Director, Construction Management

It’s fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they’re doing! We’re committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. JOB TITLE: Director, Construction Management DEPARTMENT: Platform Delivery REPORTS TO: Regional Director, Platform Execution Summary Working closely with the Regional Director, Platform Execution and other regional Directors, Construction Management peers, this Director will develop best‑in‑class construction management policies, procedures, tools and best practices. They will also be a key player in developing and implementing a robust training and accountability program that ensures performance of the Construction Management team members. The Director will possess an industry‑leading reputation and a history of leadership in construction policies and procedures, partner relationships, accountability, training and employee development, AHJ and supplier relationships, and project and business predictability and profitability. This individual will oversee and support a team that leads all aspects of major construction programs targeting both colocation and hyperscale builds, including oversight of employees and third‑party organizations engaged in pre‑construction, construction, commissioning and close‑out phases. This role requires strong team management, communication skills and advanced organizational and time‑management competencies. Responsibilities Drive projects from inception through customer or business turnover, focusing on pre‑construction, construction, commissioning and turnover phases. Serve as the primary support role to the Design Manager through the design phase and assume overall project leadership from GC mobilization. Act as the main point of contact for the construction management team in a particular campus or geographic region. Work with the regional Director, Design Management to ensure performance certainty across all projects. Direct day‑to‑day operations and long‑term strategic direction of active and pipeline construction projects within the region. Provide guidance and leadership throughout the entire lifecycle of projects, ensuring compliance with company expectations. Develop and maintain deep‑rooted industry relationships with leaders in the contracting community, including general contractors, trade partners, design partners, and AHJ’s. Collaborate with Director, Construction Management peers in other regions to maintain consistency across all regions/projects. Assist in interviewing, hiring, training and development of new and existing staff. Report status, successes, challenges and plans of action to the management team and company in a timely manner. Develop, manage and be accountable for achievement of key departmental metrics. Lead, evaluate, hold accountable and develop the regional Construction Management team members in ground‑up construction, remodels, renovations and fit‑outs. Organize and lead cross‑function work groups, including design, engineering, procurement, land enablement, commercial, operations, IT/network, sales, solutions architecture, legal, brand strategy, finance and accounting as needed. Develop collaborative relationships with the construction community including general contractors, MEP trade partners, CSA trades, local AHJ’s, design partners and other key project vendors and suppliers. Actively manage project budgeting from inception through design phases and the completion of building turnover. Utilize cost data during the design phase to support design decisions. Direct up to 25+ external vendors per project (general contractors, A&E design teams, commissioning agents, equipment suppliers, etc.). Assist in development and implementation of company and departmental processes and best management practices within areas of responsibility. Create effective tools to empower and incentivize contracting and design partners to innovate approaches for project delivery. Ensure effective contract administration including review and monitoring of prime contracts, subcontracts, change orders, cost forecasts and other pertinent documents. Inspect work on site and in progress to ensure compliance with quality, specification and schedule requirements. Advocate for self‑growth and promotion by pursuing training and professional development opportunities. Provide subject‑matter expertise in areas of responsibility. Operate in lockstep with the Design Manager on each project to ensure proper communication, escalation and reporting. Integrate with sales and solutions engineering teams during revenue generation to meet customers and ensure technical deliverables are met. Interface with customers throughout fit‑out design, construction and integration, accountable for successful delivery of customer contracts. Manage the project with the business in mind and work to ensure alignment with directives of CRC/SLT/Board. Operate with a mindset of continuous improvement, creativity, efficiency and innovation. Desired Working Experience And Knowledge Construction management experience with at least 5 years of direct oversight team management. Exposure to data center design and engineering. Experience with data center design/construction, especially MEP systems. Proficiency in project management software (MS Project, Prolog, Procore, BIM 360, or similar). Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering or equivalent. 12+ years progressive experience managing commercial construction projects or programs; data center experience required. Deep network of leaders within the data center design and construction community. Ability to navigate AHJ’s within a particular region with depth of understanding of zoning, permitting and inspection authorities. Experience in lean construction methodologies and tools. Active listening and collaboration skills to engage stakeholders in decision making. Understanding of various project delivery methods including IPD, Design‑Build and Design‑Bid‑Build. Understanding of various contract methods including lump sum, CM at risk, open book GMP, etc. Experience on major construction projects for a general contractor or an MEP trade partner as senior leader accountable to delivery. Advanced experience in Excel, Smartsheets and/or AutoCAD. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to multi‑task with strong time and change management. Track record of mentoring and developing teams. Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality. Ability to understand and follow clear directions and meet specific deadlines with reporting, communication and project schedules. Team player across the organization. Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications. Knowledge of construction cost estimating methods and scope development. Ability to understand construction project scopes. Can monitor and interpret design and schedule changes and forecast impact of overall costs. May travel up to 25% of the time. General Competencies Adaptability – Adapts to changes in work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach to best fit situation; handles frequent change, delays or unexpected events. Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience; designs workflows and procedures. Business Acumen – Understands business implications of decisions; assists in developing budgets; demonstrates orientation to profitability; aligns work with strategic goals. Change Management – Assists in development of implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment, overcomes resistance; monitors transition and evaluates results. Cost Consciousness – Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost‑saving measures. Customer Service – Manages difficult customer situations; responds promptly; solicits feedback; meets commitments. Dependability – Follows instructions; takes responsibility; keeps commitments; works long hours when necessary. Diversity – Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect for cultural differences; promotes diversity and harassment‑free environment. Ethics – Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; works with integrity. Innovation – Displays original thinking and creativity; generates suggestions for improvement; develops innovative approaches. Interpersonal Skills – Solves conflict; maintains confidentiality; listens; remains open to ideas. Judgment – Makes decisions; explains reasoning; includes appropriate people; makes timely decisions. Motivation – Sets goals; demonstrates persistence; takes calculated risks; achieves challenging goals. Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively; listens; responds; presents well. Organizational Support – Follows policies; completes administrative tasks; supports organizational goals. Planning/Organizing – Plans for resources; sets goals; organizes schedules. Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; develops alternative solutions. Professionalism – Approaches others tactfully; is team player; reacts well under pressure. Project Management – Develops plans; manages budgets; coordinates projects; communicates changes; meets deadlines. Quality – Demonstrates accuracy; seeks improvement; applies feedback. Safety and Security – Observes safety procedures; reports unsafe conditions; uses equipment properly. Strategic Thinking – Develops strategies; analyzes market; identifies opportunities; adapts strategy. Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to team. Written Communication – Writes clearly; edits; presents data effectively. Physical Demands And Work Environment Frequently required to stand, walk and sit. Frequently required to bend or climb. Frequently required to use hand and finger dexterity. Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. At Aligned, we are committed to transparency and fostering a positive employee experience from your very first interaction with us. In compliance with Illinois pay disclosure requirements, when you join Aligned, you’ll have access to the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, short and long disability, life insurance and other voluntary benefits, 401k with employer match, bonus opportunities, paid time off, wellness benefits and professional development opportunities, all designed to support your well‑being and career growth. We want you to have a clear understanding of what we offer, so you can make informed decisions about your future with us. Aligned is equally committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for all employees. We ensure that all applicants and team members are considered for employment, advancement, and all other employment‑related matters without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of your job due to a disability or medical condition, please contact our People & Culture team. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis in accordance with applicable laws. Aligned will make reasonable accommodations where necessary to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role. #J-18808-Ljbffr Aligned Data Centers