Project Manager, Data Center Development & Construction

American Real Estate Partners LLC•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Project Manager will join a cross-functional team supporting mission-critical data center development and construction projects. Reporting to the Director, Data Center Construction & Development, the role manages assigned projects from pre-construction through execution, commissioning, and turnover, ensuring alignment with approved scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives. The Project Manager coordinates consultants, contractors, internal stakeholders, and vendors to deliver projects in accordance with AREP standards and investor expectations, while promoting disciplined execution, proactive issue management, and timely delivery. The position is based in the Austin, Texas office and requires travel to a job site four days per week. Travel may expand to additional project sites in the future.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
At least 5 years of construction or development project management experience on mission-critical or complex commercial/technical MEP projects.
Proficient knowledge of data centers or experience with mission-critical facilities.
Proficient knowledge of construction contracts, cost controls, scheduling, and change management.
Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Strong ownership mindset and accountability for delivering projects to approved cost, schedule, and quality targets.
Proficiency in coordinating and maintaining project schedules.
Proficiency in executing project-level sustainability plans, including understanding relevant data center sustainability metrics such as PUE and WUE.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams, consultants, contractors, legal, accounting, leasing, acquisitions, asset management, and investors.
Sound judgment in evaluating risks, resolving issues, and making recommendations aligned with business objectives.
Proactive problem-solving skills, including anticipating barriers and developing mitigation strategies.
Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills.
Comfort operating in a fast-paced, dynamic project environment.
Strong proficiency with computer software and project management tools, including Microsoft Office Suite, Yardi, and Primavera P6.
Proficiency with cloud-based project management software similar to Procore or Autodesk Construction Cloud.

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification.
Experience with hyperscale turnkey data center projects.
Experience in real estate development and/or finance.

Responsibilities

Manage assigned construction projects from pre-construction through execution, commissioning, and turnover in alignment with approved development plans.
Own day-to-day project execution and coordinate general contractors, architects, engineers, and key vendors.
Manage project documentation, including development agreements, permits, drawings, specifications, contracts, change orders, and closeout materials.
Develop, manage, and track project schedules; review updates and identify potential risks, delays, or deviations.
Plan and facilitate project meetings, document minutes, and track action items through resolution.
Manage project budgets with accounting, acquisitions, asset management, and leadership; review job cost reports and cost-to-complete forecasts and identify variances.
Review, evaluate, and negotiate change orders, assessing and documenting scope, cost, and schedule impacts before approval.
Issue, manage, and administer construction contracts through project management systems.
Review and approve invoices, pay applications, and lien releases in accordance with contract terms and internal controls.
Implement and enforce project controls, change management processes, and communication plans to prevent scope creep and manage risk.
Monitor contractor performance for compliance with safety, quality, and contractual requirements.
Coordinate commissioning and ensure completion of turnover documentation and closeout deliverables.
Escalate material risks, issues, or deviations to senior leadership in a timely, solutions-oriented manner.
Document lessons learned and reinforce standard operating procedures as part of continuous improvement efforts.