Data Center Construction -Project Manager International, South Pacific

Pernix Group, Inc; Pacific (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Pernix Group, Inc is seeking a seasoned Project Manager based in the U.S. to oversee the construction of a large-scale data center. The role requires leadership in project planning, design coordination, and execution, with strict adherence to timelines and quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in construction project management, particularly with data centers, and possess strong cultural sensitivity to effectively manage diverse teams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in construction project management, especially in data center builds.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale, complex construction projects.
• Strong understanding of building systems design and construction for data centers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the entire data center construction process from planning to final commissioning.
• Manage the development of detailed designs and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee installation and integration of critical cooling and electrical systems.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Cultural Sensitivity

Risk Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Procore

MS Project

Primavera

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

International, South Pacific

Join the Pernix Team to support a massive data center construction initiative!

Position Overview

Pernix International is seeking a seasoned Project Manager to oversee the design, build, and construction of a large‑scale, high‑performance data center. The Project Manager will be a U.S CITIZEN, manage all aspects of the project lifecycle, ensuring successful delivery of the data center facility, including site preparation, building construction, electrical and mechanical systems integration, and commissioning of critical infrastructure. The role requires 8+ years of experience in large‑scale construction, specifically in data centers or similar high‑security, high‑demand environments. Cultural sensitivity is essential as the project will involve managing third‑country nationals and diverse teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Strategy
  • Lead the entire data center construction process, from pre‑construction planning and design coordination through to construction execution and final commissioning.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership, clients, architects, engineers, and vendors to ensure alignment on project goals, timelines, and budget.
  • Maintain comprehensive oversight of the construction schedule, ensuring timely project completion and adherence to critical deadlines.
  • Implement and monitor project plans, including resource allocation, procurement strategies, site preparation, construction execution, and final handover.
• Design & Build Coordination
  • Manage the development of detailed designs and blueprints for the data center, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, including local zoning, environmental, and safety codes.
  • Oversee the construction of the physical building structure, ensuring it meets the specific needs of a high‑performance data center, including the appropriate load‑bearing capacity, cooling, electrical, and fire suppression systems.
  • Work closely with architects and engineers to ensure the data center’s design includes appropriate redundancy, resilience, and scalability for current and future requirements.
  • Supervise site selection, grading, excavation, foundation work, and structural steel erection, ensuring the facility is built to the highest standards.
• Systems Integration & Infrastructure
  • Coordinate the installation and integration of critical systems such as cooling units, generators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), fire suppression systems, access control systems, and security systems.
  • Ensure the electrical and mechanical systems are designed, installed, and commissioned in line with data center requirements, including Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) goals, thermal efficiency, and redundancy.
  • Oversee the coordination of high‑voltage electrical work, backup power generation, and HVAC system integration to ensure uninterrupted operations.
  • Ensure the building complies with industry standards, such as Tier III or Tier IV standards for uptime and reliability.
• Third‑Country Nationals & Workforce Management
  • Manage and coordinate a diverse workforce, including third‑country nationals, ensuring that cultural differences are respected, and local labor laws are adhered to.
  • Foster an inclusive and collaborative team environment that promotes high performance, safety, and quality.
  • Conduct regular site meetings to ensure that contractors, subcontractors, and vendors are aligned with the project’s expectations for quality and timelines.
  • Provide leadership to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards, including managing logistics and accommodations for third‑country nationals, where applicable.
• Risk Management & Compliance
  • Identify and assess risks throughout the project lifecycle and implement risk management strategies, including budget overruns, scheduling delays, and environmental concerns.
  • Ensure that all project activities comply with health and safety regulations, environmental standards, and Pernix International’s safety protocols.
  • Ensure that the project adheres to all local and international regulatory standards, including seismic requirements, fire safety codes, and electrical safety codes.
• Financial Management & Reporting
  • Oversee project budgeting, including cost forecasting, financial reporting, and variance tracking.
  • Ensure all procurement activities are aligned with project timelines, budgets, and scope.
  • Review and approve subcontractor and vendor invoices, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to contract terms.
  • Regularly update senior management and clients on project status, potential risks, and cost‑to‑completion analysis.
• Commissioning & Handover
  • Oversee commissioning of the facility’s critical infrastructure, ensuring that all systems are tested, integrated, and fully operational before handover.
  • Ensure the data center is ready for occupancy, with all critical systems fully operational, tested for functionality, and in compliance with performance criteria.
  • Prepare and deliver all final project documentation, including as‑built drawings, operation manuals, warranties, and final reports.
  • Coordinate a smooth handover to the operations team, ensuring all systems are documented and fully functioning as expected.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in construction project management, including significant experience managing data center builds or similar high‑demand, critical infrastructure projects.
  • Proven track record in managing large‑scale, complex construction projects with a focus on high‑performance facilities, including power, cooling, and backup systems.
  • Extensive experience with third‑country national workforce management and cultural sensitivity.
• Technical Skills & Certifications
  • In‑depth understanding of building systems design and construction for data centers, including electrical systems, HVAC, fire protection, and structural considerations.
  • Familiarity with industry standards such as Tier I‑IV, Uptime Institute, and ASHRAE.
  • Strong working knowledge of construction project management software (e.g., Procore, MS Project, Primavera) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • PMP (Project Management Professional) certification preferred.
  • LEED accreditation or similar environmental certification is a plus.
• Soft Skills & Competencies
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and team‑building skills with a demonstrated ability to manage diverse, multi‑disciplinary teams.
  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities, with keen attention to detail.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality and safety standards.
  • A proactive, problem‑solving mindset, with the ability to identify challenges and implement innovative solutions.
  • High level of cultural sensitivity and experience working with diverse teams in international settings.