Data Center Infrastructure Project Manager Jobs in Illinois

GOR Group has partnered with a leading technology infrastructure organization seeking a Project Manager to support a large-scale, mission-critical data center program in DeKalb, Illinois. This is an opportunity to play a key role in the delivery and operation of one of the nation's most significant digital infrastructure projects.

The Project Manager will oversee the full lifecycle of data center operational and construction-related initiatives, ensuring successful execution through disciplined project management, safety leadership, cost control, schedule management, and stakeholder coordination. This individual will drive operational excellence, foster collaboration across cross-functional teams, and support best-in-class delivery standards within a mission-critical environment.

Our client is a recognized leader in technology infrastructure and integration services, known for delivering complex projects with precision, innovation, and accountability. This role offers exposure to high-profile programs, career growth opportunities, and the chance to make a lasting impact within the rapidly growing data center industry.

Why Join Our Client?

• Opportunity to support a landmark data center development project
• Work within a fast-paced, mission-critical environment
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Career advancement opportunities with an industry-leading organization
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology and digital infrastructure initiatives

Key Responsibilities Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead day-to-day data center field operations, including capacity management, network services, and physical infrastructure activities.
• Develop, maintain, and manage detailed project schedules and execution plans.
• Oversee all phases of project delivery, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives.
• Identify and manage project change events utilizing established change management processes.
• Measure and drive service delivery performance against defined SLAs and KPIs.
• Serve as the primary onsite escalation point for planning, scheduling, work prioritization, and ticket resolution with internal and cross-functional partners.
• Define project priorities, establish delivery roadmaps, and drive accountability across stakeholders.
• Manage scope, schedule, and resource changes while maintaining stakeholder alignment and communication.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Promote and enforce safety standards, protocols, and procedures across all project activities.
• Ensure quality control through effective documentation, reporting, and tracking processes.
• Maintain compliance with applicable codes, regulations, construction technology platforms, and industry standards.
• Manage incidents and escalations, coordinating corrective actions and providing leadership updates.
• Identify project risks and obstacles early and implement mitigation strategies.
• Develop, standardize, and govern SOPs while driving process improvement initiatives.
• Oversee QA/QC activities for structured cabling and physical infrastructure installation projects.
• Maintain ownership of physical infrastructure assets through project acceptance and turnover.
• Support Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) compliance, audits, and procedural adherence throughout project execution.

Financial & Contract Management

• Support forecasting, budgeting, cost control, and project financial reporting.
• Manage various contract and project delivery models, including:
  • Lump Sum
  • Cost Plus
  • GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price)
  • Design-Build
  • Time & Materials
• Monitor vendor and subcontractor performance.
• Review invoices, track expenditures, and ensure financial accountability throughout the project lifecycle.

Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams, clients, subcontractors, and executive leadership.
• Provide regular communication regarding project status, milestones, risks, and priorities.
• Develop presentations and facilitate meetings for both small and large stakeholder groups.
• Monitor communication platforms and ensure timely project updates.
• Manage resource utilization, onboarding, workforce coordination, and performance accountability.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders while advocating for operational improvements.
• Deliver regular reporting including project roadmaps, risks, mitigation plans, and critical project changes.
• Facilitate planning sessions, operational reviews, and cross-functional coordination meetings.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Proactively identify project challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Utilize data and analytics to support informed decision-making and project optimization.
• Promote innovation, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a customer-facing representative and primary communication conduit across functional teams.
• Adapt effectively to evolving technologies, tools, and operational processes.

Qualifications & Requirements Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management or construction management experience in a leadership role within data center, mission-critical, or similar infrastructure environments.
• Experience managing data center construction, structured cabling, or critical infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated experience working with multiple project delivery methods, including GMP, Design-Build, Fixed Price, and Cost-Plus contracts.
• Strong understanding of construction safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of construction accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control practices.
• Experience with change management processes and project documentation.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and drive project outcomes.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Technical Skills

Proficiency with:

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Primavera P6
• Bluebeam
• Procore
• Textura
• Other construction and project management software platforms

Industry Experience

• Strong understanding of data center infrastructure and mission-critical environments.
• Experience working in union environments preferred, including collaboration with IBEW technicians.
• Experience managing both direct-hire and subcontracted labor teams.

Preferred Certifications

• OSHA 30 (must obtain within 60 days of hire if not currently held)
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• BICSI RCDD
• BICSI RTPM

About the GOR Group:

At GOR Group, we believe in Grit Over Resume.

We understand that great talent does not always come from a perfectly matched resume. While experience and technical skills matter, we know that some of the most successful professionals are those who demonstrate the character, determination, and drive to learn, adapt, and deliver results.

We value individuals who demonstrate:

• Leadership
• Accountability
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Strong Communication
• Continuous Learning
• A Willingness to Take on Challenges
• A Strong Work Ethic
• The Ability to Grow and Develop in New Environments

If your experience does not align with every requirement, but you believe you can make an impact, we encourage you to apply.

At GOR Group, we look beyond job titles and keyword matches. We focus on identifying individuals who bring the right attitude, work ethic, leadership, and technical capability to help our clients succeed. We partner with organizations across the mission critical, data center, manufacturing, commissioning, construction, and infrastructure industries to connect them with professionals who are ready to contribute, grow, and build meaningful careers.

If you're ready to help build the next generation of digital infrastructure while advancing your career in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, we'd love to hear from you.

Know Someone Who Might Be a Fit?

GOR Group believes in Grit Over Resume. Great talent often comes through strong networks and referrals from industry professionals.

If you know someone in the mission critical, data center, manufacturing, commissioning, construction, or infrastructure industries who may be open to new opportunities, we offer a $500 referral bonus for successful placements. If your referral is hired and completes the required employment period, we'll reward you for helping connect great talent with great opportunities.

Reach out to our team to learn more about our referral program and current openings.