Construction Project Manager

Spencer Ogden; Grayslake (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Spencer Ogden is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead complex data center development projects from design through turnover. You will act as the owner’s rep, safeguarding safety, quality, schedule, and budget while managing stakeholders across internal teams and external partners.

You will oversee consultants, contractors, and cross-functional teams, report to executives, and drive process improvements while mentoring junior PMs. Travel is required as projects demand.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of project management experience in construction, development, or mission-critical environments.
• Data center experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple concurrent development and construction projects from inception through completion.
• Serve as primary point of contact for customers, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and financial reporting using Yardi, Procore, and related tools.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, identify risks, and implement recovery plans.
• Oversee design development and ensure alignment with lease commitments, operational requirements, and project objectives.
• Lead procurement, contract negotiations, change orders, and vendor selection.
• Monitor construction progress, safety, quality, and commissioning activities.
• Prepare and present executive-level project reporting, including budget, schedule, and risk updates.
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Procurement, Construction, and Operations teams for alignment.
• Mentor Project Managers and coordinators; promote PM best practices.
• Travel as required.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Problem solving

Budgeting

Scheduling

Risk management

Executive reporting

Cross-functional

Contract administration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Yardi

Procore

Microsoft Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Bluebeam

Job description

The Senior Project Manager leads the planning, execution, and delivery of complex data center development projects from design through commissioning and turnover. This role serves as the primary owner representative, accountable for project safety, quality, schedule, budget, and stakeholder management.

The Senior Project Manager oversees consultants, contractors, and internal teams, ensuring projects meet customer commitments, operational requirements, and company objectives. This individual proactively manages project risks, financial performance, and executive reporting while mentoring junior project team members and driving process improvements across the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead multiple concurrent development and construction projects from inception through completion.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and financial reporting using Yardi, Procore, and related tools.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, identify risks, and implement recovery plans when needed.
• Oversee design development and ensure alignment with lease commitments, operational requirements, and project objectives.
• Lead procurement efforts, contract negotiations, change order management, and consultant/vendor selection.
• Monitor construction progress, safety performance, quality standards, and commissioning activities.
• Prepare and present executive-level project reporting, including budget, schedule, and risk updates.
• Collaborate with Finance, Legal, Procurement, Construction, and Operations teams to ensure project alignment.
• Mentor Project Managers, Coordinators, and other project team members.
• Support the development and implementation of project management best practices and standards.
• Travel as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of project management experience in construction, development, or mission-critical environments.
• General contracting, owner's representative, or developer-side experience required.
• Data center experience strongly preferred.
• Experience managing large-scale, complex construction projects and cross-functional teams.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of construction management, project controls, budgeting, scheduling, and contract administration.
• Proficiency in Yardi, Procore, Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Bluebeam, and related software.
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong business acumen and experience presenting to executive leadership.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Regular computer use requiring hand, wrist, and visual focus.
• Ability to read screens, plans, and detailed technical documents.
• Occasional lifting of 10–20 lbs (plans, samples, field gear).
• Ability to move through office spaces for meetings and collaboration.
• Clear verbal communication for in‑person, virtual, and on‑site coordination.
• Ability to walk, stand, and navigate active construction sites, including uneven surfaces and stairs.
• Ability to wear required PPE during site visits.