Senior Program Manager

Volkert Inc.; Arkansas; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Medical, Dental, & Vision

401(k) retirement savings plan + employer matching

Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays

Employer-Paid Life/AD&D insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Job summary

Volkert Inc. is looking for a Senior Project Manager to oversee the lifecycle of hyperscale and edge data center projects in Arkansas. Candidates should possess at least a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or a related field along with 10+ years of experience in commercial construction, particularly in Mission Critical/Data Center environments. The role demands strong MEP coordination skills, project management expertise, and familiarity with Louisiana-specific regulations. Key benefits include an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, medical coverage, and a 401(k) retirement savings plan.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in commercial construction, with 5 years dedicated to Mission Critical/Data Center environments.
• Expertise in MEP-heavy projects such as electrical substations and chilled water plants.
• Understanding of LSLBC Commercial Contractor requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of hyperscale and edge data center projects.
• Direct the planning and execution of data center builds.
• Ensure compliance with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.

Skills

MEP coordination

Modular construction techniques

Project management tools

BIM (Building Information Modeling)

Proficiency in construction tech stacks

Communication with local utility providers

Education

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

Tools

Procore

SMiC

Job description

Senior Project Manager

The Senior Project Manager will lead the full lifecycle of hyperscale and edge data center projects within the State of Louisiana. This role requires technical expertise in MEP coordination, modular construction techniques, and deep knowledge of Louisiana-specific commercial licensing and environmental regulations. You will be responsible for delivering facilities that support ~50-100MW power envelopes while managing complex utility interconnections and local stakeholder resistance.

To be considered for this position, applicants must have, at minimum, a bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil/Electrical Engineering or related field and 10+ years of experience in commercial construction, with 5 years dedicated to Mission Critical/Data Center environments.

Project Execution & Schedule Management

• Direct the planning and execution of data center builds, with a focus on compressed delivery timelines.
• Develop, lead, and maintain project and master program budgets, cost controls, and integrated schedules across design, permitting, site development, and construction.
• Utilize project management tools and BIM (Building Information Modeling) to de-risk schedules and manage parallel production for modular components.
• Manage long-lead procurement cycles (12-18 months) for critical equipment like high-voltage transformers, switchgear, and standby generators.
• Act as the technical liaison between engineering teams, designers, construction partners, energy company stakeholders, utilities, and grid operators.

Regulatory & Louisiana Compliance

• Ensure all project activities comply with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) requirements for commercial projects exceeding $50,000.
• Navigate the evolving 2026 legislative landscape in Louisiana regarding AI infrastructure, water withdrawal permits, and natural gas utility interconnections.
• Oversee the acquisition of all local permits, including Parish-level zoning and state-level environmental impact assessments.

Technical Supervision

• Lead the coordination of high-density cooling integrations, including immersion cooling and cold plate systems.
• Supervise the installation of on-site Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and microgrid solutions to manage grid instability.
• Oversee commissioning (Levels 1-5) to ensure \"five-nines\" reliability upon handover.
• Oversee and coordinate architects, engineers, and construction managers throughout design and construction phases.
• Monitor and report progress toward project milestones across design, bid, and construction phases.

Financial & Contract Management

• Negotiate and manage subcontracts, specifically ensuring all electrical and mechanical subcontractors hold the appropriate Louisiana specialty licenses for work exceeding $10,000.
• Review and approve schedules of values, payment applications, change order requests, and supporting documentation on behalf of the owner and/or client.
• Prepare clear and accurate reporting on schedule, cost, risk, performance, and monthly project status, including participation in monthend reviews and billing cycles.
• Evaluate the impacts of scope changes on budgets, schedules, and fees; negotiate adjustments with the client as required.

What you need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Civil/Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in commercial construction, with 5 years dedicated to Mission Critical/Data Center environments.
• Must have a clear understanding of LSLBC Commercial Contractor requirements.
• Expertise in MEP-heavy projects (electrical substations, chilled water plants, UPS systems).
• Proficiency in modern construction tech stacks (Procore, SMiC, or similar platforms).
• Experience acting as an owner's representative or consultant-led program manager.
• Proficiency with project controls and reporting tools.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening to ensure a safe and productive work environment. (Note that federal regulations may differ from state-specific guidelines.)
• Regular travel expected to client sites and project locations.
• Site presence during active construction phases.
• Valid driver's license.
• A satisfactory motor vehicle report (MVR).

Bonus points if you have:

• Experience managing relationships with local Louisiana utility providers and community providers
• An existing Louisiana Qualifying Party status
• PMP, PE, or CCM certification

Key Benefits:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Medical, Dental, & Vision
• 401(k) retirement savings plan + employer matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays
• Employer-Paid Life/AD&D insurance
• Employer-Paid short-term disability and long-term disability
• Wellness incentives
• Student Debt Retirement Match
• Additional voluntary benefits

EOE-Race/Sex/Vets/Disabled