Manager Data Center Operations Lead Jobs in DeKalb, IL

Job Description Position Overview Our client is seeking an experienced Project Manager - Data Center Operations to lead large-scale data center infrastructure projects. This individual will oversee day-to-day field operations, project execution, budgeting, scheduling, safety, quality, and vendor management while ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced construction or telecom project manager with a strong background in structured cabling, fiber infrastructure, and large mission-critical facilities.

Position Details Opening: 1 (Immediate Need) Employment Options: Contract: $62.50-$65.00/hour (weekly salary structure for invoicing purposes; potential for extension or direct hire) Direct Hire: Up to $135,000 annually Must be willing to travel approximately 15-50% throughout the United States Schedule Monday-Friday Standard site hours: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM Occasional evenings or weekends may be required to support project needs. Work Location Fully onsite DeKalb, IL 60115 Interview Process Technical Recruiter Interview (approximately 30 minutes) Program Director Interview (approximately 60 minutes) HR Interview (approximately 30 minutes) Key Responsibilities Project Leadership Manage all phases of large-scale data center construction and infrastructure projects. Develop and maintain detailed project schedules

Oversee daily field operations, resource planning, and work prioritization. Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery. Lead planning meetings, project reviews, and stakeholder communications.

Manage project scope, schedules, risks, and change requests. Operations & Execution Coordinate structured cabling, fiber infrastructure, and physical layer deployments. Monitor service delivery and project performance against established KPIs and SLAs.

Serve as the primary onsite escalation point for project activities. Drive process improvements and standardize operational procedures. Safety & Quality Enforce all safety policies and site compliance requirements.

Lead QA/QC efforts for structured cabling and infrastructure installations. Ensure compliance with industry standards, construction practices, and project documentation requirements. Identify project risks early and implement mitigation strategies.

Financial Management Support project budgeting, forecasting, and cost tracking. Monitor vendor performance and approve invoices. Manage project expenditures while maintaining budget objectives.

Experience working with multiple contract models including: GMP Design-Build Fixed Price Cost Plus Time & Materials Communication & Stakeholder Management Serve as the primary liaison between project teams, subcontractors, leadership, and clients. Deliver regular project updates, executive presentations, and status reports. Coordinate onboarding, staffing, and resource utilization.

Facilitate planning sessions, project reviews, and issue resolution meetings. Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities to improve project execution and operational efficiency. Analyze project data to support informed decision-making.

Adapt quickly to evolving processes, technologies, and customer requirements. Required Qualifications Minimum 5 years of experience managing telecom or data center construction projects in a leadership role. Strong knowledge of: Structured cabling Fiber optic infrastructure Cable management systems Cable audits Experience with: Cost forecasting Budget management Change management Safety enforcement Quality control Vendor management Experience leading teams of 40-70+ personnel, including technicians, project administrators, safety professionals, and construction managers.

Experience working in union environments, particularly alongside IBEW labor. Comfortable managing both internal employees and subcontractor teams. Strong presentation and executive communication skills.

Highly organized with excellent problem-solving abilities. Preferred Experience Large-scale data center construction projects. Structured cabling infrastructure deployments.

Mission-critical facilities. Experience across multiple construction delivery methods. Technical Skills Experience with the following is highly preferred: Microsoft Office Suite Primavera P6 Procore Bluebeam Textura Scheduling Performance Index (SPI) Cost Performance Index (CPI) Education Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline is preferred.

Equivalent industry experience will also be considered. Preferred Certifications OSHA 30 (required within 60 days of hire if not already obtained) PMI PMP BICSI RCDD BICSI RTPM