Data Center Project Lead - Hybrid, Mission‑Critical

CDM Smith; Norfolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith in the United States seeks a Data Center Project Manager to lead complex, mission-critical data-center projects for national clients. The role focuses on scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk while coordinating multi-disciplinary teams across all design and construction phases.

The ideal candidate has experience in design-build or EPC, power delivery, water systems, and strong client-facing leadership. Travel up to 10% and hybrid work are supported.

Qualifications

• 7 years of related experience.
• PMP (PMI), CCM or DBIA certification is required (within 12 months of hire or promotion onto the Approved Project Manager list).
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Managing delivery of data center projects and/or programs, serving as the primary point of contact for day-to-day project execution with major clients in the U.S.
• Leading and managing cross functional teams to develop and execute project scope, schedule, and budget, including work planning, staffing, cost control, and change management.
• Managing projects from early concept development through detailed design, procurement support, construction administration, commissioning, and closeout for mission-critical facilities.
• Leading internal and external coordination across engineering disciplines, constructors, vendors, and client stakeholders to support on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Managing project financial performance, including forecasting, invoicing, earned value (as applicable), and timely identification/escalation of risks and opportunities.
• Serving as a mentor and leader of multi-disciplinary project teams, promoting collaboration, accountability, and consistent project execution.
• Performing and leading technical problem solving with engineering teams; coordinating with lead practitioners, quality managers, and key technical specialists to resolve complex issues related to integration BMS and EPMS systems
• Implementing project controls, quality management, and H&S requirements; providing guidance and review at the project level while ensuring discipline and quality standards are adhered to.
• Supporting client satisfaction and repeat work by proactively communicating status, resolving issues, and ensuring deliverables meet contract requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead client-facing delivery teams; communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders; and manage scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk for complex capital projects.

Skills

Leadership

Client-facing

Cross-functional coordination

Project controls

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Design-build

Job description

CDM Smith in the United States seeks a Data Center Project Manager to lead complex, mission-critical data-center projects for national clients. The role focuses on scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk while coordinating multi-disciplinary teams across all design and construction phases.

The ideal candidate has experience in design-build or EPC, power delivery, water systems, and strong client-facing leadership. Travel up to 10% and hybrid work are supported.