Senior Project Manager

nLighten; Frankfurt; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High-growth environment

Impactful role

Strategic influence through leadership

Job summary

A leading edge data center provider is seeking a Senior Project Manager in Frankfurt to oversee critical stages of data center projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in MEP, experience in live environments, and a solid understanding of German construction regulations. You will lead tender processes, manage contractor relationships, and ensure project compliance with safety standards. Fluency in German and English is essential. This role offers growth opportunities in a high-impact environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in data centre projects, preferably in live environments.
• Strong MEP background with ability to manage contractors.
• Familiarity with BMS, fire, and security systems.
• Excellent understanding of CDM regulations and German construction standards.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Represent the client’s interests at all times.
• Prepare and launch Stage 3 tender processes with multiple contractors.
• Oversee M&E major works in a live data centre environment.
• Manage client relationships and internal teams.
• Provide on-site leadership ensuring compliance with regulations.

Skills

Data centre project management

MEP knowledge

CDM regulations

Digital collaboration tools

Fluency in German

Fluency in English

Tools

Autodesk Construction Cloud

SharePoint

Job description

Overview

nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, designed to meet the growing demand for AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud deployments. As a rapidly expanding provider, we offer scalable colocation hubs and best-in-class energy solutions across Europe. Our innovative and sustainable approach to digital infrastructure ensures reliability, efficiency, and future-ready solutions for our clients. nLighten’s current footprint is 34 data centers in 7 European countries, with the ambition to grow to 100 sites during the next 3-4 years.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager or Project Manager to join our client-side team and lead Stage 3 onwards of a major data centre programme. This phase involves launching a single-stage competitive tender with at least two contractors for a mix of M&E major works, including BMS, fire, and security systems, in a live Tier 3 data centre environment. The successful candidate will ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and to the highest standards while maintaining operational continuity.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent the client’s interests at all times, ensuring quality, compliance, and value for money.
• Prepare and launch Stage 3 tender processes with multiple contractors.
• Oversee M&E major works in a live data centre environment, maintaining SLA availability and Tier 3 compliance.
• Review and define project scope, demarcation, and responsibilities using MEP and civil/architectural drawings.
• Manage client relationships, internal teams, and external contractors to ensure alignment and successful delivery.
• Provide on-site leadership, ensuring compliance with CDM regulations, temporary works plans, and German construction standards.
• Identify gaps and opportunities to expedite programs and optimize work packages.
• Use digital collaboration tools, including Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and SharePoint, for document control, mark-ups, and coordination with PMO teams.
• Produce weekly progress reports, track blockers, and provide actionable next steps and recommendations.
• Maintain a project risk register and trace all risks back to cost and time impacts.
• Ensure adherence to all safety standards, regulatory requirements, and best practice guidelines.
• Proactively solve challenges without compromising safety, timelines, or quality.
• Travel as required within Germany.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in data centre projects, preferably in live environments.
• Strong MEP background with the ability to manage contractors and consultants
• Familiarity with BMS, fire, and security systems.
• Excellent understanding of CDM regulations and German construction standards.
• Proficiency in ACC, SharePoint, and other digital collaboration tools.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver results within tight deadlines.
• Fluency in German and English is required; additional language skills are a plus.

Why Join Us?

• High-growth environment: Be part of an expanding team with opportunities to grow laterally and vertically.
• Impactful role: Play a key leadership role in shaping project execution for a rapidly scaling data center portfolio.
• Strategic influence: Work closely with senior leadership, mentoring junior team members and driving operational improvements.

If you have the right experience and are excited about contributing to the next evolution of edge data centers, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply now and be part of our journey toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable digital future.

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

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

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.