Lead Project Manager (Data Center)

Lead Project Manager - Data Center Construction
Location: Rockdale, TX
Job Summary
The Lead Project Manager (LPM) is responsible for driving all phases of a mission-critical data center project-from preconstruction through commissioning and final owner turnover. Serving as the primary point of contact for the client and all project stakeholders, the LPM leads both in-house teams and field operations to ensure the project is delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the stringent quality standards required for hyperscale data center environments.

The LPM oversees cost management, schedule execution, procurement, submittal and shop drawing review, risk mitigation, and coordination with local authorities for permitting and inspections. This role ensures seamless integration of complex MEP systems, long-lead equipment, and commissioning activities while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Primary Duties

• Champion a strong safety culture across all project phases
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, company safety policies, and site-specific requirements
• Lead and participate in safety meetings, audits, and corrective action planning
• Manage all project activities from preconstruction through substantial completion and owner sign-off
• Lead development of the project schedule, including MEP milestones, equipment delivery sequencing, energization, startup, and commissioning
• Oversee field construction activities, engineering coordination, and project support functions
• Conduct regular site walks to evaluate progress, quality, safety, and adherence to design intent
• Coordinate with subcontractors to ensure all work meets project scope, specifications, and mission-critical requirements
• Maintain full responsibility for project financial performance, including cost control, forecasting, and profitability
• Prepare monthly cost reports, owner billings, and cash-flow projections
• Review cost reports and productivity metrics to identify opportunities for improvement
• Manage procurement, long-lead equipment tracking, and material delivery strategies
• Serve as the primary liaison with owners, architects, engineers, commissioning agents, and local authorities
• Lead issue resolution efforts and develop solutions for design, constructability, and sequencing challenges
• Conduct regular coordination meetings with field supervision and trade partners
• Ensure subcontractors maintain focus on quality, safety, and commissioning readiness
• Oversee the project's Quality Control program, ensuring compliance with mission-critical standards
• Manage submittal reviews, shop drawings, and equipment documentation
• Support commissioning activities, including startup, functional testing, integrated systems testing (IST), and turnover documentation
• Ensure all project deliverables meet owner expectations for reliability and redundancy
• Administer project policies, procedures, and contract requirements
• Understand and manage contract terms, including General Conditions, fee structures, burn rates, and risk allocations
• Coordinate with local government officials for permitting, inspections, and compliance
• Evaluate equipment needs and ensure proper maintenance and utilization
• Monitor purchasing activities to ensure quality materials and timely delivery at competitive pricing
• Organize and lead project teams to achieve project goals
• Mentor project engineers, assistant PMs, and field leaders
• Demonstrate company values and uphold the Code of Conduct
• Refuse unsafe work and ensure all activities follow established safety procedures
• Report incidents, near misses, and hazards promptly
• Maintain required PPE and promote safe work practices
• Participate in inspections, training, and safety meetings
• Support enforcement of safety compliance among all trade partners

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred
• Equivalent experience or training may substitute for degree
• Minimum 10 years of construction management experience, with at least 5 years in mission-critical or data center environments
• Experience managing medium to large projects ($100M+) required

Requirements

• Strong proficiency with Primavera P6, MS Project, Excel, Word, and related project management tools
• Experience implementing large-scale safety programs
• Proven ability to lead project teams and achieve schedule, cost, and quality goals
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills
• Experience with cost reporting systems (cash flow, cost control, VDC integration, schedule performance)
• Deep understanding of all construction disciplines, with emphasis on complex MEP systems, redundancy strategies, and commissioning processes

Physical Demands/Essential Job Functions:

This job description reflects an assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Physical requirements for this role may include but not limited to walking, standing, operating tools / equipment, and lifting items (up to 25lbs).?? Tasks may also be carried out in varying weather conditions and environments as appliable to the position.?

About Yates Construction

Ranked among the top commercial and industrial construction companies in the country by?Engineering News-Record, Yates Construction is family-owned and provides a wide range of construction and building services. Incorporated in 1964 by William G. Yates Jr., we have steadily grown to become one of the top commercial and industrial construction companies in the nation. We are financially sound with a significant bonding capacity as well as vast personnel and equipment resources.

Our portfolio includes?commercial and industrial projects from various sectors including arts and culture, civil, commercial, education, entertainment and gaming, federal, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, municipal, retail, and technology. We work hard to understand our client's business needs and continually look for opportunities to provide additional value to our clients and their projects.

Our client?relationships are the foundation of our success, and our primary goal is to help each of our clients achieve their vision. We do this by carefully managing the?details and complexities?of each project and communicating constantly with all team members.

Yates Construction provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal and state law requirements.

Yates complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.