Industrial Project Manager - Data Centers

Data Center Project Manager

CDM Smith is seeking a Data Center Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of complex, mission-critical data center projects for our clients nationwide. This high-impact role focuses on managing scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk while coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders across all phases of infrastructure delivery.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience planning, managing, engineering of design build, and/or EPC (engineer, procure, construct) projects for data centers, including power delivery, water systems, networking, and civil site development. Experience should span all project phases including due diligence, site election, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project closeout. This individual will help data center clients implement planning and capital programs, meet water management objectives, address power requirements, and deliver safe, high-quality outcomes aligned with client standards, operational needs, and risk management.

As an integral member of our dynamic Industrial team, the Data Center Project Manager will contribute by:

• Managing delivery of data center projects and/or programs, serving as the primary point of contact for day-to-day project execution with major clients in the U.S.
• Leading and managing cross functional teams to develop and execute project scope, schedule, and budget, including work planning, staffing, cost control, and change management.
• Managing projects from early concept development through detailed design, procurement support, construction administration, commissioning, and closeout for mission-critical facilities.
• Leading internal and external coordination across engineering disciplines, constructors, vendors, and client stakeholders to support on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Managing project financial performance, including forecasting, invoicing, earned value (as applicable), and timely identification/escalation of risks and opportunities.
• Serving as a mentor and leader of multi-disciplinary project teams, promoting collaboration, accountability, and consistent project execution.
• Performing and leading technical problem solving with engineering teams; coordinating with lead practitioners, quality managers, and key technical specialists to resolve complex issues related to integration BMS and EPMS systems
• Implementing project controls, quality management, and H&S requirements; providing guidance and review at the project level while ensuring discipline and quality standards are adhered to.
• Supporting client satisfaction and repeat work by proactively communicating status, resolving issues, and ensuring deliverables meet contract requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead client-facing delivery teams; communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders; and manage scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk for complex capital projects.

Skills & Abilities

Experience working with project management methodology including budget development, project planning, control and assurance methodologies, project management software and finance and accounting concepts and practices. Demonstrates good communications skills, both verbal and written. Possesses in-depth knowledge of project goals, drivers, strategies, risks and opportunities. Work requires verbal skills, ability to interact with varying levels of staff, as well as vendors. Good interpersonal and presentation skills for interacting with team members and clients. Ability to deal with many people and process a large volume of requests as necessary. Good personal computer skills including advanced knowledge in the use of MS Word and Excel. Demonstrates organizational skills to balance and prioritize work.

Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field.

- 7+ years of related experience managing design and/or construction projects, including experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.

- PMP (PMI), certification is required (within 12 months of hire or promotion onto the Approved Project Manager list).

- Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

- Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience delivering mission-critical and hyperscale data center projects, including site/civil, power delivery, and water systems.

- Design-build and/or EPC project delivery experience, including procurement coordination, construction oversight, and commissioning/turnover support.

- Proven experience managing preparation and delivery of engineering/design packages for construction, including coordination of reviews and approvals.

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to lead client-facing meetings and manage expectations.

- Demonstrated proficiency with project controls, contract administration, and risk management for complex capital projects.

- Additional relevant credentials (e.g., CCM, DBIA) and/or mission-critical commissioning training/certifications are a plus.

Amount of Travel Required

10% or less

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions.