Senior Commissioning Manager - Data Centers

Overview

The Senior Commissioning (Cx) Manager is responsible for assignment-level planning, coordination, readiness verification, and delivery of the Mission Critical (MC) commissioning program on large, complex, or multi-project assignments across the Level 0–5 lifecycle, in accordance with the Commissioning Execution Standard (CxES) and applicable client requirements. The role leads Suffolk's commissioning responsibilities through project closeout and coordinates Suffolk's preparation, participation, issue resolution, and turnover support during client- and Commissioning Agent (CxA)-led commissioning activities.

The Senior Commissioning Manager typically serves as the Project Lead Commissioning Manager on large, complex, multi-building, or elevated-risk assignments and may direct one or more Commissioning Managers and supporting commissioning personnel. Assignment is based on project requirements, individual capability, and organizational needs. Organizational reporting remains through the MC Commissioning Program Manager.

The role preserves the independence and integrity of commissioning verification while supporting project delivery objectives, and carries an expanded responsibility to develop commissioning personnel and support continuous improvement of the Mission Critical Commissioning Program. Between project assignments, the Senior Commissioning Manager may support Preconstruction, pursuits, Technical MEP, commissioning planning, program development, or other program priorities.

Responsibilities

Commissioning Planning and Implementation

• Review design, procurement, and construction planning for Cx impacts; identify system-integration, access, sequencing, temporary-condition, maintainability, and testing risks early enough to support corrective action
• Develop and maintain Cx plans, schedules, responsibility assignments, readiness controls, and supporting execution tools across the assignment in accordance with current Cx Program standards and client requirements
• Coordinate Cx activities with project master schedules across concurrent builds, phases, or system scopes, from factory testing through installation verification, startup, functional testing, stress testing, and turnover
• Govern and verify Suffolk, trade partner, vendor, and third-party Cx activities without relieving those parties of responsibility for executing and documenting their work
• Lead Suffolk's preparation for and participation in client- and CxA-led functional testing, Integrated Systems Testing, training, and turnover activities
• Identify, prioritize, and escalate Cx risks, scope gaps, resource constraints, and readiness concerns across the assignment before they affect project milestones
• Lead recovery and stabilization of Cx scopes or projects that are behind schedule, inadequately controlled, or not meeting program expectations

Readiness and Startup Coordination

• Facilitate Cx readiness reviews and governance checkpoints across all scopes within the assignment in accordance with current MC standards; verify objective completion of applicable requirements and document readiness status
• Lead assignment-level coordination of startup and system turnover across concurrent or interdependent scopes, ensuring trade, vendor, testing, staffing, documentation, and contingency requirements are aligned before execution
• Coordinate Cx readiness with the project Energy Marshal(s)
• Facilitate and assist with creation and maintenance of project startup schedules
• Verify that required procedures, test scripts, approvals, and safety controls are in place and followed during startup, energized testing, load transfer, and system-state transitions
• Support Energy Marshals in carrying out their Gate Check Warden duties through accurate readiness reporting, complete documentation, and timely escalation of unresolved conditions

Documentation, Quality, and Turnover

• Ensure consistent implementation of Cx Program documentation and artifact-control requirements across the assignment and ensure complete, accurate, and traceable commissioning records are maintained within designated systems and repositories
• Oversee management of commissioning issues and deficiencies across the assignment through clear assignment, corrective action, retesting, documentation, and closure
• Partner with project Quality leadership to align inspections, installation verification, corrective work, and system completion with commissioning readiness
• Verify assembly and completion of commissioning turnover packages, training records, test results, and closeout deliverables across all scopes
• Provide clear and timely reporting of assignment commissioning status, constraints, unresolved risks, and residual exposure to project and Cx Program leadership

Stakeholder, Team, and Program Leadership

• Direct, coordinate, and develop assigned Commissioning Managers, Commissioning Engineers, and supporting commissioning personnel, including work assignment, technical direction, and day-to-day priorities; direct the commissioning activities of consultants, vendors, and third-party providers supporting the assignment
• Mentor commissioning professionals; provide performance observations, development feedback, and assignment recommendations to the Commissioning Program Manager
• Ensure consistent application of established Cx Program standards, documentation requirements, and readiness expectations across assigned commissioning personnel and scopes
• Serve as the senior commissioning interface with client leadership, the CxA, project executive leadership, trade partners, and operations personnel; represent commissioning in executive-level project reviews and client engagements
• Support Preconstruction and pursuit activities as assigned, including commissioning strategy, staffing approaches, schedules, and proposal content

Provide field-based input, lessons learned, and implementation feedback supporting continuous improvement of Cx Program standards, training, and execution tools.

#MCHiring

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of industry, trade, military, and technical experience
• Minimum eight years of progressively responsible commissioning, startup, MEP construction, or comparable Mission Critical experience, including sustained successful leadership of full-lifecycle commissioning on large or complex projects and demonstrated experience directing, mentoring, or developing commissioning personnel
• Strong technical competence in at least one core discipline (electrical, mechanical, or controls), with working knowledge of integrated Mission Critical systems
• Experience reviewing drawings, specifications, submittals, sequences of operation, test procedures, schedules, and technical documentation; familiarity with applicable industry standards and codes (ASHRAE, NEC, NFPA)
• Demonstrated experience managing client and CxA relationships and representing commissioning at senior project levels
• OSHA 30 certification, or ability to obtain within 90 days, and working knowledge of NFPA 70E and applicable hazardous-energy-control requirements
• Strong communication, organization, leadership, documentation, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work extended or off-shift hours during startup and testing phases and to deploy to project locations for extended durations
• Demonstrated commitment to Suffolk's Core Values of Passion, Integrity, Hard Work, Professionalism, and Caring

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant commissioning certification (CxA, CCP, or equivalent); PMP, EIT, PE, or comparable professional credential
• Hyperscale data center campus or multi-building program experience across concurrent builds
• Experience leading commissioning recovery on troubled scopes and supporting proposals, pursuits, or preconstruction planning
• Familiarity with NETA testing and electrical acceptance documentation; working knowledge of building information modeling (BIM) and its use in MEP systems coordination

Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear; perform fine motor, hand and finger skills in the use of a keyboard, telephone, or writing. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; and reach with arms and/or hands. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will spend their time in an office environment with a quiet to moderate noise level. Job site walking.

EEO Statement

Suffolk provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, national origin, citizenship, genetic information, disability, protected veteran, gender identity, age or any other status protected by law.  This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment.  Suffolk will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination toward, or harassment of, applicants or employees by anyone at Suffolk, or anyone working on behalf of Suffolk.

Compensation Information

Where required by law, pay ranges can be found in Suffolk's job postings. Base Salary for this position is just one component of Suffolk’s total rewards package for employees. Actual salaries may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's skill set, experience, education and other qualifications. Suffolk offers a comprehensive benefits package as part of its overall total rewards strategy. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly to reflect market trends.

About Suffolk

Suffolk is a national enterprise that builds, innovates, and invests. We provide value across the entire project lifecycle through our core construction management services and complementary business lines in real estate investment, design, self-perform construction, and technology start-up investment (Suffolk Technologies). By integrating data, artificial intelligence, and advanced technology through our Seamless Platform, we connect design, construction, and operations to deliver smarter, more predictable results and redefine how America builds. 

Suffolk – America’s Contractor – is a national company with more than $13 billion in annual revenue, 3,000 employees, and 17 offices, including Boston (headquarters), New York City, Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Estero, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Herndon, U.S. Virgin Islands, and other key markets. Suffolk manages some of the most complex and transformative projects in the country, serving clients across healthcare, life sciences, education, gaming, aviation, transportation, government, mission critical, and commercial sectors. Suffolk is privately held and is led by founder, chairman and CEO John Fish. Suffolk is ranked #8 on ENR’s list of “Top CM-at-Risk Contractors.” For more information, visit www.suffolk.com and follow Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. 

At Suffolk, we believe that our total rewards program should offer you and your family the support you need when it matters most. That’s why we have created a program that provides employees with access to a wide variety of options that can be personalized to support you and your loved ones physically, emotionally, and financially. 

Benefits include, competitive salaries, auto allowances and gas cards for certain roles, access to market leading medical and emotional and mental health benefits, dental, and vision insurance plans, virtual care options for physical therapy and primary care, generous paid time off, 401k plan with employer match and access to expert financial resources, company paid and voluntary life insurance, tax deferred savings accounts, 10 backup daycare days each year, short- and long-term disability, commuter benefits and more.? For more information, click?here.