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Data Center Project Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

TEKsystems

Project Manager

Romeoville, IL · Hybrid

$115K - $145K/yr

Data Center Project Manager * Mission Critical Project Manager If you're looking to grow your career with an organization that values ownership, collaboration, and professional development while ...

Black Box Corporation

Project Manager

Dekalb, IL

As a Data Center Project Manager, you will be at the forefront of one of the most transformative infrastructure programs in the country: constructing the largest data center in the United States.

Black Box

Project Manager

Dekalb, IL · On-site

As a Data Center Project Manager, you will be at the forefront of one of the most transformative infrastructure programs in the country: constructing the largest data center in the United States.

Black Box

Project Manager

Dekalb, IL · On-site

As a Data Center Project Manager, you will be at the forefront of one of the most transformative infrastructure programs in the country: constructing the largest data center in the United States.

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Data Center Project Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$59.6K

$115.5K

$126K

How much do data center project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center project manager in Illinois is $115,536.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,300.00 and $117,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Data Center Project Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale infrastructure projects?

Data Center Project Managers frequently work with a diverse range of teams, including network engineers, construction crews, facilities management, and IT staff. Effective collaboration involves regular meetings to align project timelines, clarify technical requirements, and address any logistical challenges. They also facilitate communication between stakeholders to ensure all aspects of the project—such as safety, compliance, and resource allocation—are managed efficiently. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for delivering projects on time and within budget, while minimizing disruptions to ongoing data center operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Data Center Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Center Project Manager, you need expertise in project management methodologies, infrastructure planning, and a solid understanding of data center operations, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering, IT, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools (such as MS Project or Primavera), IT infrastructure systems, and certifications like PMP or ITIL are often expected. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive collaboration and manage stakeholder expectations. These competencies ensure that complex data center projects are delivered efficiently, on schedule, and within budget while maintaining high operational standards.

What are Data Center Project Managers?

Data Center Project Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of projects related to data center operations, construction, or upgrades. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, ensure timelines are met, and maintain compliance with safety and industry standards. Their role often involves working with various stakeholders, such as engineers, IT specialists, and vendors, to ensure that data center projects meet technical and business requirements. Effective communication, organizational skills, and technical knowledge of data center infrastructure are crucial for success in this position.

What is the difference between Data Center Project Manager vs Network Engineer?

AspectData Center Project ManagerNetwork Engineer
CertificationsPMP, Data Center certificationsCCNA, CCNP, Network certifications
Work EnvironmentData centers, construction sites, project officesNetwork operations centers, client sites, offices
Industry UsagePlanning and overseeing data center projectsDesigning, implementing, and maintaining networks

The Data Center Project Manager focuses on managing data center construction and deployment projects, ensuring timelines and budgets are met. In contrast, a Network Engineer specializes in designing and maintaining network infrastructure. While both roles require technical knowledge, the Project Manager emphasizes project coordination, whereas the Network Engineer concentrates on network performance and security.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Data Center Project Manager?

A data center project manager works to manage computer systems and equipment in a data center facility. In this career, your duties and responsibilities include planning and scheduling equipment maintenance, allocating resources to handle new projects, creating an operations budget, and ensuring proper and efficient billing of clients. You also work with staff on scheduling, project assignments, and professional development. You may interact with clients to troubleshoot and to build a business relationship that could lead to future business opportunities.

More about Data Center Project Manager jobs
What are popular job titles related to Data Center Project Manager jobs in Illinois? For Data Center Project Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Center Project Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Data Center Project Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Data Center Project Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Data Center Project Manager job openings:
Data Center Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Center Project Manager job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,536 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Data Center Project Manager

Garmac Limited LLC

Dekalb, IL

$130K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Project Manager
    • Contract with possible contract extension or hire (fixed weekly salary broken down hourly for invoicing purposes only) - $62.50 - $65.00/HR
    • Direct Hire (must be open to between 15-50% travel throughout the U.S.): Up to 135K/YR
  • Standard Site Hours: 7:00am to 4:00pm
  • Location: Onsite Daily – Client site Dekalb IL 60115

Project Leadership & Execution

  • Run daily DC Field Ops (capacity, network services, physical layer).

  • Build/manage project schedules and ensure delivery to scope, timeline, and budget.

  • Manage change events and drive SLA/KPI performance.

  • Serve as onsite escalation for planning, scheduling, prioritization, and ticket flow.

  • Set priorities, build roadmaps, and hold crossfunctional owners accountable.

  • Align stakeholders on scope, timeline, and resource changes.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

  • Enforce site safety protocols and standards.

  • Maintain quality through consistent documentation and reporting.

  • Ensure compliance with construction tech platforms, codes, and industry standards.

  • Lead incident/escalation management and drive action items to closure.

  • Identify risks early and lead mitigation.

  • Standardize SOPs and scale best practices.

  • Own QA/QC for physical layer work (incl. structured cabling), plant acceptance, and intake reviews.

  • Own EHS compliance through audits and proper routing of outofscope work.

Financial & Contract Management

  • Support forecasting, budget reviews, and financial reporting.

  • Manage contracting models (lump sum, costplus, GMP, designbuild, T&M).

  • Track vendor performance, approve invoices, and monitor spend.

Stakeholder Communication

  • Act as primary contact for internal teams, XFN partners, clients, subs, and leadership.

  • Communicate status, risks, milestones, and priorities clearly.

  • Build presentations and lead briefings.

  • Monitor communication portals and manage resource utilization, onboarding, and accountability.

  • Represent field needs to improve tools/processes.

  • Provide regular roadmap, risk, and mitigation updates.

  • Facilitate planning sessions, reviews, and war rooms.

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

  • Anticipate issues, mitigate risks, and resolve conflicts quickly.

  • Use data insights to optimize performance.

  • Promote innovation and continuous improvement.

  • Serve as customerfacing POC to crossfunctional partners.

  • Adapt to evolving tools and processes.

Requirements:

  • 5 years of telecom construction industry experience in a management or leadership role.
    • Knowledge of low voltage/fiber, cable management, and cable audits
    • Cost forecasting, and budgeting.
    • Prepare and lead presentations and briefings
    • Safety enforcement, Quality Control and change management
    • Monitor vendor performance, approve invoices, and track project expenditures.
  • Assist in leading 40-70+ resources (technicians, project admin, safety personnel, and construction manager)
  • Union Environment
    • Experience working in union environments, particularly with IBEW technicians
    • Comfortable assisting in managing both direct hires vs subcontractor teams
  • Prior experience managing large data center or structured cabling construction projects highly preferred.
  • Experience across multiple contract and delivery models (GMP, design, build, fixed price, etc.).
  • Proficiency - MS Office, Primavera P6, SPI (Scheduling Performance Index), CPI (Cost Performance Index), Bluebeam, Procore, Textura
  • Preferred Certifications:
    • OSHA 30 (if they don’t have it will need to be obtained within 60 days of starting)
    • BICSI RCDD
    • BICSI RTPM
    • PMI PMP