Senior Data Center Construction Project Manager

Spencer Ogden; Indiana (PA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking an experienced Project Director to oversee large-scale data center projects across the United States. This role requires strong leadership and strategic management skills, with up to 50% travel. Candidates must have over 10 years of experience in large-scale construction and a bachelor's degree in a related field. Competitive compensation and opportunities for geographic flexibility are offered.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of progressive experience in large-scale construction, preferably with a general contractor.
• Deep understanding of mission critical and data center construction, with experience on projects exceeding $500M.
• Proven leadership in managing national project teams.
• Proven leadership in managing national project teams and mobile workforce programs.
• Strong commercial acumen, including forecasting, revenue planning, and business development.
• Track record of building and maintaining long-term client relationships.
• Willingness to travel 25–50% as required by project and client demands.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of ground-up data center projects, ensuring excellence in execution.
• Oversee project teams and provide guidance to Senior Project Managers.
• Manage financial planning for large-scale data center builds.
• Act as a champion for corporate initiatives including Lean construction, QA/QC programs, and safety performance.
• Mentor, coach, and support the growth of senior project leadership, aligning talent to project complexity and scope.
• Evaluate individual and team performance, identify growth opportunities, and support talent development programs.
• Assist in recruiting and selecting project leadership for mission critical assignments.
• Facilitate resource sharing and staff development across multiple geographies.
• Lead forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning for large-scale data center builds.
• Support site teams in resolving financial variances, change orders, and scope negotiations.
• Monitor KPIs and business metrics to ensure operational efficiency and alignment with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with leadership on strategic planning and market positioning.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, trade partners, and key stakeholders in the mission critical ecosystem.
• Support work acquisition strategies in partnership with business development leaders.
• Participate in contract negotiations and preconstruction planning for major project pursuits.
• Represent the company at industry events, client meetings, and strategic planning sessions.

Skills

Leadership in project management

Financial forecasting

Client relationship management

Compliance and quality assurance

Cross-functional collaboration

Talent development

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field

Engineering or related field

Job description

Overview

This range is provided by Spencer Ogden. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

A nationally recognized builder in the mission critical sector is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead and oversee large-scale data center projects across the United States. This executive-level role is responsible for managing project staffing, quality, safety, commissioning, and business operations, while also supporting client engagement and strategic growth initiatives in the hyperscale and enterprise data center markets.

This position offers geographic flexibility, with a home base in any major U.S. market. Regular travel to project sites and regional offices is expected (25–50%).

Responsibilities

• Operational & Project Oversight: Lead the delivery of ground-up data center projects, ensuring excellence in execution, quality, safety, and commissioning
• Directly oversee project teams and provide guidance to Senior Project Managers and Project Executives
• Ensure full compliance with company SOPs and industry standards across all active sites
• Act as a champion for corporate initiatives including Lean construction, QA/QC programs, and safety performance
• Mentor, coach, and support the growth of senior project leadership, aligning talent to project complexity and scope
• Evaluate individual and team performance, identify growth opportunities, and support talent development programs
• Assist in recruiting and selecting project leadership for mission critical assignments
• Facilitate resource sharing and staff development across multiple geographies

• Financial & Strategic Management: Lead forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning for large-scale data center builds
• Support site teams in resolving financial variances, change orders, and scope negotiations
• Monitor KPIs and business metrics to ensure operational efficiency and alignment with organizational goals
• Collaborate with leadership on strategic planning and market positioning
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, trade partners, and key stakeholders in the mission critical ecosystem
• Support work acquisition strategies in partnership with business development leaders
• Participate in contract negotiations and preconstruction planning for major project pursuits
• Represent the company at industry events, client meetings, and strategic planning sessions

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field
• 10–15+ years of progressive experience in large-scale construction, preferably with a general contractor
• Deep understanding of mission critical and data center construction, with specific experience on hyperscale projects exceeding $500M
• Proven leadership in managing national project teams and navigating large, mobile workforce programs
• Strong commercial acumen, including experience in financial forecasting, revenue planning, and business development
• Track record of successfully building and maintaining long-term client relationships
• Ability to work cross-functionally and adapt to evolving project and organizational needs
• Willingness to travel 25–50% as required by project and client demands

Preferred Experience

• Hands-on leadership of at least one major hyperscale data center build
• Experience launching projects in new geographic markets within the U.S.
• Familiarity with thermal, hybrid, or renewable energy integration for mission critical infrastructure

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Industries: Staffing and Recruiting, Building Construction, and Energy Technology