Senior Director, Preconstruction

Job description

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. Senior Preconstruction Director - PHX, IAD, DFW Does the thought of joining one of the fastest-growing, privately held data center companies sound exciting to you? Do you enjoy collaborating with team members to drive and operate some of the industry’s leading and most innovative infrastructure solutions? At Aligned Data Centers, not only do we celebrate success across our platform, we celebrate the very teams that drive and support that success! Our culture is founded in passion, engineered from innovation, and driven by the pursuit of operational excellence. We are a company dedicated to driving positive change in the industry through continuous data center innovation, diversity and inclusion, and corporate sustainability. We realize not only is providing a comprehensive benefits package important, but we also provide a generous 401k match with immediate vesting, free membership to Gympass which provides our employees a rich health and wellness benefit and competitive time off plan. Giving back and having fun is important to our team whether it be serving our communities or employee and customer events. Our Aligned DNA is what makes us unique and successful! As part of our exciting growth, we are currently searching for a Senior Preconstruction Director. We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Preconstruction Director to lead preconstruction efforts for Aligned Data Centers’ Platform Delivery team across our growing portfolio. This role is central to shaping project feasibility, cost certainty, design optimization, and execution strategy from initial site evaluation through financial close. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of modern data center design drivers, cost structures, and critical facility construction, along with proven leadership experience managing preconstruction teams within a data center developer or general contractor environment. This position will be based in Phoenix, AZ, Dallas, TX, or Northern Virginia, with consideration given to other major metropolitan markets for exceptional candidates. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Preconstruction Leadership Lead all preconstruction efforts for ground-up data center developments, from site diligence through GMP and financial close. Establish and drive preconstruction standards, processes, and best practices across the organization. Provide both detailed and executive-level cost, schedule, and risk guidance to senior leadership. Data Center Design & Technical Expertise Demonstrate deep knowledge of modern data center design drivers, including: Power density and scalability Redundancy configurations (N, N+1, 2N, etc.) Cooling strategies (air-cooled, liquid cooling, hybrid systems) Utility interconnection requirements Phasing strategies and speed-to-market considerations Collaborate with engineering partners to optimize design for cost, constructability, and operational efficiency. Cost Drivers & Financial Stewardship Maintain a comprehensive understanding of major CAPEX drivers in data center development, including: Electrical infrastructure (switchgear, transformers, generators, UPS systems) Mechanical systems (chillers, CRAH/CRAC units, cooling towers) Structural systems Site development and utility extensions Long-lead equipment procurement Lead detailed conceptual and design-stage estimating. Develop, analyze, and refine project budgets with a focus on cost predictability and value engineering. Identify and mitigate financial and execution risks early in the development cycle. Estimating & Commercial Execution Oversee preparation of conceptual, schematic, and GMP-level estimates. Evaluate contractor proposals and validate assumptions, scopes, and pricing. Lead value engineering exercises and constructability reviews. Support contract negotiations with general contractors and key trade partners. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner closely with Land Enablement, Engineering, Finance, Construction Execution and Operations teams. Support underwriting assumptions with reliable cost and schedule data. Assist in investor presentations and capital planning discussions as needed. Maintain strong relationships with utilities, engineers, contractors, and key vendors. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Team Leadership & Organizational Growth Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of preconstruction professionals. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Develop internal talent pipelines aligned with company growth. Champion a growth mindset and scalability within a rapidly expanding development platform. COMPETENCIES: Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce. Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values. Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources. Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail. Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others. Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly. Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates. Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Frequently required to stand Frequently required to walk Frequently required to sit Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity Continually required to talk or hear Occasional work near moving mechanical parts Occasional to outside weather conditions While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate COMPENSATION: $200,000 - $230,000 + Bonus BENEFITS & PERKS: Aligned Data Centers is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. Eligible employees have access to: Health Coverage : Medical, dental, and vision insurance Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts: HSA with employer contribution for eligible participants. FSAs offered for health and dependent care to increase tax savings. Retirement Savings : 401(k) plan with company match Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay Company-Sponsored Insurance : Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (with medical election) Optional Benefits : Voluntary life, critical illness, legal, and additional disability coverage Wellness Programs : Employee assistance program (EAP), Wellhub gym membership, and other wellness initiatives 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.