Project Manager

nLighten HQ BV; Berlin; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

nLighten is seeking an experienced and hands-on Project Manager to lead data centre construction and capital projects from design development through procurement, construction, commissioning, and final handover to Operations.

You will act as nLighten’s client-side project lead, coordinating internal stakeholders, designers, consultants, contractors, and suppliers to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery to nLighten’s quality and technical standards.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering complex construction projects in data centres or critical infrastructure
• Experience across design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover
• Understanding of HOAI, VOB, BGB, and DIN/VDE standards
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings
• Experience in live environments prioritizing safety and continuity
• Degree in engineering or related field; PMP or IPMA is advantageous

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from design development through handover and close-out
• Manage programme, budget, risk register, action log, change log, and reporting
• Coordinate internal stakeholders, designers, contractors, consultants, and suppliers
• Oversee construction and major MEP works, including electrical and mechanical systems
• Coordinate commissioning activities and handover to Operations
• Provide weekly/monthly progress, costs, risks, and decisions reporting

Skills

Project management

Construction management

Budget management

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Contract administration

Reading drawings

MEP systems

German regulation

Travel willingness

Education

Engineering degree or related discipline

Job description

nLighten is a leading European edge data centre platform operating across key markets throughout Europe. Founded in 2021, we are redefining digital infrastructure through our vision of being Close, Coupled and Connected, bringing sustainable, highly connected data centres closer to the businesses and communities we serve. As a fast-growing company, we are helping power the future of AI, cloud and digital innovation across Europe.

We are seeking an experienced and hands‑on Project Manager to lead data centre construction and capital projects from design development through procurement, construction, commissioning, and final handover to Operations.

You will act as nLighten’s client-side project lead, coordinating internal stakeholders, designers, consultants, contractors, and suppliers. You will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and to nLighten’s quality and technical standards. The role covers new‑build, expansion, and upgrade projects, including works in live operational environments where business continuity and service availability are critical.

Key Responsibilities

End-to-End Project Delivery

• Lead assigned construction and capital projects across the full lifecycle, from design development and tender preparation through construction, commissioning, handover, and close-out.
• Own the project programme, budget, risk register, action log, change log, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders, designers, consultants, contractors, and suppliers, ensuring clear responsibilities and effective decision-making.
• Maintain appropriate site presence and oversight throughout construction, commissioning, and handover.

Design, Procurement & Commercial Management

• Coordinate design development and constructability reviews, ensuring technical interfaces, scope gaps, and delivery risks are identified and addressed.
• Coordinate procurement strategy, pre‑qualification, tender documentation, bid evaluation, negotiations, and contract award in collaboration with Procurement and Legal.
• Manage contractor and consultant performance, contractual obligations, variations, claims, payment applications, and project documentation.
• Maintain accurate cost forecasts, cash‑flow plans, and estimates at completion, providing early warning of budget or programme deviation.

Construction, Safety & Quality

• Oversee construction activities and major MEP works, including electrical, mechanical, BMS, fire detection and suppression, and security systems.
• Champion a strong health and safety culture and ensure works comply with applicable legislation, permits, risk assessments, and nLighten standards.
• Manage interfaces with Operations for works in live environments, including isolations, shutdowns, tie‑ins, and controlled methods of procedure.
• Monitor quality through inspections, quality walks, hold points, and non‑conformance tracking, ensuring defects are captured and closed.
• Coordinate commissioning activities with the General Contractor, Commissioning Authority, specialist contractors, and Operations.
• Ensure testing, certification, training, operational documentation, and handover requirements are completed before Ready for Service.
• Provide clear weekly and monthly reporting on progress, milestones, costs, risks, blockers, and required decisions.
• Manage snagging, defects, final account closure, lessons learned, and project close‑out through the defects liability period.

Stakeholder Management & Continuous Improvement

• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, authorities, customers, consultants, contractors, and supply‑chain partners.
• Chair project, design, and site meetings, ensuring actions and decisions are clearly documented and followed through.
• Contribute to the development of nLighten’s project management processes, templates, reporting tools, and delivery standards.

What We’re Looking For

• Demonstrable experience delivering complex construction projects within data centres, critical infrastructure, or a similarly technical environment
• Experience managing projects across design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational handover.
• Secure understanding of German construction-related contractual frameworks, including HOAI, VOB, BGB, as well as relevant standards, codes, and regulatory requirements as DIN, VDE, etc.
• Able to assess contractual risks and ensure compliance throughout planning, procurement, construction, and handover phases.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems and the ability to read, interpret, and challenge technical drawings, specifications, and programmes.
• Experience working in live operational environments where safety, resilience, and service continuity are critical.
• Strong commercial understanding, including budget management, cost control, contract administration, change control, and risk management.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary designers, consultants, contractors, and suppliers.
• A degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional project management certification, such as PMP or IPMA, is advantageous.
• Curious and motivated to develop a deep understanding of comparable frameworks and industry practices in other countries and jurisdictions.
• Fluent English and German are essential for Germany-based roles; additional European languages are advantageous.
• Hands‑on, organised, commercially aware, and comfortable taking ownership in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly to project sites.

Why Join Us?

• High‑impact projects: Deliver complex, business‑critical data centre developments and upgrades.
• Visible ownership: Take projects from design through operational handover and close‑out.
• Growing European platform: Contribute to a fast‑scaling organisation and help shape how projects are delivered.
• Collaborative culture: Work with experienced colleagues across Construction, Design, Operations, Procurement, Finance, and Legal.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

All selected candidates will undergo a background check to ensure a safe workplace, protect company assets, and comply with regulations.

nLighten is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Even if you do not meet every requirement listed, we welcome your application. We particularly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.