Project Manager (Data Centers Project Management Advisory)

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. in Chicago is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead complex, data-center projects from planning through construction and closeout.

You will coordinate clients, design teams, engineers, and contractors to deliver standout results. In a fast-paced environment, you will manage budgets, schedules, procurement, and risk while maintaining open, proactive communication with clients and internal teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in project management or related fields.
• Experience managing data center or mission-critical projects preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects from planning through construction and closeout, prioritizing client goals and budgets.
• Coordinate owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants.
• Develop and monitor project budgets and schedules with project controls.
• Oversee procurement for design, construction, and consultant services.
• Lead project meetings and provide regular updates to stakeholders.
• Identify risks early and propose mitigations to keep projects on track.

Skills

Project management

Data center experience

Budget management

Scheduling

Stakeholder communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, Urban Planning, or related field

Job description

Working at B&D means more than just having a job; it means building a career. Explore a future with B&D, which offers exceptional benefits, a collaborative multidisciplinary approach, an inclusive environment, and ample opportunities for career advancement.

Brailsford & Dunlavey and PMA have integrated hiring operations after our recent merger . Explore all of our open opportunities below.

Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), which now includes Project Management Advisors (PMA), is seeking a Project Manager to join our team in Chicago.

This role is based in Chicago, IL.

The Opportunity

An opportunity for an experienced project management professional who enjoys leading complex, technically sophisticated projects and collaborating with clients, design teams, contractors, consultants, and other project stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

We are continuing to grow our capabilities in the data center space and are seeking a Project Manager to join our Chicago team. The ideal candidate will bring experience managing complex, technically sophisticated projects and will have an initial focus on supporting data center projects.

At Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), we lead the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen communities—where people live, learn, work, and innovate. B&D partners with institutions, municipalities, and organizations to deliver complex real estate and capital projects through strategic advisory and program management services across the full project lifecycle.

B&D recently joined forces with Project Management Advisors (PMA), bringing together two nationally recognized leaders in program management and real estate advisory services. Together, the combined firm offers expanded capabilities across industries and end-to-end project delivery—from early-stage strategy through design, construction, and occupancy.

As a Project Manager, you will lead a wide variety of complex projects from planning and design through construction and closeout, with an initial focus on data center projects. You will serve as a trusted advisor to clients and a key liaison among owners, architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and other project stakeholders. You will oversee project budgets, schedules, procurement, documentation, and delivery activities while proactively identifying risks and opportunities and ensuring alignment with client goals.

How You'll Contribute

• Work on projects from early-stage planning through project completion, ensuring alignment with client goals, budgets, schedules, and quality expectations
• Establish strong partnerships with clients and serve as a key liaison between owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants
• Review and evaluate project requirements, program goals, and design solutions to ensure alignment with owner objectives
• Initiate and manage procurement efforts for design, construction, and consultant services
• Draft, review, communicate, negotiate, and manage contractual documents for design, construction, and consultant professionals
• Develop, maintain, and monitor project budgets, schedules, and web-based project controls while identifying potential risks and opportunities
• Analyze budget and schedule impacts and provide recommendations to support project financial objectives
• Oversee the development and review of architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, and bid documents
• Establish, lead, and document project meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment among stakeholders
• Provide regular project updates to clients, city officials, architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants while proactively identifying issues and solutions
• Anticipate potential changes to project budgets and schedules and provide recommendations to mitigate risks and maintain project objectives
• Coordinate value engineering exercises and evaluate alternatives with ownership teams
• Coordinate with architects and project teams to monitor contractor and vendor activities and verify compliance with design specifications, schedules, and quality standards
• Support contract administration activities, including contracts, purchase orders, and progress payment documentation
• Observe and report on construction progress, project risks, and construction-related issues
• Manage project closeout activities and ensure successful project completion
• Support PMA’s business development efforts by participating in networking opportunities, proposal development, and client interviews

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in project management, construction, real estate development, architecture, engineering, or related fields, with experience managing data center, mission-critical, technology, or other technically complex projects preferred
• Familiarity with data center environments, mission-critical infrastructure, MEP systems, and the unique scheduling and coordination requirements associated with data center development and construction is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, Urban Planning, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, procurement activities, and project controls
• Strong understanding of design and construction processes, including architectural drawings, engineering documents, bidding, and contract administration
• Experience coordinating and managing architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and other project stakeholders
• Ability to analyze project data, identify risks, and develop practical solutions to keep projects moving forward
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with clients and project teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail and organization

What Sets You Apart

• You are a confident project leader who can independently manage projects while building trusted client relationships
• You have experience delivering data center, mission-critical, or other highly technical projects and understand the importance of reliability, schedule, quality, and operational performance
• You communicate clearly, professionally, and proactively with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams
• You have strong business judgment and the ability to anticipate challenges before they impact project goals
• You are highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage complex project information, budgets, and schedules
• You enjoy solving problems, developing solutions, and keeping projects moving forward in dynamic environments
• You are comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on project execution
• You demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all interactions
• You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy partnering with diverse stakeholder groups

Apply Today!

To get started, our application process includes a resume, an optional (recommended) cover letter, and a short set of essential questions. We look forward to getting to know you!

This role's target base annual salary range is currently $100,000- $150,000. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors unique to each candidate, including, but not limited to, job-related skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, candidate abilities, and pay relative to other team members.

The company benefits listed above are a summary of the benefits. Specific details, availability, and eligibility requirements apply in accordance with company policies.

Brailsford & Dunlavey Inc. is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. participates in E-Verify.

Each person who joins the B&D team has demonstrated excellence in his or her field.

We recruit project managers, construction managers, planners, architects, economists, finance specialists, management consultants, and other experts. The merging of these diverse skill sets and backgrounds helps us meet—and often exceed—our firm’s goals. We are committed to every employee’s rapid professional development and provide many opportunities for everyone to stretch their intellectual capacities.

“I appreciate B&D’s commitment to inclusivity. As a woman in the real estate development space, all too often, I’m the only minority or woman in the room. It feels great to know that I have the B&D family behind me to make me feel appreciated.”

B&D Employee

OUR COMMITMENT

B&D’s benefits are second to none in any industry.

We believe that a comprehensive benefits package is critical to supporting our employees’ personal and family needs, and demonstrates our true commitment to work-life balance.

Whether you are looking for a company that shares the burden of health care costs, permits occasional working-from-home flexibility, or invests heavily into each employee’s 401(k), B&D delivers a complete package.

B&D provides a complete package to our full-time employees.

• 100% company-paid medical, prescription, and dental insurance premiums for employees and their children
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
• Company-paid contributions to 401(k) retirement accounts
• Flextime and telecommuting
• Parental leave
• Voluntary vision insurance
• Company-paid disability and life insurance
• Vacation, sick, and holiday pay
• Adoption assistance program
• Reimbursement for professional memberships/certifications
• Learning & Development department dedicated to providing in-house training
• Employee assistance program
• Corporate fitness center access at most locations
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Wellness Committee and wellness-based programming

Our collaborative approach relies on passionate and ambitious individuals.

Each B&D employee embodies these attributes:

• Willing to take intellectual, emotional, & financial risks
• Committed to excellence for excellence’s sake
• Predisposed to initiate deliberate, disciplined action
• Intellectually curious
• Of high personal integrity
• Ambitious for the firm
• Engaging
• Able to endure to achieve excellence

INCLUSION

We are invested in providing an inclusive environment where everyone has a voice.

Throughout B&D’s history, firm leaders have shown a commitment to creating positive, inclusive, and diverse environments for both our client communities as well as the firm. Inclusion is an essential part of our purpose.

In addition to making concerted efforts to hire and retain a diverse group of employees, we have an active Inclusion Committee that is dedicated to ensuring we all feel connected and included at B&D. As a firm, we are examining our biases together, which makes us all better and allows us to make smarter decisions for our clients. Working for B&D means making inclusion a top priority in your day-to-day words and actions.

FOSTERING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Employee Resource Group (ERG)

At B&D, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture. This is why we are proud to have an Employee Resource Group, which was formed organically through the efforts of many individuals passionate about equity in the workplace.

In the true spirit of inclusion, this group is open to all employees. The ERG meets regularly to discuss issues, host events, provide peer support and advise HR and senior leadership on matters related to the workplace and the broader community. Our ERG helps expand representation to include new perspectives at all levels of the organization. Interest groups represented within our ERG include, but are not limited to, LGBTQ+ employees, black employees, women employees, employees who are parents, health and wellness initiatives, and more.

Read Paul & Chris's statement on B&D's commitment to inclusion

Brailsford & Dunlavey is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail [e-mail].