Preconstruction Manager

About Apto

Apto is dedicated to designing, building, and operating hyperscale data centres in Europe's fastest-growing markets. These data centres address critical capacity constraints around space, power, and permits, enabling the growth of the digital economy. Supported by global investment manager PIMCO’s expansive real estate platform, Apto combines robust resources with ambitious leadership to deliver impactful infrastructure projects.

Role Overview

This Preconstruction Manager position reports to the Preconstruction Director and involves working within the preconstruction team to develop construction logic and strategies for new data centre builds. This role works closely with schedulers to define construction sequences and timelines covering design, power, permitting, procurement, and building processes. The role requires collaboration with customers to incorporate their needs, engagement with the commercial team to onboard contractors and suppliers, and interaction with external and internal stakeholders to advance preconstruction efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Define construction sequencing and duration for new data centre projects in collaboration with Apto’s scheduler.
• Assist in establishing construction strategies tailored to each metropolitan area.
• Engage directly with customers to facilitate smooth onboarding and integrate their requirements into project plans.
• Collaborate with Commercial Team to select and onboard general contractors, M&E contractors, and equipment suppliers.
• Develop and update employer requirement documentation related to construction.
• Support tender process management and supply chain appointments adhering to construction strategies.
• Work alongside external partners such as Joint Venture Partners, regulatory bodies, consultants, and landowners to advance pre- and post-land sale due diligence and preconstruction activities.
• Advise the internal design team on mechanical and electrical constructability to ensure safe, sustainable, secure, and cost-efficient designs.
• Drive value engineering initiatives during preconstruction.
• Travel within Europe (approximately 30%) to participate in preconstruction activities and provide construction guidance near critical milestones.
• Assist Commercial Team in preparing and refining project budgets as designs evolve.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in construction management, electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering, or seven years equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 10 years construction experience, including at least 5 years specifically in data centre preconstruction or construction.
• Strong mechanical or electrical expertise with a solid grasp of both disciplines.
• Experience defining construction logic for multi-level buildings and managing construction schedules.
• Proven success defining procurement strategies and overseeing construction tender processes.
• Experience leading large contracts valued over €20 million.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven years or more of data centre preconstruction or construction experience in Europe.
• Experience collaborating with major data centre providers across various European cities.
• More than 5 years of relevant experience in substation preconstruction or construction.
• Proficiency in developing data centre schedules from foundational principles.
• Expertise managing data centre tenders and driving value engineering at preconstruction.
• Strong track record in producing consistent and high-quality documentation for processes, standards, and procedures.
• Experience delivering data centre CSA and MEP scopes and managing onsite due diligence.

Additional Information

Location: Dublin, Ireland, with approximately 30% travel across Europe.

Compensation: Competitive salary and bonuses along with comprehensive benefits. All employees participate in a Long-Term Incentive Plan aligning team success with company growth.

Growth Opportunities: Join Apto at an early stage, providing exposure to senior leaders, investors, and a high-caliber team. The company values accountability and ambition for career advancement.

Reporting Structure

This role reports directly to Niall Kenny, Preconstruction Director.

Diversity and Inclusion

Apto is committed to equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive workplace.