Data Center Owner''s Representative - Mission Critical

Job: Data Center Owners Representative

Location: Chicago, Il

Build Your Future with GBA

At GBA, we bring vision to life through collaboration, craftsmanship, and commitment. Our teams are driven by a shared passion for delivering high-quality, safe, and efficient projects that make an impact in the communities we serve.

The Data Center Owners Representative (Owners Rep) serves as the Owners trusted partner and project steward, representing the Owners interests across the entire lifecycle of mission-critical data center projects. This role ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, at the highest standards of quality, and with full alignment to enterprise operational readiness goals.

The Owners Rep functions as the central point of accountability between the Owner and external stakeholders, including architects, engineers, general contractors, specialty trade contractors, equipment vendors, commissioning authorities, and operations teams. By providing technical oversight, strategic project management, and proactive issue resolution, the Owners Rep safeguards the Owners investment and ensures that every facility meets long-term performance, resiliency, and compliance requirements.

This position requires deep technical expertise in MEP and civil/structural systems, strong financial and contractual acumen, and proven leadership in coordinating large-scale, fast-track projects valued at $100M+. The Owners Rep is expected to anticipate risks, advocate for the Owners interests, and facilitate smooth project execution from site acquisition through turnover.

What Youll Do

Project Leadership & Oversight

Serve as the primary point of contact and advocate for the Owner throughout design, construction, commissioning, and turnover. Lead Owner-side project meetings, steering committees, and milestone reviews; provide clear communication and direction across all project participants. Align project execution with Owners business objectives, operational standards, and risk management policies.

Design & Preconstruction

Participate in site selection, feasibility studies, and early due diligence. Review design development documents to ensure alignment with Owners standards, resiliency goals, and scalability requirements. Coordinate with A&E firms to validate constructability, operational maintainability, and compliance with code/industry standards. Provide input on procurement strategy, contract structure, and bid evaluations.

Construction Administration

Oversee the general contractors execution of scope, budget, schedule, and QAQC requirements. Review and approve contractor submittals, RFIs, and change orders on behalf of the Owner. Track schedule milestones, cost exposures, and contingency usage; escalate issues to the Owners leadership with actionable recommendations. Monitor safety performance and enforce strict adherence to site-specific safety and environmental protocols.

Technical Oversight & Commissioning Support

Provide technical expertise in evaluating equipment submittals, installation practices, and integration of MEP systems. Participate in factory witness testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities at Levels 15. Ensure deficiencies are tracked, reported, and resolved through a structured QAQC and issue-management system. Support integrated systems testing to validate redundancy, failover, and sequence of operations.

Financial & Contractual Controls

Monitor contractor invoices, pay applications, and progress reports to ensure financial transparency and accuracy. Provide detailed reporting to Owner executives on budget performance, change management, and forecast-to-complete. Enforce Owners contractual rights, warranty protections, and performance guarantees.

Turnover & Operational Readiness

Ensure delivery of as-builts, O&M manuals, commissioning reports, warranty binders, and training sessions for operations staff. Support the smooth transition of the facility from construction to operations, ensuring readiness for day-one occupancy and long-term reliability. Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement of Owners data center delivery standards.

What You Bring

Education: Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline (PE, PMP, CxA, LEED AP, or equivalent certifications strongly preferred). Experience:

710+ years of progressive experience managing large-scale construction projects, with at least 5 years in mission-critical/data center environments. Direct experience overseeing projects $100M+ in value, with fast-track delivery schedules. Proven record of interfacing with Owners, A&E firms, general contractors, trade contractors, and commissioning providers.

Technical Expertise:

Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, as well as civil/structural design and site development. Familiarity with industry codes and standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, ASHRAE, ANSI/NETA ATS, SMACNA, IBC, ADA, OSHA). Understanding of commissioning processes, testing protocols, and L1L5 commissioning phases.

Leadership & Communication:

Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to resolve conflicts, manage competing priorities, and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Other Requirements:

Ability to travel regionally/nationally to project sites as required. Strong analytical and organizational skills, with proficiency in project management and reporting tools (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, MS Project, Primavera P6).

Physical Requirements

Ability to navigate active construction sites safely Ability to stand, walk, and climb stairs or ladders as needed Capability to manage field-based responsibilities across varying environments

Travel

This position requires regional and/or national travel based on project assignments.

Why Youll Love Working Here

At GBA, youll be part of a team that values integrity, safety, and innovation. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance Life, accident, and disability coverage 401(k) with company match Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives Paid company holidays, floating holidays, and flexible time off Opportunities for training, professional growth, and advancement

Join Our Team

If youre a motivated professional who takes pride in delivering safe, high-quality work, wed love to hear from you.

Apply today and build your future with GBA.

At GBA, we are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer promoting diversity in our workforce by including all individuals regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law.