Project Manager, Data Center Development & Construction

Headquartered in the Greater Washington area, American Real Estate Partners (AREP) is a US-based leading institutional fund manager and real estate partner with over $13 billion deployed across key U.S. markets. Specializing in data center, residential, industrial, and office assets, AREP has acquired more than 34 million square feet of Class A real estate and currently manages over 25 million square feet.

PowerHouse Data Centers, a wholly owned division of AREP, is a developer and owner of next-generation data centers and provides technical real estate solutions for hyperscalers across the country. Backed by strategic joint venture partnerships, PowerHouse leverages its proven leadership and best-in-class technical expertise to deliver innovative real estate solutions.

The Project Manager will work as part of a cross-functional team supporting a wide range of mission-critical data center development and construction projects. Reporting to the Director, Data Center Construction & Development, this position is primarily responsible for managing assigned projects through execution, ensuring alignment with approved scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives.

This role is responsible for coordinating consultants, contractors, internal stakeholders, and vendors to deliver projects in accordance with AREP’s standards and investor expectations. The Project Manager plays a critical role in ensuring disciplined execution, proactive issue management, and timely project delivery.

This role is based out of the Austin, TX office with travel to job site 4 days a week. Additionally, travel could expand to additional project sites in the future.

Essential Duties & 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 activities, including coordination with general contractors, architects, engineers, and key vendors.

Manage and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including development agreements, permits, drawings, specifications, contracts, change orders, and closeout materials.

Develop, manage, and track project schedules; review schedule updates and identify potential risks, delays, or deviations.

Lead project meeting management, including planning agendas, facilitating meetings, documenting minutes, and tracking action items to resolution.

Manage project budgets in coordination with accounting, acquisitions team, asset management, and leadership, including reviewing job cost reports, evaluating cost-to-complete forecasts, and identifying variances.

Review, evaluate, and negotiate change orders; ensure scope, cost, and schedule impacts are fully assessed and documented prior to 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 to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and contractual requirements.

Coordinate commissioning activities and ensure completion of turnover documentation and closeout deliverables.

Escalate material risks, issues, or deviations to senior leadership in a timely and solutions-oriented manner.

Support continuous improvement efforts by documenting lessons learned and reinforcing standard operating procedures.

Key Qualifications & Competencies:

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.

5+ years of construction or development project management experience on mission-critical or complex commercial/ technical MEP projects.

Proficient knowledge of data centers or mission-critical facilities experience.

Proficient knowledge in construction contracts, cost controls, scheduling, and change management.

Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

Strong ownership mindset with accountability for delivering projects to approved cost, schedule, and quality targets.

Proficient in coordinating and maintaining project schedules.

Proficient in executing project level Sustainability plans, including understanding of relevant data center sustainability metrics (e.g., PUE, WUE).

Self-starter, with the 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 with the ability to anticipate barriers and develop mitigation strategies.

Clear, professional communication skills, both written and verbal.

Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, dynamic project environment.

Strong proficiency in computer software and project management tools, including but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite, Yardi, Primavera P6.

Proficiency with cloud based project management software (similar to Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud, etc.).

Candidates with any or all of the following background are strongly encouraged to apply:

Project management (PMP) or construction management (CCM) certifications.

Experienced in hyperscale turn-key data center projects.

Experienced in real estate development and/or finance.

AREP is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, as well as any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

If you require special accommodation, please email HR@americanrepartners.com.

AREP does not accept unsolicited resumes or identifiable candidate information from third-party recruiters. Any unsolicited information will not be considered for engagement purposes.