Industrial Project Manager - Data Centers

CDM Smith; Kentucky; Hybrid; USD 100,214 - 175,365; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a Data Center Project Manager to oversee the successful delivery of complex projects across the U.S. This role involves managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality while leading multi-disciplinary teams. The ideal candidate has 7 years of experience and relevant certifications, excelling in communication and leadership.

The position offers a hybrid work option and a salary range of $100,214 to $175,365.

Qualifications

• 7 years of related experience in managing complex data center projects.
• PMP, CCM or DBIA certification required within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Manage delivery of data center projects, acting as the primary point of contact.
• Lead cross-functional teams in project scope, schedule, and budget execution.
• Implement project controls, quality management, and safety requirements.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Communication

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Project Management Software

Job description

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Data Center Project Manager to lead the successful delivery of complex, mission-critical data center projects for our clients nationwide. This high-impact role focuses on managing scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk while coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders across all phases of infrastructure delivery. The position can be based in any CDM Smith office; hybrid work options may be considered for the successful candidate.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience planning, managing, engineering of design-build, and/or EPC (engineer, procure, construct) projects for data centers, including power delivery, water systems, networking, and civil site development. Experience should span all project phases, including due diligence, site election, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project closeout. This individual will help data center clients implement planning and capital programs, meet water management objectives, address power requirements, and deliver safe, high-quality outcomes aligned with client standards, operational needs, and risk management.

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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree.
• 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; frequency contingent on specific duties and project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• 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.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to lead client‑facing meetings and manage expectations.
• Demonstrated 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.

Travel Requirement

10% or less.

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserve the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of background checks for positions outside the United States varies based on country statutory law but will not precede an interview. CDM Smith conducts interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

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.

Pay Range

$100,214.00 – $175,365.00

Visa Sponsorship

No; we will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H‑1B or TN Visas for this position.