Industrial Project Manager - Data Centers

CDM Smith; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 105,227 - 184,142; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking an Industrial Project Manager for data centers in Houston, Texas. This role involves leading the timely delivery of critical data center projects, managing scope, budget, and quality. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of project management experience, a degree in engineering or construction management, and PMP certification. Responsibilities include team leadership, problem-solving, and ensuring client satisfaction. The role offers a pay range of $105,227 to $184,142, with approximately 15% travel required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years managing design and/or construction projects.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills for client interactions.

Responsibilities

• Manage delivery of data center projects for major clients.
• Lead teams on project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Oversee projects from concept through to closeout.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Communication

Risk management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or construction management

PMP certification

Job description

Industrial Project Manager - Data Centers

Business Unit: IND

Employment Type: Regular

Job ID: 44475BR

Role Overview

CDM Smith seeks a Data Center Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex, mission‑critical data center projects nationwide. The role focuses on managing scope, schedule, budget, quality and risk while coordinating multi‑disciplinary teams and stakeholders across all phases of project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Manage delivery of data center projects and/or programs, serving as the primary point of contact for day‑to‑day project execution with major clients.
• Lead and manage teams to develop and execute project scope, schedule, and budget, including work planning, staffing, cost control, and change management.
• Oversee projects from early concept development through detailed design, procurement support, construction administration, commissioning, and closeout for mission‑critical facilities.
• Coordinate internal and external engineering disciplines, constructors, vendors, and client stakeholders to support on‑time and on‑budget delivery.
• Manage project financial performance, including forecasting, invoicing, earned value (as applicable), and timely identification/escalation of risks and opportunities.
• Serve as a mentor and leader of multi‑disciplinary project teams, promoting collaboration, accountability, and consistent project execution.
• Perform and lead technical problem solving with engineering teams; coordinate with lead practitioners, quality managers, and key technical specialists to resolve complex issues.
• Implement project controls, quality management, and H&S requirements; provide guidance and review at the project level while ensuring discipline and quality standards are adhered to.
• Support client satisfaction and repeat work by proactively communicating status, resolving issues, and ensuring deliverables meet contract requirements.
• Demonstrate ability to lead client‑facing delivery teams; communicate effectively with technical and non‑technical stakeholders; manage scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk for complex capital projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field, OR equivalent additional directly related experience.
• 7+ years of related experience managing design and/or construction projects, including leading multi‑disciplinary teams.
• PMP (PMI) certification required (within 12 months of hire or promotion onto the Approved Project Manager list).
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required, depending on duties and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering mission‑critical and hyperscale data center projects, including site/civil, power delivery, and water systems.
• Design‑build and/or EPC project delivery experience, including procurement coordination, construction oversight, and commissioning/turnover support.
• Proven experience managing preparation and delivery of engineering/design packages for construction, including coordination of reviews and approvals.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) preferred (discipline aligned to project needs, e.g., electrical or mechanical).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to lead client‑facing meetings and manage expectations.
• Proficiency with project controls, contract administration, and risk management for complex capital projects.
• Additional relevant credentials (e.g., CCM, DBIA) and/or mission‑critical commissioning training/certifications are a plus.

EEO Statement

CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Job Site Location

United States – Nationwide

Travel

Approximately 15% required.

Visa Sponsorship

No – not available for this position.

Pay Range

Minimum: $105,227; Maximum: $184,142.

Legal Requirement – Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.