DCS Norway

Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

Pre-Construction Project Manager

Job ID JOB-006-0000341

About the Role

Job Description

1. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Pre-Construction Project Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all activities during the early phases of high-voltage substation and medium-voltage distribution projects for data center and industrial clients across the Scandinavian market. 

The role ensures the successful development of projects from bid-win handover through design definition, technical validation, cost estimation, project scheduling, tender package preparation, and construction management planning, culminating in a comprehensive handover to the construction delivery team. 

Acting as a key interface between engineering, clients, and internal stakeholders, the Pre-Construction Project Manager ensures that projects are technically feasible, commercially aligned, and ready for a smooth transition into execution phases. The role coordinates multi-discipline delivery through engineering partners for civil, structural, and mechanical design, while maintaining ownership of the integrated project development. 

The Pre-Construction Project Manager takes ownership of all aspects of the project at a project level until handover to the construction team, supported by the Head of Design during development phases. 

Note: DCS Norway operates a competence-based resource model. While this job description defines the primary function of the role, individuals are expected to contribute across other engineering and project functions based on their competencies and the needs of the business. This approach supports team flexibility, professional development, and efficient resource utilisation across projects.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-Construction Project Coordination

• Lead pre-construction phase activities from bid-win handover through to construction handover. 

• Coordinate internal teams involved in engineering, planning, procurement, and commercial activities. 

• Define project scope, deliverables, and technical requirements with stakeholders. 

• Ensure alignment between client expectations and engineering capabilities. 

• Establish clear project objectives, timelines, milestones, and deliverables. 

• Manage the interface between pre-construction development and construction delivery teams to ensure comprehensive project handover. 

Engineering & Design Coordination

• Coordinate concept and basic design activities with internal engineering teams. 

• Ensure integration between primary, secondary, protection, SCADA, and power systems disciplines. 

• Coordinate multi-discipline design delivery through engineering partners (civil, structural, mechanical), managing interfaces, design integration, and partner deliverable schedules. 

• Review engineering deliverables to ensure feasibility, compliance, and alignment with data centre client requirements including redundancy architectures and concurrent maintainability. 

• Support development of technical solutions aligned with client requirements and grid connection obligations. 

• Facilitate engineering input for project definition and optimisation. 

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as primary interface with clients during pre-construction phase. 

• Lead technical and commercial discussions with clients, utilities, TSOs/DSOs, and stakeholders. 

• Clarify project requirements, specifications, and expectations, including data center-specific electrical requirements. 

• Manage client feedback and ensure alignment throughout early project stages. 

• Support client approvals and decision-making processes. 

• Coordinate with regulatory authorities and grid operators as required.

Planning, Cost & Tender Coordination

• Develop and monitor project schedules, including critical path analysis and resource planning. 

• Support cost estimation and budget development in coordination with engineering and procurement teams. 

• Prepare tender packages for construction procurement. 

• Develop construction management plans for handover to the project delivery team. 

• Ensure alignment between schedule, scope, and cost assumptions. 

• Support development of execution strategies and methodologies. 

• Provide technical input for bid development and commercial proposals.

Risk & Feasibility Management

• Identify technical, commercial, and execution risks during early project phases.

• Develop and coordinate mitigation strategies.

• Ensure constructability and feasibility of proposed solutions.

• Support decision-making through technical and risk analysis.

• Ensure readiness for transition to detailed design and execution phases.

Procurement & Execution Readiness

• Support preparation of technical specifications for procurement activities.

• Coordinate early vendor engagement where required.

• Ensure engineering and project information is complete for handover.

• Support transition of projects to execution/project delivery teams.

• Ensure continuity between pre-construction and construction phases.

3. Required Qualifications & Competencies

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

Experience:

• Minimum 7+  years of experience in project management or engineering coordination.

• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams, including management of external engineering partners.

• Experience with grid connection processes and TSO/DSO interface management. 

• Experience in HV substation or data center projects is preferred.

Technical Skills: 

• Strong understanding of project lifecycle from concept to execution. 

• Familiarity with engineering design processes and project planning. 

• Experience with project scheduling and coordination tools (MS Project, Primavera P6). 

• Understanding of cost estimation and budgeting principles. 

• Knowledge of HV substation design and MV distribution topology for data centers. 

• Familiarity with data center electrical redundancy concepts (N+1, 2N, concurrent maintainability). 

• Proficiency with ACC (Autodesk Construction Cloud) for project documentation and coordination. 

• Experience with Power BI or similar reporting and analytics tools.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills: 

• Excellent verbal and written communication in English (Portuguese is considered a plus)

• Must be an EU Citizen able to work on-site in Norway.

• Strong organizational and multitasking capabilities.

• Willingness to learn and develop technical expertise.

4. Strategic Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• Timely delivery of pre-construction milestones. 

• Accuracy and alignment of project scope, cost, and schedule. 

• Quality and feasibility of engineering and technical solutions. 

• Client satisfaction during early project phases. 

• Effective identification and mitigation of project risks. 

• Quality of project handover documentation to construction teams. 

• Effective coordination of multi-discipline partners and internal engineering teams. 

5. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

• Comply with all applicable health, safety, and environmental legislation, regulations, and company procedures. 

• Integrate safety-by-design principles into all engineering and project activities, ensuring that designs and solutions prioritise the safety of personnel, equipment, and the environment. 

• Participate in risk assessments and hazard identification activities relevant to the role. 

• Report safety concerns, incidents, and near-misses in accordance with company HSE procedures. 

• Support the development and maintenance of a positive safety culture within the team and across projects. 

• Ensure compliance with the company Integrated Management System (IMS) covering quality, safety, and environmental standards. 

• Ensure HSE considerations are embedded in project planning, design reviews, and handover documentation. 

• Coordinate HSE requirements with clients, partners, and subcontractors during pre-construction phases. 

6. Replacement Policy

• In case of absence of less than one month, the role will be temporarily supported by the Engineering Manager or Project Manager.

• For absences exceeding one month, a temporary replacement will be appointed by senior management according to DCS Norway replacement policy guidelines.

• The replacement person will assume the responsibilities outlined in this job description to ensure continuity of pre-construction activities.
  
  

Required Skills

Desired Skills