Senior Project Manager- Critical Environments

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IFCP Critical Environment Sr. Project Manager – JLL

What This Role Involves:

As a Senior Project Manager for Critical Environments, you will play a key role in delivering complex capital projects within mission-critical facilities, including data centers and other critical infrastructure environments. In this highly visible position, you will be responsible for guiding projects from planning through execution while ensuring exceptional outcomes in safety, quality, schedule, budget, and client satisfaction. You will join a team that is committed to empowering individuals, developing high-performing teams, and driving results through collaboration at both local and global levels. Operating in a player-coach capacity, you will balance hands-on project delivery with leadership responsibilities, leveraging your technical expertise and industry experience to oversee and guide variable/market project managers, strengthen team capabilities, and promote operational excellence. Success in this role requires a strong understanding of mission-critical infrastructure systems, exceptional project management skills, and the ability to lead teams through complex technical challenges while building trusted relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead critical environment and data center projects from initiation through closeout, ensuring successful delivery against scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, schedules, budgets, and risk management strategies.
• Identify, evaluate, and proactively mitigate project risks, issues, and obstacles.
• Manage project financial performance, including forecasting, change management, budget controls, and reporting.
• Ensure project documentation, governance requirements, and reporting standards are consistently maintained.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for clients and key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, consultants, vendors, and internal partners.
• Provide clear and concise project communications, executive updates, and decision support throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate meetings, presentations, and stakeholder engagement activities to drive alignment and project success.

Technical Oversight

• Provide technical leadership for critical infrastructure projects involving:
• Electrical systems, including switchgear, generators, UPS systems, and power distribution
• Mechanical and cooling systems, including HVAC and mission-critical cooling infrastructure
• Fire and life safety systems
• Building management and monitoring systems
• Review engineering designs, technical specifications, and construction documents to ensure compliance with project objectives and industry standards.
• Oversee installation quality, commissioning activities, integrated systems testing, and operational readiness.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of complex technical issues throughout project execution.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide oversight and coach assigned variable project managers supporting critical environment projects on the account.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Conduct regular coaching and development discussions focused on project management best practices and technical proficiency.
• Share lessons learned and promote the adoption of standardized processes, tools, and methodologies.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of project management experience supporting critical environments, mission-critical facilities, or data center infrastructure projects.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience leading, supervising, or mentoring project teams.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems and mission-critical facility infrastructure.
• Demonstrated expertise in engineering design reviews, construction management, commissioning, and project controls.
• Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Proficiency with project management software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, stakeholder management, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in fast-paced, client-focused environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license, Data Center Energy Practitioner (DCEP), Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP), or similar industry certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma, LEED Accreditation, or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience with JLL project delivery platforms, including AdaptiveWork, Ingenious, and E1/Spend.
• Advanced proficiency with Smartsheet, including dashboard development, reporting automation, and resource planning.
• Experience working within large corporate, matrixed, or global organizations.
• Knowledge of local building codes, permitting processes, and regulatory requirements affecting mission-critical facilities.
• Understanding of security, operational resiliency, and business continuity requirements in critical environments.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making capabilities.

Location:

Downtown Chicago or Naperville (regular on-site presence required with client and contractor interaction at critical facility locations)

Work Shift:

Regular business hours with availability for critical operations and after-hours support for mission-critical facilities This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Expected compensation for this position: 109,735.00 – 148,465.00 USD per year Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations. Location: On-site –Chicago, IL If 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 contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

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