Data Center - Construction Manager

Data Center - Construction Manager

AFL provides industry-leading fiber optic products and services across the globe. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and now we manufacture over two thousand products, employ over 5,000 associates and consistently generate annual sales in excess of a billion-dollars in revenue. With our commitment to professional growth and employee development, let AFL "Connect" you to your next career opportunity!

Job Summary – Data Center Construction Manager

The Data Center Construction Manager leads fast paced infrastructure build outs, upgrades, and expansion projects within hyperscale, enterprise, and colocation data centers. This role executes project plans by coordinating and scheduling assignments, managing materials logistics, equipment, contractors, and tools required to deliver projects on time and within budget. The position requires proactive communication, detailed planning, and strong collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring all construction and installation activities meet customer expectations, datacenter standards, and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

Project & Team Leadership

• Reports directly to the Operations Manager and leads onsite construction and installation teams.
• Coordinates day-to-day activities for electrical, mechanical, cabling, commissioning, and general construction crews.
• Conducts daily safety briefings, JSA's, toolbox talks, and enforces adherence to all site safety requirements.

Technical Execution

• Oversees the installation and integration of data center systems including rack/stack hardware, structured cabling, fiber systems, PDUs, busway, grounding, containment systems, HVAC components, and power distribution equipment.
• Working knowledge of AC/DC power systems, UPS systems, battery strings, generators, and -48Vdc power.
• Ability to lead crews through complex tasks on active datacenter floors and equipment rooms.
• Demonstrated proficiency in at least one area: structured cabling, fiber splicing/testing, electrical/conduit installation, mechanical systems, or equipment commissioning.

Testing, Quality, & Documentation

• Working knowledge of test equipment including OTDR, power meters, fiber certification testers, thermal imaging tools, circuit analyzers, and other commissioning gear.
• Ability to evaluate test results, troubleshoot infrastructure faults, respond to trouble tickets, and support maintenance activities.
• Conduct site surveys, quality assurance reviews, punchlist walkdowns, and verify construction meets design and customer standards.
• Prepare daily/weekly progress reports, feasibility assessments, and project documentation.

Project Coordination

• Manage material procurement, storage, and onsite logistics.
• Ensure all installation work aligns with engineering drawings, MOPs, and datacenter operational requirements.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, network engineering, commissioning agents, and facility operations to identify and resolve issues.
• Provide customer support, including direct communication during builds, guidance on issue resolution, and management of customer expectations.
• Ensure compliance with company Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) policies.

Personal Qualities

• Leadership: Proven success leading high-performance teams in mission critical environments.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret technical data to drive decision-making and project outcomes.
• Conflict Resolution: Skilled at building consensus, anticipating issues, and resolving onsite conflicts.
• Results Driven: Able to manage multiple competing priorities with strong execution discipline.
• Communication: Effective at communicating plans, interpreting policies, and presenting updates to stakeholders.
• Relationship Building: Able to work in cross functional environments and demonstrate strong team leadership.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a related technical field, or five (5) years equivalent experience in datacenter or mission-critical facility construction/management.
• Strong technical background in datacenter infrastructure, including electrical, mechanical, and structured cabling systems.
• Familiarity with IT, networking, and datacenter architectures.
• Ability to think critically, problem-solve, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Current industry certifications preferred (e.g., BICSI, OSHA, PMP, Data Center ops certifications).

Working Conditions

• Use of hand tools and power tools as required for site work.
• Frequent climbing of ladders, navigating raised floors, and working in construction zones.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials.
• Standard hours Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm; however, afterhours and weekend support may be required during critical cutovers or maintenance windows.
• Travel required based on project locations.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Minimum Education - Preferred Degree or Type

B.A. or equivalent experience - Business Administration/Engineering

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.