VP Program Manager, Data Centers

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward. What this job involves:As VP, Program Manager, you will serve as the day-to-day PMO lead for a large data center campus, overseeing mission-critical infrastructure projects that demand exceptional technical expertise and operational precision. You will manage integrated project teams delivering complex data center construction and operations programs while maintaining the rigorous standards required for 24/7 uptime environments. Your deep understanding of data center infrastructure, vendor ecosystems, and critical facility requirements will be essential to ensuring seamless program execution. Working closely with client stakeholders and senior leadership, you will drive operational excellence across all aspects of campus development and ongoing facility management.What your day-to-day will look like:Program Leadership & PMO OperationsLeading daily PMO operations for the data center campus, coordinating multiple concurrent projects across construction, infrastructure upgrades, and facility expansionsEstablishing and maintaining PMO frameworks, standards, governance structures, and reporting cadences specific to data center program deliveryServing as the central point of coordination between clients, contractors, design teams, MEP specialists, and critical systems vendorsManaging master program schedules, interdependencies, and resource allocation across the campus portfolioTechnical Program ExecutionOverseeing mission-critical infrastructure projects including power distribution, cooling systems, backup generators, fire suppression, and network infrastructureEnsuring adherence to data center industry standards (Uptime Institute Tier classifications, ASHRAE guidelines, etc.) and client-specific technical requirementsCoordinating commissioning activities, integrated systems testing, and operational readiness for data center facilitiesManaging relationships with specialized data center contractors, equipment vendors, and critical infrastructure providersClient & Stakeholder ManagementActing as the primary client interface for program delivery, building trusted relationships with facilities teams, IT leadership, and executive stakeholdersConducting regular program reviews, presenting status updates, risk assessments, and performance metrics to client leadershipTranslating complex technical requirements into actionable program plans and communicating progress across technical and non-technical audiencesManaging client expectations around capacity planning, phased delivery schedules, and operational transition planningFinancial & Risk ManagementOverseeing program budgets ranging into hundreds of millions of dollars, tracking costs across multiple projects and ensuring financial accountabilityMonitoring change management processes, reviewing and approving change orders while maintaining budget integrityIdentifying and mitigating program risks including supply chain disruptions, long-lead equipment delays, and operational continuity concernsEnsuring compliance with safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and data center-specific operational standardsTeam Development & Process ImprovementLeading and mentoring a team of project managers, coordinators, and technical specialists focused on data center deliveryImplementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance PMO effectiveness, reporting accuracy, and program delivery efficiencyDeveloping data center-specific project management methodologies, templates, and lessons learned repositoriesSupporting business development efforts through client relationship management, technical expertise, and proposal developmentRequired Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical, mechanical, or civil preferred), construction management, or related technical field12+ years of program/project management experience with significant exposure to data center or mission-critical facility projectsProven experience leading PMO operations for large-scale capital programs ($100M+ portfolios)Deep understanding of data center infrastructure including power systems (UPS, generators, switchgear), cooling architectures (CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water systems), and supporting MEP systemsDemonstrated success managing complex stakeholder relationships in demanding, high-accountability environmentsExperience with commissioning processes, integrated systems testing, and operational handover for critical facilitiesExtensive experience supervising, developing, and mentoring technical project teamsExceptional organizational skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent high-priority initiativesStrong financial acumen including budget management, cost forecasting, and value engineeringOutstanding communication skills with ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiencesPreferred Qualifications:Advanced degree in engineering, construction management, or business administrationPMP, CCM, or other recognized project management certificationsLEED AP or data center-specific certifications (CDCP, CDCS, or similar)Experience with hyperscale data center environments or colocation facilitiesFamiliarity with modular/prefabricated data center delivery methodsProficiency in project management platforms (Smartsheet, Procore, P6, MS Project) and data analytics toolsSix Sigma or Lean certification with demonstrated process improvement track recordExperience working with mission-critical clients in technology, cloud services, or telecommunications sectorsTrack record of successful business development and client portfolio growthThis position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.Expected compensation for this position:138,840.00 – 201,480.00 USD per yearFinal compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.Location:Remote –Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Kansas City, MO, Lufkin, TX, Shreveport, LA, Washington, DCIf this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits include:401(k) plan with matching company contributionsComprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision CarePaid parental leave at 100% of salary Paid Time Off and Company HolidaysEarly access to earned wages through Daily PayAt JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.JLL Privacy NoticeJones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please view our Candidate Privacy Statement.For additional details please see our career site pages for each country.For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.California Residents onlyIf you are a California resident as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) please view our Supplemental Privacy Statement which describes your rights and disclosures about your personal information. If you are viewing this on a mobile device you may want to view the CCPA version on a larger device.Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.SummaryLocation: Houston, TX; Shreveport, LA; Kansas City, MO; Lufkin, TX; Washington, DC; Dallas, TX; Atlanta, GAType: Full time