Construction Project Manager

Element Critical provides hybrid infrastructure solutions in an expanding portfolio of data center facilities across the country. Our mission is to meet the diverse needs of today’s business and technology leaders by delivering superior service and product offerings, cultivating trusted relationships with our customers, and motivating and enabling our employees. 

This is an opportunity to get involved near the ground level and grow exponentially with a company that is poised to execute. Come join our team!

Department: Development

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: VP of Construction

OVERVIEW 

Element Critical is seeking to add a Construction Project Manager located in the Houston, TX area who aligns with our company values of accountability, integrity, grit, and problem-solving. Led by a team of savvy and experienced executives with a history of success, this is an opportunity to get involved near the ground level and grow exponentially with a company that is poised to execute. Come join our team!

The Construction Project Manager will plan and supervise a wide range of construction projects from start to finish at our data centers, organize and oversee construction procedures, and ensure they are completed in a timely and efficient manner. They will be well-versed in all construction methodologies and procedures and able to coordinate a team of professionals of different disciplines to achieve the best results. The CPM interacts with many departments and contractors including operations, designers, engineers, procurement, vendors, and facilities staff. The ideal candidate will have an analytical mind and great organizational skills with a goal to ensure all projects are delivered on time according to requirements and without exceeding budget.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following: 

• Assists in the development of the Capital Development project budgets with a clear understanding of the intent of each project.
• Assist in the development and execute comprehensive project plans, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables for data center construction projects.
• Manage project budgets, tracking expenses, and ensuring cost control measures are in place to meet financial objectives.
• Work closely with the SPM/Director/VP to provide accurate and timely budget updates & cashflow reports.
• Coordinates and communicates with internal stakeholders, vendors, crews, subcontractors, architects, and suppliers to facilitate timely project completion.
• Develops purchasing strategies and schedules & work within the Element Critical procurement strategies for construction materials, equipment, and services, considering cost-effectiveness, quality, and timely delivery.
• Direct interface with construction general contractors during the bidding, award, execution, and project closeout/punch list phases.
• Cultivate strong relationships with the contractors, understanding their needs and expectations to support the success of the entire team
• Manages and directs contractor and vendor activities alongside Superintendent to ensure expectations of contract documents are met
• Assist in the negotiations with general contractors and evaluate bids/proposals with detail and accuracy.
• Conducts pre-construction reviews including design, estimate review and contract documents.
• Evaluate vendor performance, ensuring they meet quality and timeline expectations.
• Handle changes in project scope, schedule, and costs, ensuring that adjustments are documented, approved, and communicated effectively to all relevant parties.
• Responsible for the establishment, coordination, and adherence of overall project schedule alongside Contractor & Superintendent, identifying and mitigating potential risks and delays.
• Work closely with the procurement team on equipment procurement and delivery processes.
• Organizes, participates, and leads various project meetings.
• Verify vendor invoices and monthly contractor “pencil draw” billings for accuracy based on work complete
• Has accountability for all project management documentation that may include schedules, material purchases, cost management, progress charts, RFIs, submittals, meeting minutes, jobsite controls, tracking reports, etc.
• Collect and keep track of receipt of all close out documents until completion, including warranties, as-builts, O&M manuals, etc.
• Generate regular status reports and present project updates to key stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and upcoming milestones.
• Assists project team in providing a safe work environment, as well as complying with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Visits project sites as necessary to monitor progress, maintains relationships, and verifies quality & safety.
• Lead and motivate project teams, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Provide guidance, support, and performance feedback to team members.
• Implement and oversee quality assurance and control processes, ensuring that construction activities meet specified design and performance standards.
• Work with the Commissioning Director on commissioning processes, ensuring that all systems and components of the data center are thoroughly tested and validated before operational deployment.
• Conduct post-construction evaluations, gathering feedback from stakeholders to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement in future projects.
• Assist in the documentation of best practices and contribute to the development of a knowledge repository for the organization.
• Exercises initiative or, as directed, performs additional duties to meet the needs of the organization.
• Travel required (20%)

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess the following: 

• Proven experience as construction project manager
• In-depth understanding of construction procedures and material and project management principles
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• A team player attitude with leadership abilities
• Ability to lead, collaborate with, and function well within a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction documents
• Knowledge of general construction practices and principles
• Knowledge of accounting principles as it relates to construction.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Strong familiarity with Procore construction project management & Bluebeam software
• Ability to prepare and present presentations related to overall construction progress.
• Ability to travel to various jobsites to meet project demands preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, or a related engineering field OR 6+ years of related construction management experience in lieu of a degree.
• 6+ years of experience in construction management of large, complex projects involving largescale mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) plants.
• 6+ years of general contractor and vendor management experience (request for proposals, bidding, change orders, quality control, RFI/submittal tracking) associated with construction and project execution.
• Understand electrical engineering principles including switch gear, UPS, transformers, and circuit breakers. Understand mechanical engineering principles for cooling systems.
• Experience directly related to the design or construction of data centers/critical infrastructure or large-scale mechanical and electrical plants.
• Possess clear written and verbal communication skills and ability to use data to justify conclusions.
• Value engineering: proven ability to reduce costs through creative solutions with no impact on quality and reliability (new designs, technology, or construction methods).
• Able to read and interpret construction specifications and drawings for all disciplines.
• Knowledge of building codes and regulations including Life Safety, BOCA, NFPA, NEC, and OSHA.
• Experience in commissioning of large-scale projects.
• Experience with power management, power monitoring systems & BMS controls.
• PMP or equivalent certification will be an advantage.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Ability to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear and smell.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Element Critical is a well-funded, fast paced organization that is seeking to make several acquisitions over the next few years and develop into a very strong national player.  We offer the following benefits, in addition to a focus on growing our culture and engagement.

• PPO and HDHP Healthcare Plans 
• FSA and HSA with above market Employer HSA Match 
• Dental and Vision Insurance 
• Employer Paid Disability and Life Insurance 
• Additional Group Insurances 
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave  
• 10 Company Paid Holidays 
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401k with up to 4% Employer Match 
• Personal Development and Learning Opportunities 
• Employee Referral Program