Sr Data Center Project Manager

Nesco Data Center is seeking a Sr Data Center Project Manager in the Greater Elk Grove IL area.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Senior Project Manager will take a leadership role in managing complex data center development and construction projects from the early planning and design stages through construction, commissioning, and final project turnover.

Acting as an Owner's Representative, this individual will be responsible for helping ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with established quality and operational standards. The Senior Project Manager will work closely with internal leadership, customers, consultants, contractors, and other key stakeholders throughout the life of each project.

This person will also be responsible for identifying and managing potential project risks, monitoring financial performance, providing updates to executive leadership, and helping guide and develop other members of the project team. The ideal candidate is a strong leader who can successfully manage multiple large-scale projects while helping improve processes and project delivery across the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage multiple data center development and construction projects simultaneously, from initial planning through final completion and turnover.

• Serve as a key point of contact between customers, contractors, consultants, internal departments, and other project stakeholders.

• Develop, manage, and monitor project budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and overall financial performance.

• Create and maintain detailed project schedules, identify potential delays or risks, and develop plans to keep projects on track.

• Work closely with design teams to ensure project designs support operational needs, customer commitments, and overall project goals.

• Participate in vendor and consultant selection, procurement activities, contract negotiations, and change-order management.

• Monitor construction activities to ensure projects meet expectations for safety, quality, schedule, and performance.

• Oversee and coordinate commissioning activities and help ensure projects are properly prepared for operational turnover.

• Prepare regular project updates and presentations for executive leadership covering financial performance, schedules, risks, and overall project status.

• Partner with internal teams, including Finance, Legal, Procurement, Construction, and Operations, to support successful project delivery.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to Project Managers, Project Coordinators, and other members of the project team.

• Help establish and improve project management processes, procedures, and best practices.

• Travel to project locations as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.

• Eight or more years of experience managing construction, development, infrastructure, or mission-critical projects.

• Previous experience working for a general contractor, developer, or as an Owner's Representative is strongly preferred.

• Experience supporting or managing data center projects is highly desirable.

• Proven experience managing large, complex construction projects involving multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong knowledge of construction project management, budgeting, scheduling, project controls, and contract administration.

• Comfortable working with project management and construction software, including tools such as Yardi, Procore, Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, and Bluebeam.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively manage contractors, consultants, vendors, and internal project teams.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

• Ability to manage several complex projects at different stages simultaneously.

• Comfortable working with and presenting information to senior and executive-level leadership.

• Strong business and financial understanding, with the ability to evaluate project performance and identify potential risks or opportunities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work at a computer and in an office environment for extended periods.

• Ability to read and review construction drawings, plans, schedules, reports, and other detailed project documentation.

• Occasional ability to lift and carry materials weighing approximately 10–20 pounds, including plans, samples, or field equipment.

• Ability to communicate effectively in office, virtual, and on-site environments.

• Ability to regularly visit and navigate active construction sites, including walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs when necessary.

• Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while visiting project and construction sites.

• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, noise, and dusty construction environments.

• Ability to visually inspect construction progress, installations, and general site conditions.

Nesco Resource offers a comprehensive benefits package for our associates, which includes a MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plan that encompasses Medical, Vision, Dental, 401K, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services.

Nesco Resource provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.