Project Manager - Data Center Owner’s Representative

Owner’s Representative Project Manager - Data Center
This position is responsible for representing our hyperscale data center client on site and managing the project from preconstruction through closeout to verify that the work meets expectations with regards to safety, quality, schedule, and budget. You will act as the owner’s primary point of accountability with the general contractor, the design team, and all owner-direct vendors and consultants.

In this role you will…

• Work with the general contractor to develop the master project schedule based on the critical path and key milestones, using cost- and resource-loaded Primavera P6
• Establish the master project budget, including hard and soft costs, bonds, insurance, contingencies, and allowances
• Support contractor prequalification, bid solicitation, bid analysis, and award recommendations
• Support contract negotiations with the client’s project manager and legal counsel, including GC markups, fees, insurance, labor rates, and escalation
• Coordinate design team activities and monitor the AE’s progress through permitting and authority approvals
• Coordinate constructability reviews and value engineering efforts
• Gather cost estimates from subcontractors and vendors for scope gaps and changes
• Produce monthly cash flow projections
• Help the client identify, scope, buy out, and schedule owner-direct vendors and consultants
• Participate in daily stretch and flex with craft workers and walk the site regularly to monitor progress and resolve field issues
• Manage the general contractor and owner-direct vendors on site
• Manage cost and change control, including change order review, negotiation, recommendations, and delay analysis
• Track the budget and monitor, analyze, and report on schedule performance
• Lead owner-architect-contractor (OAC) meetings and other project meetings
• Manage document control for addenda, bulletins, drawing revisions, and clarifications
• Track submittals, RFIs, change orders, invoices, payments, and lien releases
• Process, track, and report on invoices and payment applications
• Verify that QA/QC requirements are being followed and report any issues or gaps
• Start the closeout process two to three months before completion and establish closeout documentation requirements
• Collect and track warranties, as-builts, O&M manuals, and other closeout documents
• Support authority final inspections and the occupancy process
• Manage the punch list, substantial completion, and final completion process
• Negotiate and resolve outstanding change orders, quality issues, and disputes
• Process final invoices, payment applications, and retention, and prepare the final project accounting and budget

As the ideal candidate you…

• Have 5+ years’ experience managing commercial, industrial, or mission critical construction projects, with a Bachelor degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Have data center, hyperscale, or mission critical project experience, either as an owner’s representative or with a general contractor.
• Have a proven successful project history of managing budgets, change orders, and payment applications on large, fast-track projects.
• Use Primavera P6 to build, review, and analyze cost- and resource-loaded schedules.
• Hold or are willing to pursue a PMP, CCM, or similar certification (preferred).
• Have an OSHA 30-hour construction certification or are able to obtain one before starting.
• Exhibit appropriate leadership skills and abilities, holding contractors accountable while fostering a collaborative, positive project culture.
• Use strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with all levels of employees, Ross Group management, and outside partners such as owners, architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Don’t mind flexible work hours, with an average of 50 hours per week or as needed.
• Are willing to relocate to the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area for the duration of the project.
• Are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Expectations in this role include…

• Meeting established goals, while ensuring quality of work through accuracy and thoroughness
• Being flexible, well organized, and detail oriented, using efficient time management skills to meet project deadlines and schedules
• Making timely decisions using sound and accurate judgment while keeping appropriate people informed in the decision process
• Solving problems by identifying issues early and making appropriate recommendations to make your project successful
• Being proficient with computers, Microsoft Office, Primavera P6, and construction management platforms such as Procore or similar
• Working to increase your job knowledge, using resources effectively and exhibiting the ability to learn and apply new skills

You are physically able to…

• Walk active construction sites, including data halls, mechanical yards, and electrical rooms, for extended periods
• Work outdoors in extreme conditions such as cold, heat, and humidity on an occasional basis
• Stand, climb, bend, and stoop on an occasional basis
• Use visual and auditory skills
• Wear required personal protective equipment

This position is based on site at a hyperscale data center project in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area and is tied to the duration of the project. Relocation assistance or per diem may be available for qualified candidates who live outside commuting distance.

Status: Exempt 
Reports To: Senior Project Manager
Secondarily Reports To: Chief Operating Officer