission critical or data center construction ideally from the owner's perspective. You are process-driven, technically sharp, and thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where schedule, quality, and budget are paramount. This hybrid office role will require travel to project sites, industry conferences, off-site meetings, and project hearings up to 50% of the time.

Key Responsibilities: Project Oversight & Delivery

• Manage ground-up data center construction projects from design development through commissioning and handover, maintaining accountability for schedule, budget, and quality outcomes.
• Serve as the primary owner's representative on-site and in project meetings, interfacing with general contractors, MEP contractors, commissioning agents, AHJs, and utility providers.
• Review and validate project schedules (P6/MS Project), identify critical path risks, and drive schedule recovery actions with GC and subcontractor teams.
• Oversee all construction activities to ensure alignment with owner's project requirements (OPRs), design intent, and applicable codes and standards.

Technical & Engineering Coordination

• Lead technical review of MEP, structural, and civil submittals and RFIs, providing input on constructability, quality, and conformance with specifications.
• Coordinate closely with design engineers (EOR) and specialty consultants on electrical systems (medium voltage distribution, switchgear, UPS, generators, PDUs) and mechanical systems (chilled water, cooling towers, CRAHs, precision air).
• Support commissioning activities (Cx, ICT, and IST) by coordinating owner-side participation, reviewing test plans, and tracking deficiency resolution.
• Evaluate and provide recommendations on change order requests; negotiate scope, cost, and schedule impacts in partnership with the project controls team.

Pre-Construction & Planning

• Participate in design development, design review, and value engineering sessions during pre-construction to influence design for constructability and cost efficiency.
• Support the procurement and award of GC and major subcontracts; review bid packages, evaluate contractor proposals, and assist in scope leveling.
• Coordinate early-release and long-lead equipment procurement (switchgear, transformers, generators, chillers, cooling towers) in alignment with project schedule.

Financial & Contract Management

• Monitor and report project cost performance against approved budgets; maintain accurate cost-to-complete forecasts and report variances to leadership.
• Review and approve contractor pay applications, ensuring work-in-place verification and lien waiver compliance.
• Manage owner-direct vendor contracts and purchase orders for testing, inspection, commissioning, and other direct costs.

Qualifications & Experience: REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction management or closely related technical discipline. Significant working experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• Minimum 4 years of progressive experience in construction management or preconstruction, with focus on data center and/or mission critical facility projects (hyperscale, colocation, enterprise, or edge).
• Demonstrated owner-side or owner's representative experience strongly preferred; GC or construction management at-risk experience considered.
• Deep technical knowledge of mission critical MEP systems, including medium voltage electrical distribution, diesel generation, UPS systems, or chilled water/cooling infrastructure.
• Proven ability to read and interpret complex construction drawings, specifications, and technical submittals across all disciplines.
• Familiarity with BICSI, TIA-942, NFPA 70 (NEC), NFPA 110, and applicable IBC/IFC standards for data center construction.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and/or multiple active construction sites across different geographies.
• Strong proficiency with project management platforms (Procore, e-Builder, or equivalent).
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% of the time to project sites across the United States.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.
• Familiarity critical facility commissioning frameworks (ASHRAE Guideline 0, NEBB).
• Prior experience working directly for a GC, MEP contractor, real estate developer, REIT, or institutional owner on ground-up development projects.

Core Competencies:

Technical Acuity & Engineering Judgment Translates complex engineering systems into actionable construction requirements. - Stakeholder Management Builds trust and manages expectations across owners, contractors, consultants, and tenants.

Schedule & Risk Management Anticipates critical path risks and drives proactive mitigation before schedule impacts materialize. - Accountability & Ownership Takes full ownership of project outcomes; does not deflect problems but solves them.

Collaborative Communication Communicates complex technical and financial information clearly at all levels of the organization. - Adaptability Thrives in fast-moving, evolving environments typical of large-scale development pipelines.

Company Overview:

Since its inception in 1991, Provident has developed over $6 Billion of real estate projects. We are disciplined and focused on executing deals that offer the best strategy for Provident and our investor partners. With over three decades of experience with opportunistic land development and vertical development in various key U.S. markets, our company thrives on an entrepreneurial spirit and an excellent track record of success. Over the past 30+ years, Provident has executed a diversified real estate investment and development platform. Currently, the $7.5 billion portfolio includes product types such as multi-family, industrial, master-planned communities, hospitality, retail, office, mixed-use, and data centers across the United States. Under the leadership of Leon Backes and Jay Hawes, Provident is a respected, well-capitalized investment firm that has thrived through three decades and multiple market cycles with foresight, depth of experience, and a unique ability to adapt to shifting demands, market trends, and challenging economic cycles. Provident is in constant pursuit of flexibility, innovation, and professionalism in its operations and investments. By maintaining a streamlined decision-making process, Provident is able to capitalize on fast-moving opportunities and rapidly adjust to dynamic market forces.

Benefits:

• Competitive base + bonus, and the unique ability to invest in the Provident Employee Fund
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Company-Provided Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k with Company Match
• 529 College Savings Plan
• 3 Weeks PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Maternity/Paternity Leave

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable Accommodation If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request. Recruitment Fraud Notice Please be aware of recruitment scams. We will never request personal financial information or payment at any stage of the hiring process. All legitimate communication will come from an official company email address.