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Data Center Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

On site management of data center projects * Interaction with power and fiber companies * Assist Project Manager and project team with reporting * Interface with customers to ensure critical ...

... critical/data center project. The senior project manager will oversee project execution from ... planning and preconstruction through construction, commissioning, turnover, and closeout. This role ...

On site management of data center projects * Interaction with power and fiber companies * Assist Project Manager and project team with reporting * Interface with customers to ensure critical ...

Showing results 41-60

Data Center Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$63.4K

$122.8K

$133.9K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center project manager in Chicago, IL is $122,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,600.00 and $124,600.00 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 Chicago, IL?

For Data Center Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Data Center Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Data Center Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Data Center Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Data Center Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Data Center Project Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,823 per year, or $59 per hour.

Data Center Owners Representative - Mission Critical

GBA Companies

Chicago, IL • On-site

$124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary point of contact and advocate for the Owner throughout design, construction, commissioning, and turnover.

  • Oversee contractor execution, review submittals, track schedule and budget, and monitor safety performance.

  • Provide technical oversight during equipment evaluation, testing, and commissioning activities to ensure quality and compliance.


Job description

Job: Data Center Owners Representative

Location: National Travel / Texas / West Virginia

Build Your Future with GBA

At GBA, we bring vision to life through collaboration, craftsmanship, and commitment. Our teams are driven by a shared passion for delivering high-quality, safe, and efficient projects that make an impact in the communities we serve.

The Data Center Owners Representative (Owners Rep) serves as the Owners trusted partner and project steward, representing the Owners interests across the entire lifecycle of mission-critical data center projects. This role ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, at the highest standards of quality, and with full alignment to enterprise operational readiness goals.

The Owners Rep functions as the central point of accountability between the Owner and external stakeholders, including architects, engineers, general contractors, specialty trade contractors, equipment vendors, commissioning authorities, and operations teams. By providing technical oversight, strategic project management, and proactive issue resolution, the Owners Rep safeguards the Owners investment and ensures that every facility meets long-term performance, resiliency, and compliance requirements.

This position requires deep technical expertise in MEP and civil/structural systems, strong financial and contractual acumen, and proven leadership in coordinating large-scale, fast-track projects valued at $100M+. The Owners Rep is expected to anticipate risks, advocate for the Owners interests, and facilitate smooth project execution from site acquisition through turnover.


What Youll Do

Project Leadership & Oversight

  • Serve as the primary point of contact and advocate for the Owner throughout design, construction, commissioning, and turnover.
  • Lead Owner-side project meetings, steering committees, and milestone reviews; provide clear communication and direction across all project participants.
  • Align project execution with Owners business objectives, operational standards, and risk management policies.

Design & Preconstruction

  • Participate in site selection, feasibility studies, and early due diligence.
  • Review design development documents to ensure alignment with Owners standards, resiliency goals, and scalability requirements.
  • Coordinate with A&E firms to validate constructability, operational maintainability, and compliance with code/industry standards.
  • Provide input on procurement strategy, contract structure, and bid evaluations.

Construction Administration

  • Oversee the general contractors execution of scope, budget, schedule, and QAQC requirements.
  • Review and approve contractor submittals, RFIs, and change orders on behalf of the Owner.
  • Track schedule milestones, cost exposures, and contingency usage; escalate issues to the Owners leadership with actionable recommendations.
  • Monitor safety performance and enforce strict adherence to site-specific safety and environmental protocols.

Technical Oversight & Commissioning Support

  • Provide technical expertise in evaluating equipment submittals, installation practices, and integration of MEP systems.
  • Participate in factory witness testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities at Levels 15.
  • Ensure deficiencies are tracked, reported, and resolved through a structured QAQC and issue-management system.
  • Support integrated systems testing to validate redundancy, failover, and sequence of operations.

Financial & Contractual Controls

  • Monitor contractor invoices, pay applications, and progress reports to ensure financial transparency and accuracy.
  • Provide detailed reporting to Owner executives on budget performance, change management, and forecast-to-complete.
  • Enforce Owners contractual rights, warranty protections, and performance guarantees.

Turnover & Operational Readiness

  • Ensure delivery of as-builts, O&M manuals, commissioning reports, warranty binders, and training sessions for operations staff.
  • Support the smooth transition of the facility from construction to operations, ensuring readiness for day-one occupancy and long-term reliability.
  • Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement of Owners data center delivery standards.

What You Bring
  • Education: Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline (PE, PMP, CxA, LEED AP, or equivalent certifications strongly preferred).
  • Experience:
    • 710+ years of progressive experience managing large-scale construction projects, with at least 5 years in mission-critical/data center environments.
    • Direct experience overseeing projects $100M+ in value, with fast-track delivery schedules.
    • Proven record of interfacing with Owners, A&E firms, general contractors, trade contractors, and commissioning providers.
  • Technical Expertise:
    • Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, as well as civil/structural design and site development.
    • Familiarity with industry codes and standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, ASHRAE, ANSI/NETA ATS, SMACNA, IBC, ADA, OSHA).
    • Understanding of commissioning processes, testing protocols, and L1L5 commissioning phases.
  • Leadership & Communication:
    • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
    • Ability to resolve conflicts, manage competing priorities, and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders.
  • Other Requirements:
    • Ability to travel regionally/nationally to project sites as required.
    • Strong analytical and organizational skills, with proficiency in project management and reporting tools (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, MS Project, Primavera P6).

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to navigate active construction sites safely
  • Ability to stand, walk, and climb stairs or ladders as needed
  • Capability to manage field-based responsibilities across varying environments

Travel
  • This position requires regional and/or national travel based on project assignments.

Why Youll Love Working Here

At GBA, youll be part of a team that values integrity, safety, and innovation. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life, accident, and disability coverage
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives
  • Paid company holidays, floating holidays, and flexible time off
  • Opportunities for training, professional growth, and advancement

Join Our Team

If youre a motivated professional who takes pride in delivering safe, high-quality work, wed love to hear from you.

Apply today and build your future with GBA.

At GBA, we are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer promoting diversity in our workforce by including all individuals regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law.