L6 Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The GOR Group is partnered with a leading general contractor specializing in complex mission-critical, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Our client is recognized for delivering high-performance facilities while maintaining a strong commitment to innovation, quality, safety, and client satisfaction. Due to continued growth, they are seeking a Senior Commissioning Manager to lead commissioning activities on large-scale projects throughout the Chicago market. 

The Senior Commissioning Manager will lead the commissioning process and project closeout efforts for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire/life safety, and fire sprinkler systems on complex construction projects. This individual will be responsible for ensuring all building systems are fully functional, compliant with design and performance standards, and successfully transitioned for owner occupancy.

The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with project teams, subcontractors, engineers, owners, and third-party commissioning providers to plan, execute, document, and manage all commissioning activities from construction through final turnover.

• Manage day-to-day commissioning activities on active construction sites.
• Coordinate closely with project managers, subcontractors, and trade partners to resolve commissioning issues and maintain project schedules.
• Drive quality assurance and operational readiness throughout project delivery.

• Develop and execute comprehensive commissioning plans in collaboration with the owner's Commissioning Provider.
• Coordinate commissioning activities for all MEP, fire protection, controls, and life safety systems.
• Oversee testing procedures, inspections, factory startup activities, functional performance testing, integrated systems testing, and turnover requirements.

• Review commissioning scripts and testing procedures to verify alignment with design intent and performance objectives.
• Participate in factory witness testing, field inspections, startup activities, and performance verification testing.
• Support troubleshooting and issue resolution during system startup and commissioning.

• Maintain accurate commissioning documentation including:
  • Issue logs
  • Meeting minutes
  • Field reports
  • Testing records
  • Final commissioning reports
• Track deficiencies and coordinate corrective actions through project completion.

• Lead planning and execution for:
  • NETA testing
  • SCADA systems verification
  • Controls integration testing
  • Operational readiness assessments
• Ensure all systems meet project performance criteria prior to turnover.

• Lead owner training sessions on commissioned systems.
• Provide guidance on system operation, maintenance expectations, and potential failure scenarios.
• Coordinate final turnover documentation and project closeout deliverables. 

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Equivalent trade experience will also be considered. 

• 5-10+ years of experience in construction, engineering, or commissioning.
• Previous experience with a general contractor, commissioning consultant, MEP engineering firm, or mission-critical contractor preferred.
• Data center commissioning experience strongly preferred. 

Nationally recognized commissioning certifications are highly desirable, including:

• CxP
• BCxP (ASHRAE)
• CxA (ACG)
• CCP (BCxA)
• QCxP (University of Wisconsin)

Candidates actively pursuing certification are encouraged to apply. 

• Strong understanding of commissioning phases (L0-L6).
• Knowledge of MEP, fire protection, controls, and life-safety systems.
• Experience with QA/QC processes and testing & balancing requirements.
• Thorough understanding of applicable codes, standards, and specifications.
• Ability to evaluate commissioning risks, schedule impacts, and safety requirements.
• Experience integrating fire/life safety systems with MEP infrastructure.
• Proficiency with:
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • BIM360
  • CxAlloy or similar commissioning software
  • Construction management platforms and project controls tools 

• Strong leadership and team coordination abilities.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.
• Effective meeting facilitation and follow-through on action items.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders in fast-paced construction environments.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.

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.