VP Program Manager, Data Centers

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated; Town of Texas (WI); Hybrid; USD 139,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with matching

Medical, Dental & Vision care

Paid parental leave

Paid time off and holidays

Early access to earned wages

Job summary

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated is seeking a VP, Program Manager to lead the PMO for a large data centre campus, coordinating construction, infrastructure upgrades, and facility expansions. You will manage client relationships, senior stakeholder communications, and complex budgets to ensure uninterrupted 24/7 operations.

The role calls for deep data centre know-how, strong governance, and a track record of delivering high‑risk programmes with cross-functional teams and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 12+ years of programme/project management experience.
• Experience leading PMO operations for large-scale capital programmes ($100M+).
• Deep data centre infrastructure knowledge (power, cooling, MEP).

Responsibilities

• Lead daily PMO operations for the data centre campus and oversee multiple projects.
• Establish PMO frameworks, governance structures, and reporting cadences.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, design teams, and vendors.
• Manage master schedules, interdependencies, and resource allocation.
• Oversee budgeting, risk management, and change control.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing project team.

Skills

PMO leadership

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Risk management

Team mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Smartsheet

Procore

P6

MS Project

Data analytics tools

Job description

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

What this job involves:

As VP, Program Manager, you will serve as the day‑to‑day PMO lead for a large data centre campus, overseeing mission‑critical infrastructure projects that demand exceptional technical expertise and operational precision. You will manage integrated project teams delivering complex data centre construction and operations programmes while maintaining the rigorous standards required for 24/7 uptime environments. Your deep understanding of data centre infrastructure, vendor ecosystems, and critical facility requirements will be essential to ensuring seamless programme execution. Working closely with client stakeholders and senior leadership, you will drive operational excellence across all aspects of campus development and ongoing facility management.

What your day‑to‑day will look like:

Program Leadership & PMO Operations

• Leading daily PMO operations for the data centre campus, coordinating multiple concurrent projects across construction, infrastructure upgrades, and facility expansions
• Establishing and maintaining PMO frameworks, standards, governance structures, and reporting cadences specific to data centre programme delivery
• Serving as the central point of coordination between clients, contractors, design teams, MEP specialists, and critical systems vendors
• Managing master programme schedules, interdependencies, and resource allocation across the campus portfolio

Technical Programme Execution

• Overseeing mission‑critical infrastructure projects including power distribution, cooling systems, backup generators, fire suppression, and network infrastructure
• Ensuring adherence to data centre industry standards (Uptime Institute Tier classifications, ASHRAE guidelines, etc.) and client‑specific technical requirements
• Coordinating commissioning activities, integrated systems testing, and operational readiness for data centre facilities
• Managing relationships with specialised data centre contractors, equipment vendors, and critical infrastructure providers

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Acting as the primary client interface for programme delivery, building trusted relationships with facilities teams, IT leadership, and executive stakeholders
• Conducting regular programme reviews, presenting status updates, risk assessments, and performance metrics to client leadership
• Translating complex technical requirements into actionable programme plans and communicating progress across technical and non‑technical audiences
• Managing client expectations around capacity planning, phased delivery schedules, and operational transition planning

Financial & Risk Management

• Overseeing programme budgets ranging into hundreds of millions of dollars, tracking costs across multiple projects and ensuring financial accountability
• Monitoring change management processes, reviewing and approving change orders while maintaining budget integrity
• Identifying and mitigating programme risks including supply chain disruptions, long‑lead equipment delays, and operational continuity concerns
• Ensuring compliance with safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and data centre‑specific operational standards

Team Development & Process Improvement

• Leading and mentoring a team of project managers, coordinators, and technical specialists focused on data centre delivery
• Implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance PMO effectiveness, reporting accuracy, and programme delivery efficiency
• Developing data centre‑specific project management methodologies, templates, and lessons learnt repositories
• Supporting business development efforts through client relationship management, technical expertise, and proposal development

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical, mechanical, or civil preferred), construction management, or related technical field
• 12+ years of programme/project management experience with significant exposure to data centre or mission‑critical facility projects
• Proven experience leading PMO operations for large‑scale capital programmes ($100M+ portfolios)
• Deep understanding of data centre infrastructure including power systems (UPS, generators, switchgear), cooling architectures (CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water systems), and supporting MEP systems
• Demonstrated success managing complex stakeholder relationships in demanding, high‑accountability environments
• Experience with commissioning processes, integrated systems testing, and operational handover for critical facilities
• Extensive experience supervising, developing, and mentoring technical project teams
• Exceptional organisational skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent high‑priority initiatives
• Strong financial acumen including budget management, cost forecasting, and value engineering
• Outstanding communication skills with ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in engineering, construction management, or business administration
• PMP, CCM, or other recognised project management certifications
• LEED AP or data centre‑specific certifications (CDCP, CDCS, or similar)
• Experience with hyperscale data centre environments or colocation facilities
• Familiarity with modular/prefabricated data centre delivery methods
• Proficiency in project management platforms (Smartsheet, Procore, P6, MS Project) and data analytics tools
• Six Sigma or Lean certification with demonstrated process improvement track record
• Experience working with mission‑critical clients in technology, cloud services, or telecommunications sectors
• Track record of successful business development and client portfolio growth

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Expected compensation for this position: 138,840.00 – 201,480.00 USD per year. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location: Remote – Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Kansas City, MO, Lufkin, TX, Shreveport, LA, Washington, DC

Personalised benefits that support personal well‑being and growth: JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritises mental, physical and emotional health.

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities.

Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at [e-mail]. This email is only to request an accommodation.

Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.

Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.

Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job‑related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

California Residents only If you are a California resident as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) please view our Supplemental Privacy Statement which describes your rights and disclosures about your personal information.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with operations in over 80 countries around the world, our employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.