Pre-Construction Design Project Manager

About Overwatch Mission CriticalOverwatch is a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business (SDVOB) certified through the National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC), offering construction professional services, talent acquisition, and general contractor services for the mission-critical infrastructure industry.Our mission is the construction and management of state-of-the-art data centers with the precision and reliability this industry demands. From high-end engineers to seasoned professionals, we deploy the people you need to get your data center off the ground. At Overwatch, it's more than a job — it's purpose.
The OpportunityThe Design Delivery Project Manager will serve as a key stakeholder responsible for overseeing and managing the design aspects of mission-critical development projects. This role will guide the design process from campus planning through detailed design and construction administration, ensuring all deliverables align with client expectations, project schedules, and cost targets.The Design Delivery PM will lead architectural and engineering consultants, act as the primary liaison between clients and internal teams, and ensure design solutions are technically sound, functional, and cost-effective. This individual must thrive in a dynamic environment, balancing multiple stakeholders, and driving results from concept to execution.
Core Responsibilities

• Design Oversight – Manage and lead the design process, including test fits, design development, and delivery. Ensure solutions meet functional and aesthetic requirements while supporting schedule and cost targets.
• Coordination – Act as the main point of contact for design-related issues, facilitating communication between clients, design teams, and construction vendors. Ensure seamless integration across disciplines.
• Construction Administration – Oversee construction administration, ensuring design intent is executed accurately. Resolve issues in the field and provide guidance to maintain compliance with design requirements.
• Vendor & Contract Management – Manage relationships with A/E firms and construction vendors. Negotiate and oversee contracts to ensure scope, terms, and deliverables meet project standards.
• Reporting & Documentation – Track design progress, milestones, and risks. Provide regular updates to leadership and stakeholders.
• Client Engagement – Build and maintain strong client relationships, incorporating feedback into design deliverables, and ensuring outcomes align with client needs and project goals.

Core Required Skills & Knowledge

• Design Expertise – Proven experience managing and delivering design projects, with a strong grasp of principles, processes, and best practices.
• Strategic Problem-Solving – Ability to anticipate challenges, think strategically, and deliver solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Construction Administration – Proficiency in coordinating with contractors and ensuring design specifications are implemented accurately.
• Vendor & Contract Management – Experience managing consultant/vendor relationships and structuring contracts for design and construction services.
• Industry Knowledge – Familiarity with large-scale development and mission-critical projects (data centers, hyperscalers, or complex technical builds) preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work EnvironmentThis position operates primarily in an active data center construction environment, encompassing both indoor and outdoor work settings. The role requires the physical ability to perform essential job functions safely and effectively in a dynamic environment that includes ongoing construction activity and evolving site conditions.
The work environment includes areas and temporary structures owned, leased, or controlled by third parties over which Overwatch may have limited or no control. Because the project remains under construction, certain areas of the site — including access routes, staging zones, and temporary structures — may not yet be fully ADA-compliant until construction is complete or those third-party areas are finalized.
Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to walk, stand, stoop, twist, bend, and climb stairs or ladders for extended periods while navigating uneven, unpaved, or obstructed terrain.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Must be able to drive between job sites and access all areas of an active construction zone, including raised platforms, scaffolding, and confined spaces.
• Must be able to tol