Construction Project Executive - Data Center / Mission Critical (to $230K+)

CareerNerds; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

CareerNerds, LLC is seeking a Project Executive for data center and mission-critical construction in Atlanta with travel. You will lead large-scale projects from concept through turnover, serving as the primary client liaison and overseeing budgets, schedules, and safety.

The role requires 10+ years in construction, 5+ in data centers, and strong MEP/commissioning knowledge. Procore, BIM, and lean-based methods are part of our toolset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of construction management experience, with 5+ years in data center or mission-critical environments.
• PMP/CCM or similar certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of data center construction projects—from preconstruction through commissioning and turnover.
• Serve as the primary client interface, ensuring clear communication and alignment of expectations.
• Review and approve contracts, scopes of work, budgets, and schedules; mitigate risks.
• Drive cost control and forecasting to meet margin targets.
• Oversee quality assurance programs to ensure compliance with client specs and standards.
• Manage project risk and change control processes for scope, schedule, and cost impacts.
• Enforce safety protocols across all sites per OSHA and company standards.
• Lead vendor management including prequalification and procurement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Cost control

Risk management

Contract negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Procore

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

Job Title: Project Executive - Data Center/Mission Critical

Location: Atlanta, GA - Traveling

IMPORTANT: Candidates MUST have extensive experience working as a General Contractor. Our client builds the "shell" of the data center, not the interior.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a results-driven Project Executive with deep expertise in data center construction to lead large-scale, mission-critical projects from concept to closeout. As a General Contractor, you will oversee all phases of construction, ensuring alignment with financial, technical, and quality goals. This role demands strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a strong command of MEP systems and commissioning protocols unique to data center environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the full lifecycle of data center construction projects — from preconstruction through commissioning and turnover
• Serve as the primary client interface, ensuring clear communication, satisfaction, and alignment of expectations
• Review and approve contracts, scopes of work, budgets, and schedules; proactively identify and mitigate risks
• Drive cost control and forecasting practices to maintain financial health and meet margin targets
• Oversee quality assurance programs to ensure compliance with client specs and industry standards
• Manage project risk and change control processes to address scope, schedule, and cost impacts
• Enforce safety protocols across all job sites in compliance with OSHA and company standards
• Optimize workforce planning, including subcontractor coordination and self-perform labor deployment
• Lead vendor management including prequalification, procurement, performance tracking, and compliance
• Apply deep knowledge of data center infrastructure — including power, cooling, redundancy, and commissioning standards — to guide project decisions
• Implement best-in-class project management tools and methodologies (Lean, BIM, Procore, etc.) to ensure consistency and efficiency

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 10+ years of construction management experience, with 5+ years in data center or mission-critical environments
• Proven success managing multi-million-dollar projects with complex MEP and commissioning requirements
• Strong understanding of prefabrication, modular assembly, and integrated systems testing (IST)
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills
• Proficiency in project management software (Procore, Primavera P6, MS Project, or similar)
• PMP, CCM, or similar certification is a plus

Core Competencies:

• Cost Accounting
• Industry Knowledge – Data Center Design & Construction
• Contract Review and Recommendations
• Project Risk and Change Management
• Quality Management and Assurance
• Workforce Planning
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Processes, Methodologies and Tools
• Vendor Management
• Project Management