Associate Project Manager, Data Center

JLL; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL is seeking an Associate Project Manager focused on data centers to support delivery of mission-critical infrastructure projects in the Houston area. You will work under senior PMs, assisting with daily coordination, documentation, and client communication for data center construction and fit-out projects.

You will gain hands‑on experience with MEP systems, hot/cold aisle configurations, redundancy levels, and commissioning in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment while building a solid foundation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, business, or related field (required).
• 2–5 years of project coordination or construction administration experience, data center/mission-critical preferred but not required.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking abilities with deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Support project managers with daily coordination of data center construction activities, tracking deliverables and schedules.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation: meeting minutes, action items, RFIs, submittals, change orders, progress reports.
• Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, distribute materials, and track follow-ups.
• Assist with document control to ensure up-to-date drawings and records.
• Participate in site walks and coordinate between trades on MEP systems.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

MS Excel

Reading drawings

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management or related

Tools

Procore

Smartsheet

MS Project

Primavera P6

Job description

What this job involves:
As an Associate Project Manager specializing in data centers, you will support the delivery of mission-critical infrastructure projects while developing your expertise in this highly technical and fast-paced sector. Working under the guidance of senior project managers and program leaders, you will assist with day-to-day project coordination, documentation, and client communication for data center construction and fit-out projects. This role offers exceptional learning opportunities as you gain hands‑on experience with complex MEP systems, critical facility requirements, and the unique demands of 24/7 operational environments. Your attention to detail, eagerness to learn, and commitment to excellence will be essential as you contribute to projects that power the digital infrastructure of tomorrow while building a strong foundation for your project management career.

What this job involves:
As an Associate Project Manager specializing in data centers, you will support the delivery of mission-critical infrastructure projects while developing your expertise in this highly technical and fast-paced sector. Working under the guidance of senior project managers and program leaders, you will assist with day‑to‑day project coordination, documentation, and client communication for data center construction and fit‑out projects. This role offers exceptional learning opportunities as you gain hands‑on experience with complex MEP systems, critical facility requirements, and the unique demands of 24/7 operational environments. Your attention to detail, eagerness to learn, and commitment to excellence will be essential as you contribute to projects that power the digital infrastructure of tomorrow while building a strong foundation for your project management career.

What your day-to-day will look like:
Project Coordination & Administration

• Supporting project managers with daily coordination of data center construction activities, including tracking deliverables, managing schedules, and facilitating team communications
• Maintaining comprehensive project documentation including meeting minutes, action item logs, RFIs, submittals, change orders, and progress reports
• Coordinating project meetings, preparing agendas, distributing materials, and following up on action items with team members
• Assisting with document control processes to ensure current drawings, specifications, and project records are properly organized and accessible
• Managing project filing systems, both physical and digital, ensuring compliance with JLL standards and client requirements

Schedule & Budget Support

• Assisting with project schedule development, updates, and monitoring using scheduling software (MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar)
• Tracking project milestones, critical path activities, and reporting schedule variances to senior project managers
• Supporting budget tracking activities including monitoring costs, processing invoices, and maintaining financial records
• Helping prepare monthly cost reports, forecasts, and budget reconciliations for project leadership review
• Coordinating with finance teams on purchase orders, contract processing, and payment applications

Construction & Technical Coordination

• Participating in site walks and construction meetings, observing installation of critical systems including power distribution, cooling infrastructure, and fire suppression
• Learning data center‑specific requirements such as hot aisle/cold aisle configurations, redundancy levels (N, N+1, 2N), and commissioning protocols
• Assisting with tracking of long‑lead equipment including generators, UPS systems, chillers, switchgear, and transformers
• Supporting coordination between trades working on interdependent MEP systems in congested data center environments
• Helping document construction progress through photos, site observations, and progress tracking tools

Client & Stakeholder Communication

• Serving as a responsive point of contact for routine project inquiries and information requests
• Assisting senior project managers with preparation of client presentations, status reports, and executive updates
• Coordinating with design consultants, contractors, vendors, and specialized data center equipment providers
• Building professional relationships with client facilities teams, IT stakeholders, and operations personnel
• Supporting client meetings by preparing materials, taking notes, and tracking follow‑up items

Quality & Compliance Support

• Helping ensure project activities comply with safety protocols, building codes, and data center industry standards
• Assisting with quality control processes including reviewing submittals, shop drawings, and closeout documentation
• Supporting commissioning coordination activities and integrated systems testing for critical infrastructure
• Tracking punch list items, warranty information, and operations & maintenance documentation
• Participating in project closeout activities and lessons learned sessions

Professional Development & Learning

• Actively learning about data center design standards, technical requirements, and industry best practices
• Developing proficiency in project management tools, software platforms, and JLL methodologies
• Seeking mentorship from senior project managers and participating in knowledge-sharing sessions
• Building technical knowledge of electrical systems, mechanical cooling, backup power, and network infrastructure
• Contributing to team success through proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, business, or related field
• 2-5 years of project coordination, construction administration, or related experience (data center or mission‑critical facilities experience preferred but not required)
• Basic understanding of construction processes, project lifecycles, and document management
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with professional demeanor
• Detail‑oriented approach with commitment to accuracy in documentation and reporting
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications
• Willingness to learn complex technical systems and data center‑specific requirements
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and collaborative team player mentality
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities in fast‑paced project environments
• Ability to work occasional extended hours or weekends as project demands require

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous exposure to data center, laboratory, healthcare, or other mission‑critical facility projects
• Familiarity with project management software (Procore, Smartsheet, MS Project, Primavera P6)
• Basic understanding of MEP systems (electrical distribution, HVAC, plumbing, fire protection)
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification
• Interest in pursuing PMP, CAPM, or other project management certifications
• Experience with BIM coordination or construction technology platforms
• Knowledge of data center terminology, equipment types, and operational concepts
• Internship or co‑op experience in construction management or facilities
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Demonstrated initiative and eagerness for professional growth