Design & Construction Program Manager – Data Centers

IBM; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking an experienced Design & Construction Program Manager to oversee mission-critical data centre projects in New York. The role includes governance across multiple vendors, ensuring compliance with IBM’s delivery model and managing risks. Candidates should have over 10 years in construction program management, particularly in data centres, and possess strong leadership, risk management, and communication skills. This full-time position offers opportunities to drive innovative project delivery while participating in high-performance projects.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in construction program management, with at least 5 years in data centre or mission-critical facilities.
• Experience in out-of-ground construction of data centres.
• Proven track record managing industrial/manufacturing environments and large-scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and govern all design and construction activities across multiple vendors.
• Ensure adherence to IBM’s delivery model and governance standards.
• Develop scope of work and RFP documents; prepare and issue RFPs.

Skills

Construction program management

Data centre construction

Risk management

Schedule development

Cost forecasting

Multi-functional team leadership

Communication with executives

Detail-oriented project understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Master's Degree

PMP certification

Job description

Design & Construction Program Manager – Data Centers

IBM is seeking an experienced Design & Construction Program Manager to oversee the delivery of complex, mission‑critical data centre projects within industrial and/or manufacturing environments. This individual will serve as IBM’s primary governance lead, ensuring alignment across multiple vendors (contractors, architects, engineers, owners’ representatives, permitting consultants, etc.) and driving execution under IBM’s Integrated Delivery Framework. The role requires deep expertise in data centre construction, risk management, and program‑level oversight to meet aggressive timelines and technical requirements for IBM’s quantum, infrastructure, and high‑performance computing facilities.

Your Role and Responsibilities

• Lead and govern all design and construction activities across multiple vendors.
• Ensure adherence to IBM’s delivery model, design review gates (SD/DD/CD), and governance standards.
• Develop scope of work and RFP documents; prepare and issue RFPs, evaluate bids, and recommend awards.
• Maintain master schedule and critical path; validate vendor schedules and commissioning readiness.
• Own risk register; proactively identify and mitigate risks related to cost, schedule, and technical compliance.
• Oversee change‑order governance, contract compliance, and financial reporting accuracy.
• Validate design deliverables for hyperscale/data centre requirements (Tier III+/IV).
• Ensure commissioning protocols (Level 1–5, IST) meet IBM standards.
• Act as primary liaison between IBM leadership, internal stakeholders, and external vendors.
• Provide executive dashboards and weekly progress reports to senior management.
• Facilitate service provider adherence to all processes and financial controls; ensure timely invoicing and project closeout.
• Participate in value engineering exercises and maintain awareness of latest D&C innovations.
• Integrate all pillars within geography into end‑to‑end project delivery, including contracts, workplace, transactions, and facility management.
• Review and understand lease language, budgets, and schedules; validate estimates and capital cash flow projections.
• Drive implementation of IBM Workplace standards and ensure LEED/WELL compliance.

Preferred Education

Master’s Degree

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

• 10+ years in construction program management, with at least 5 years in data centre or mission‑critical facilities.
• Experience in out‑of‑ground construction of data centres.
• Proven track record managing industrial/manufacturing environments and large‑scale projects with various contract structures.
• Strong knowledge of electrical/mechanical systems, commissioning protocols, and hyperscale design.
• Advanced skills in schedule development, cost forecasting, and risk management.
• Ability to lead multi‑functional teams and communicate effectively with executives and technical stakeholders.
• Detail‑oriented with comprehensive understanding of project financial and schedule documents.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; PMP certification strongly preferred.

Preferred Technical and Professional Experience

• Strong negotiation skills and ability to manage complex vendor ecosystems.
• Experience with EPC, GMP, IPD, Cost Plus, delivery models and open‑book contracting.
• Familiarity with prefabrication/modularization strategies for data centres.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting