Controls Project Manager - Data Center Retrofits

Gilder Search Group; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Gilder Search Group in Ashburn, VA is seeking a Controls Project Manager for data center retrofits. You will plan, organize, and drive complex renovation projects, coordinating internal teams and external subcontractors across MEP, BAS, and structure to meet strict schedules.

The role focuses on developing project plans, estimating costs, scheduling, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance while maintaining strong client relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience managing data center construction projects.
• Solid understanding of MEP, structural, architectural trades and how they impact data center design.
• Experience with budgets between $2M and $10M for turnkey projects.
• 3–8+ years in mission critical data center turnkey construction.
• Design experience with BMS/BCS/EPMS and related systems (SCADA, etc.).
• Familiarity with construction management software and tools.
• Ability to read blueprints and technical drawings; knowledge of codes and regulations.
• Client-facing and business development experience; PMP/ PMI-SP a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, coordinate and support internal and external subcontractor teams on renovation projects.
• Manage data center construction projects (2-10 mm).
• Develop critical facilities construction project plans including sizing, cost estimation, scheduling and go-live strategy.
• Coordinate site surveys and assessments for feasibility and compliance.
• Develop client submittals, site logistics plans, MOPs, SOPs, logs, schedules, change orders, RFIs, RFQs and bid submittals.
• Attend bid walks with client and subcontractors and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Data center construction

Project management

Client management

Reading blueprints

Construction safety

Communication

Budget management

Education

BA/BS/Associate's degree or certifications

Tools

MS Project

Excel

Teams

Oracle Primavera P6

Salesforce

Job description

Controls Project Manager – Data Center Retrofits – Ashburn VA

This opportunity is with a company that is a leader in turnkey data center construction solution services. This company provides a complete life cycle of solutions that are custom‑fit to the requirements of their client’s mission‑critical facilities. They build mission‑critical facilities nationwide for Enterprise, Colocation, and Hyperscale Companies. The role offers career growth, exciting projects with leading‑edge technology and innovation, and competitive salaries and benefits.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, coordinate and support internal and external subcontractor teams on mission critical renovation/upgrade projects that include BMS, EPMS, BAS, mechanical, electrical, and structural work.
• Manage data center construction projects (2‑10 mm).
• Develop critical facilities construction project plans – sizing, cost estimation, scheduling, timeline, and implementation/go‑live strategy.
• Coordinate and conduct site surveys and assessments to ensure project feasibility and compliance with design specifications.
• Manage the development of client submittals, site logistics plans, MOPs, SOPs, daily logs, project schedules, change orders, RFIs, RFQs, bid submittals, and documentation.
• Attend bid walks with client and subcontractors.
• Maintain positive relationships with the primary client, A/E firm, Owner’s Rep firm, contractors, and other vendors to facilitate construction activities that impact delivery of critical facilities projects.
• Establish project objectives, policies, procedures, and performance standards within corporate boundaries and communicate them clearly in the work statement for the field.
• Maintain accurate documentation.
• Partner with key stakeholders by gaining client feedback, attending meetings, and submitting reports.
• Evaluate and incorporate lessons learned from all sites to enhance current and future data center construction successes.
• Train management staff on project procedures and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Supervise, lead, and mentor team members on the project controls team.
• Regularly update upper management with reports on project controls activities.
• Plan manpower and project integration timelines on customer sites.
• Drive uniform company standards for project delivery across all projects.
• Oversee and maintain a safe working environment and promote a safety culture.
• Manage all financial aspects of contracts (progress billing, rental equipment, change orders, invoicing, income/expenses) to protect the company’s interests while maintaining good client relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience managing data center construction projects.
• Solid understanding of MEP, structural, architectural trades, and construction methods and how they impact the data center design process of building control systems.
• Experience managing data center construction projects with budgets between $2 MM and $10 MM.
• 3–8+ years of mission critical data center turnkey construction projects.
• Extensive design of BMS/BCS/EPMS (SCADA, Cimplicity, ALC, Niagara, Tridium, Carel, Metasys, etc.).
• Familiarity with construction management software and tools.
• Thorough understanding of construction methods and safety practices.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and one‑line diagrams.
• Knowledge of building codes and regulations.
• Client‑facing, client‑relationship, and client‑management skills.
• Business development experience; previous experience creating and responding to RFPs and RFIs.
• BA/BS/Associate’s degree or relevant certifications (Project Management, Construction Management, Business, Engineering) a plus.
• Solid project management construction experience; PMP or PMI‑SP a plus.
• Previous experience with AIA billings and forms.
• Effective communicator via email, phone, and in‑person.
• Ability to work independently; self‑starter, self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, task‑master, problem solver, and effective time manager.
• Ability to request support and modify deadlines when necessary; meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed.
• Strong administrative skills.
• Proficient in MS Project, Excel, Teams, Oracle Primavera P6, Salesforce, etc.
• Military experience or veterans with electrical/mechanical experience a huge plus (e.g., Navy nukes, Seabees, Army power generation, Air Force power production, generator techs, maritime, Coast Guard, Army National Guard, etc.).

Company offers competitive salaries and benefits package including medical insurance, a 401(k) plan.

EOE/AA Employer M/F/D/V.