Sr. Project Manager, Data Center
Job Description
Senior Project Manager –Data Center / Structured Cabling
Overview
We are seeking a highly strategic Senior Project Manager with strong experience operating in union environments to lead large-scale data center construction and retrofit initiatives. This individual will play a critical role in guiding client expectations, managing timelines and budgets, and driving execution across active project sites currently in phases such as technical modifications and retrofits.
This role requires a hands-on leader who can operate effectively in complex, fast-paced environments while overseeing large field teams and maintaining strong stakeholder alignment.
Key Requirements 1. Client & Stakeholder Management
Position Summary
The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the overall direction, execution, and financial performance of multiple projects of varying size and complexity. This role serves as a key representative of the organization, ensuring successful delivery while fostering strong client relationships and identifying opportunities for continued business.
Position Details
Core Responsibilities
Qualifications for Success
Education & Experience
Preferred Certifications
Additional Notes
This position includes supervisory responsibilities and requires a hands-on leadership approach. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs and project demands.
We are seeking a highly strategic Senior Project Manager with strong experience operating in union environments to lead large-scale data center construction and retrofit initiatives. This individual will play a critical role in guiding client expectations, managing timelines and budgets, and driving execution across active project sites currently in phases such as technical modifications and retrofits.
This role requires a hands-on leader who can operate effectively in complex, fast-paced environments while overseeing large field teams and maintaining strong stakeholder alignment.
Key Requirements 1. Client & Stakeholder Management
- Strong customer relationship experience working directly with Clients and General Contractors
- Ability to represent the company in site meetings and clearly communicate progress, risks, and execution plans
- Comfortable leading and communicating 5-week lookaheads
- Ability to coordinate labor, materials, and installation sequencing within an active data center construction environment
- Strong safety mindset with experience operating in safety-first construction environments
- Experience managing safety expectations across large field teams and union labor
- Solid BICSI foundation with strong understanding of structured cabling / low-voltage environments
- Familiarity with fiber conveyance, pathways, and connectivity work
- Experience working in union environments, particularly with IBEW technicians
- Comfortable managing both direct hires vs. Subcontractor teams
- Oversight of a large team structure including Project Manager, Construction Manager, and technicians
- Expected leadership scope of 70+ personnel on-site, including 60+ technicians
- OSHA 30
- PMP Certification (highly preferred)
- RCDD Certification (nice to have)
Position Summary
The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the overall direction, execution, and financial performance of multiple projects of varying size and complexity. This role serves as a key representative of the organization, ensuring successful delivery while fostering strong client relationships and identifying opportunities for continued business.
Position Details
- Exempt salaried position (structured as weekly salary for invoicing purposes)
- Contract role with potential for extension or conversion
- Standard hours: Monday–Friday, 7: 00 AM –3: 30 PM
- Fully onsite at a client location (DeKalb, IL)
- Travel: up to 15%
Core Responsibilities
- Promote and enforce a safety-first culture aligned with company and client policies
- Lead and manage project teams to deliver high-quality results
- Manage project schedules, budgets, and overall performance metrics
- Oversee subcontractor/vendor performance to ensure compliant delivery
- Provide consistent progress updates, reporting, and forecasting
- Ensure all deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and within budget
- Manage cost controls across labor, materials, and equipment
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and internal teams
- Support estimating, construction feasibility, and value engineering efforts
- Leverage construction technologies and platforms to improve efficiency and outcomes
- Drive continuous improvement and Lean initiatives
- Lead training and development efforts to strengthen team capabilities
Qualifications for Success
- Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities
- Deep understanding of construction estimating, engineering practices, and cost forecasting
- Experience identifying and managing change events
- Knowledge of construction technologies, quality standards, and safety requirements
- Working knowledge of PMBOK methodologies
- Advanced leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong presentation and stakeholder communication abilities
- Proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, Procore, Textura, and similar platforms
Education & Experience
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Minimum 8+ years of progressive experience in construction management or leadership roles
- Experience managing large structured cabling or data center construction projects highly preferred
- Proven experience overseeing union labor and working within collective bargaining environments
- Experience managing large-scale, multi-million-dollar projects
- Background in mission-critical infrastructure (data center new builds and retrofits preferred)
- Experience across various contract types (lump sum, GMP, T&M, etc.)
- Proven ability to lead teams of 50–100+ personnel on active job sites
Preferred Certifications
- OSHA 30 (required within 6 months if not already obtained)
- BICSI RCDD
- BICSI RTPM
- PMP
Additional Notes
This position includes supervisory responsibilities and requires a hands-on leadership approach. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs and project demands.
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