Construction Manager: Data Centre - Nxtra

Nxtra by Airtel in Africa is developing a Data Centre Division building the most advanced, secure and efficient Data Centres in the African Countries where it shall operate.  We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Construction Manager Data Centre to pioneer and oversee the physical execution of this landmark facility. 

The Construction Manager will oversee all onsite and offsite construction activities for the Nxtra Nigeria Data Centre from groundbreaking to final handover. Lead the end-to-end construction execution and multidisciplinary coordination for the Data Centre project. The role will complement the existing Project Manager by providing deep, hands-on expertise in Civil, Structural, Architectural and MEPF construction, with primary responsibility for site execution, interfaces, quality, programme and construction readiness. The Construction Manager will be the senior construction authority on site, coordinating across the PMC, design consultants, contractors, specialist/LLE contractors, vendors, commissioning teams and other project stakeholders.

Construction Leadership

• Lead day-to-day construction execution and provide strong site leadership across CSA, MEPF and specialist systems.
• Develop and drive an integrated construction strategy, sequencing and execution plan.
• Coordinate multiple contractors and consultants and ensure clear ownership of all construction interfaces.
• Identify construction, design and interface risks early and drive timely resolution.

Multidisciplinary Coordination

• Coordinate Civil, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, ELV and specialist works as one integrated facility.
• Manage critical CSA–MEPF interfaces, including equipment foundations, penetrations, embeds, services coordination, access and installation sequencing.
• Review construction/shop drawings and methodologies from a constructability and execution perspective.
• Challenge and resolve technical issues between contractors and consultants.

Programme & Delivery

• Monitor the integrated construction programme, critical path and key milestones.
• Drive short-term look-ahead planning, resource deployment and productivity.
• Identify delays and constraints and lead recovery actions.
• Coordinate construction sequencing with equipment delivery, installation, testing and commissioning.

Quality & HSE

• Drive high standards of construction quality and workmanship.
• Monitor QA/QC, ITPs, inspections, testing, NCRs and rework.
• Ensure compliance with approved design, specifications, standards and project requirements.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE requirements.

Commissioning & Handover

• Ensure construction activities are planned with commissioning and operational readiness in mind.
• Coordinate construction completion, pre-commissioning and system readiness.
• Drive punch-list closure and completion of as-built drawings, test records and handover documentation.
• Support integrated testing and final facility readiness.

Stakeholder & Contractor Management

• Function as the key construction interface between the Client, PMC, consultants, contractors, specialist contractors, vendors and commissioning teams.
• Manage contractor performance, construction methodologies, resources and site productivity.
• Provide clear and timely reporting on progress, risks, issues and recovery actions.
• Support technical evaluation of variations claims and proposed design/construction changes.

Educational Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related discipline. 
• Professional certification in project management would be an advantage.

Relevant Experience & Functional / Technical Skills 

• 18+ years of construction experience, with significant experience leading large, complex multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong practical knowledge across CSA and MEPF construction.
• Proven experience managing multiple contractors, consultants and complex project interfaces.
• Strong understanding of construction planning, sequencing, QA/QC, HSE and commissioning.
• Demonstrated ability to independently assess and resolve complex site and engineering issues.
• Data Centre / Mission Critical experience strongly preferred, particularly hyperscale or Tier III/Tier IV facilities.