Data Center Program Manager

GAI Consultants Inc.; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Performance bonuses

Job summary

GAI Consultants, Inc. seeks a strategic Data Center Project/Program Manager to lead the delivery of complex data center and mission-critical projects across Texas and Columbus, OH.

You will oversee site planning through commissioning, uniting technical leadership with client engagement and team development. This role collaborates with our Transportation & Infrastructure and Power & Energy units, leveraging digital tools to drive smarter, faster, and more sustainable solutions while coordinating

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in data center or mission-critical project delivery.
• At least 2 years of direct project management experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to travel as needed to client sites and project locations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of data center projects, ensuring alignment with client goals, technical standards, and budgetary constraints.
• Develop and manage scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to meet project milestones.
• Lead sales and marketing efforts for Data Center / Mission-critical efforts.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through consistent communication and delivery excellence.
• Support proposal development, fee negotiations, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Represent the firm in client meetings, industry events, and thought leadership forums.
• Mentor and manage multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Newforma

ProjectWise

CAD

BIM

AI tools

Job description

Description We are seeking a strategic and experienced Data Center Project/Program Manager to lead the delivery of complex, multidisciplinary data center and mission-critical projects across Texas and Columbus, OH. This role combines technical leadership, client engagement, and team development with a forward‑thinking approach to innovation‑leveraging a comprehensive service offering from our Transportation & Infrastructure and Power & Energy Business Units to provide complete solutions for our clients. The candidate will be responsible for managing all phases of project execution, from site planning and entitlement through design, construction, and commissioning, while integrating advanced digital tools to drive smarter, faster, and more sustainable solutions. The candidate must be able to establish contacts within the industry, source leads, write proposals, and lead multidisciplinary projects in the Data Center industry.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead the full lifecycle of data center projects, ensuring alignment with client goals, technical standards, and budgetary constraints.
• Develop and manage scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to meet project milestones.
• Lead sales and marketing efforts for Data Center / Mission‑critical efforts.

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong client relationships through consistent communication and delivery excellence.
• Support proposal development, fee negotiations, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Represent the firm in client meetings, industry events, and thought leadership forums.

Team Management & Mentorship

• Mentor and manage multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Support recruiting and retention efforts for mission‑critical staff.
• Promote career development and technical excellence across the team.
• Lead the development of services across the project lifecycle, including site planning, zoning, plus site, water and power engineering for the facilities.
• Collaborate with internal GAI specialists and digital transformation teams to pilot new tools and workflows.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and standards in the mission‑critical sector.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in data center or mission‑critical project delivery.
• At least 2 years of direct project management experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to travel as needed to client sites and project locations.

Preferred:

• Experience with hyperscale or colocation data center projects.
• Familiarity with Newforma, ProjectWise, or similar project management tools.
• Experience integrating CAD, BIM, and AI tools into design or project workflows.

Why Join Us?

Benefits

• Access a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, and performance bonuses.

Be part of a forward‑thinking team shaping the future of digital infrastructure. Work on high‑impact projects with top‑tier clients in the tech and telecom sectors. Enjoy flexible work arrangements (remote/hybrid options available). Thrive in an inclusive, employee‑empowered culture that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Be part of a dynamic, client‑focused team delivering