Data Center Project Manager

We are seeking an experienced Data Center Project Manager to lead the delivery of complex, multidisciplinary data center and mission-critical projects across the United States.  

The candidate will be responsible for managing all phases of project execution, from site planning and entitlement through design, construction, and commissioning, while integrating advanced digital tools to drive smarter, faster, and more sustainable solutions. The candidate must be able to establish contacts within the industry, source leads, write proposals, and lead multidisciplinary projects in the Data Center industry.   

Key Responsibilities  

Project Management & Execution  

• Lead the full lifecycle of data center projects, ensuring alignment with client goals, technical standards, and budgetary constraints.
• Develop and manage scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to meet project milestones.
• Participate in sales and marketing efforts for Data Center / Mission-critical efforts

Team Management & Mentorship  

• Manage multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Collaborate with internal GAI specialists and digital transformation teams to pilot new tools and workflows.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and standards in the mission-critical sector.

Qualifications  

Required:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in data center or mission-critical project management.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to travel as needed to client sites and project locations.

Preferred:  

• Experience with hyperscale or colocation data center projects.
• Familiarity with Newforma, ProjectWise, or similar project management tools.
• Experience integrating CAD, BIM, and AI tools into design or project workflows.

General Characteristics

• As a GAI PROJECT MANAGER 3, this position is responsible for leading the successful delivery of scope, schedule, budget, and quality for projects.
• Competency
• Validates mastery of foundation and advanced project management skills; considered Subject Matter Expert. Trains and coaches Task Managers and other PMs.

Minimum Years of Experience

• Minimum of 14 years of total engineering or technical experience, with at least 8 of those years serving as a Project Manager leading and directing projects, preferably with an engineering consulting organization or similar professional services firm.
• Demonstrated track record of external customer engagements and building and maintaining successful client relationships.
• The Minimum Experience requirement may be waived if the Project Manager has demonstrated the ability to perform at the Project Manager 3 level.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering or applicable technical discipline as required.
• Advanced technical degree or MBA is preferred.
• Demonstrated mastery of fundamental project management skills and use of PM advanced techniques and practices to increase productivity, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Willingness to learn GAIspecific project management procedures and requirements.

Certification/Licensure

• Relevant professional license or certification in applicable technical discipline as required (PE, PLS, PG, RLA, etc.)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is preferred or desire to obtain.
• Driver’s License required

Technical Responsibilities

• Mathematical Skills
• Required mathematical skills are commensurate with the technical or engineering discipline practiced (e.g., engineering calculations, design, etc.)
• Demonstrated mastery of fundamental project management financial concepts, including developing pricing, cost budget monitoring, calculating profit, etc.

Computer Skills

• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of software as needed to successfully perform the duties described here, including MS Office Suite applications and software, CAD programs, document management systems, database software, HR Systems, internet software, and reporting tools related to databases.
• Experience with Deltek for Professional Services as a Project Management / Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Platform, including Client Relationship Management applications is preferred.

Travel Requirements

• Must be able to travel to GAI and client office locations as needed. Travel requirement is estimated at up to 25%.

Project and Task Management

• Project Management Responsibilities:
• Approximately 55% of job duties are dedicated to project management and 10% to technical delivery.
• Delivers scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and profitability of all projects managed.
• Plans and manages multidisciplinary projects of high value with medium to high-risk profiles.
• Directly manages $1 - $3 million per year of total billings with a maximum individual project size of $2 million.
• Projects managed are typically time-sensitive, unique and /or complex, of significant magnitude, scope, and difficulty.
• Demonstrated expertise in the development of project schedules, cost budgets and understanding and analysis of the financial data.
• Works closely with Project Controls staff to monitor and control project cost and billings to meet budget profit, to analyze project performance data on an on-going basis, and to develop recovery plans as needed.
• Has in-depth understanding of project goals, drivers, strategies, risks, and opportunities.
• Understands the company’s businesses, competing projects, and profit impact of decisions.

Business Development Responsibilities:

• Up to 25% of job duties may be dedicated to Business Development.
• Serves as primary client contact for projects managed.
• Actively wins new work from both new and existing clients by building and maintaining customer relationships, monitoring future work opportunities, communicating regularly, and attending client events.
• Acts as senior company representative to the client, in the community and with contractors.
• Coordinates and develops proposed scope, schedule, and fee for the entire project and leads the interview team.
• Leads contract negotiations with clients, with assistance from senior management.

Management Responsibility

• Supervisory Responsibilities:
• Assembles and leads large project teams covering several disciplines with staff from more than one office and working in several locations.
• Trains and coaches Task Managers and other PMs.
• Direction Received:
• Often acts independently within broadly defined objectives, limits, and long-term goals. Work is reviewed only to the effectiveness of results obtained, typically requiring a long-term perspective.

Communication Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with and garner support from key stakeholders and staff.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical reports and procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports and other business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.

Why GAI?    

GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative team that’s committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.    

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:    

Competitive Pay & Recognition  

• Market based, competitive compensation 
• Performance driven recognition and development bonuses 

Comprehensive Health & Wellness  

• Medical, dental, and vision plans 
• Company paid short-term and long-term disability 
• Company paid life insurance 
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources 

Meaningful Work–Life Balance  

• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays 
• An additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you 
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave 

Growth, Learning & Financial Security  

• 401(k) with company match 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications