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Data Center Project Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring projects are delivered within scope and on budget. * Identify and mitigate risks associated with cloud migrations and data center ...

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The world's biggest companies trust T5 with their data center operations. At T5, our success is ... Management of project budgets, change management efforts, risk management, scheduling & logistics ...

Data Center MEP Superintendent - Chicago, IL This opportunity is with an established General ... Shares responsibility with the construction project manager for developing and keeping to the ...

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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 Aug 19, 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.

What is a data center project manager?

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 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.

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 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.

How much do data center project managers make?

Data center project managers typically earn between $90,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They oversee planning, execution, and completion of data center construction and upgrade projects, often requiring knowledge of project management tools and industry standards.

What does a data center project manager do?

A data center project manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of data center construction and upgrade projects. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, ensure compliance with safety and industry standards, and use project management tools to meet deadlines and specifications.

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 cities in Illinois are hiring for Data Center Project Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Data Center Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Data Center Project Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,536 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Data Center Construction Project Manager

Worldwide Mission Critical LLC

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description

Worldwide Mission Critical is a global owner's representation and project management company dedicated to the mission-critical industry, helping companies deliver their data centers on time and under budget. Founded on the principle that the right team of experienced data center professionals will deliver great projects, our ability to provide oversight for all aspects of a project sets us apart. 


Summary 

Project Manager (PM) will act as the Owner's Representative for mission critical data center construction projects. PM will manage Owner's design/engineering, procurement, and construction contractors. PM's primary responsibilities include oversight of construction, project budget tracking, and keeping project on schedule, avoidance of change orders, ensuring construction quality, contracts administration and facilitating Owner's meetings. 


Primary Responsibilities  

  • Act as Owner's representative adding value to the construction of data centers that meet or exceed industry standards. 
  • Represent Owner in a professional and ethical manner at all times. 
  • Work to mitigate change orders and to ensure that construction is undertaken properly, and that Owner's risk is minimized. 
  • Ensure that contractors are performing and providing deliverables per the construction agreement/contract. 
  • Monitor daily construction activities at the project site including scheduling of work and delivery of equipment & materials. 
  • Review submittals, drawings, and reports during the project design phase to avoid potential issues in construction. 
  • Monitor construction and report on work progress, budget status, and schedule status regularly to Owner and company leadership in verbal and report form. 
  • Manage and finalize contract processes and documents such as RFI's and change orders, preparing them for management review and approval. 
  • Review, interpret, and provide feedback on contractor provided documents. 
  • Review, verify, and approve Contractor progress billings. 
  • Review all commissioning, quality assurance, and quality control work/reporting done by contractor. Coordinate internal/external engineering support as needed. 
  • Work with Owner's operations staff, asset manager, and O&M provider to facilitate field visits and document review in anticipation of project substantial completion and commercial operation date. 
  • Represent Owner and coordinate site tours as needed for investors, utility representatives, etc. 
  • Provide initial evaluation of all Contractor payment applications to ensure accuracy relative to actual project construction status. 
  • Assist in cash flow forecasting and processing of payment requests. 
  • Represent Owner in contract/payment discussions with Contractor. 
  • Provide support for and/or lead construction contract negotiations. 
  • Provide technical, clerical, and other support for production of RFP's 
  • Perform due diligence tasks on new project opportunities and perform site assessments of potential projects 
  • Coordinate with and direct Owner's consultants as needed. 

Requirements

  • Education: High School Diploma/GED and 10+ years relevant work experience in construction/project management role OR Bachelor's degree and 5+ years relevant work experience in construction/project management role. 
  • Experience with construction contract administration. 
  • Knowledge of related construction practices. 
  • Experience in the mission critical environment desirable. 
  • Strong general computing skills. 
  • Strong proficiency in Excel, MSWord, MS Project, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
  • High levels of initiative, self-direction, and attention to detail 
  • Ability to motivate Contractor with solid communication skills and contract knowledge to accomplish Owner and project goals 
  • Ability to direct the troubleshooting and resolution of highly complex or unusual construction problems 
  • Capable of planning and organizing internal and external resources 
  • Willingness to take on responsibilities with a commitment to perform 
  • Flexibility to adhere to unique Owner requests 
  • Meeting facilitation and action item trackingÂ