Data Center Construction Senior Project Manager

Summary

The Senior Construction Project Manager will act as the Owner’s Representative for mission-critical data center construction projects, serving as the primary point of accountability for project execution from design through commissioning. This role is responsible for managing Owner’s design, engineering, procurement, and construction contractors while maintaining oversight of construction quality, project budget, and schedule adherence. The Senior PM will work to minimize Owner risk, avoid change orders, and ensure all contractors are delivering per their agreements. This is a highly visible, client-facing role that requires strong technical expertise, exceptional communication skills, and a deep understanding of mission-critical construction environments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Act as Owner’s representative, adding value to the construction of data centers that meet or exceed industry standards while representing the Owner professionally and ethically at all times.
• Monitor daily construction activities at the project site, including scheduling of work and delivery of equipment and materials.
• Review submittals, drawings, and reports during the project design phase to identify and resolve potential issues before they impact construction.
• Track and report on work progress, budget status, and schedule status regularly to the Owner and company leadership in both verbal and written report form.
• Manage and finalize contract documents such as RFIs and change orders, preparing them for management review and approval.
• Review, verify, and approve contractor progress billings and provide initial evaluation of all contractor payment applications to ensure accuracy relative to actual project construction status.
• Assist in cash flow forecasting and processing of payment requests; represent Owner in contract and payment discussions with contractors.
• Review all commissioning, quality assurance, and quality control work and reporting completed by contractors; coordinate internal and external engineering support as needed.
• Work with Owner’s operations staff, asset manager, and O&M provider to facilitate field visits and document review in anticipation of substantial completion and commercial operation date.
• Manage internal project team to produce client deliverables and prioritize Owner site representative activities and inspections to monitor contractor performance.
• Represent Owner and coordinate site tours as needed for investors, utility representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Provide support for and/or lead construction contract negotiations and RFP production.
• Perform due diligence tasks on new project opportunities and conduct site assessments of potential projects.
• Coordinate with and direct Owner’s consultants as needed throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work to mitigate change orders and ensure construction is undertaken properly with Owner’s risk minimized at every stage.

Skills, Knowledge, Education, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in a construction or project management role.
• Experience with construction contract administration and knowledge of related construction practices.
• Prior experience in mission-critical or data center environments strongly preferred; experience in utility electricity generation a plus.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• High levels of initiative, self-direction, and attention to detail with the ability to work effectively in a close team environment.
• Ability to motivate contractors through solid communication skills and contract knowledge to accomplish Owner and project goals.
• Capable of planning and organizing internal and external resources across complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound decision-making ability under pressure.
• Willingness to take on responsibilities with a commitment to perform and the flexibility to adapt as project needs evolve.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to direct troubleshooting and resolution of highly complex or unusual construction problems.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.