Program Project Manager Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL

Project Manager - Data Center Operations 

At Black Box, we're not just building infrastructure-we're shaping the digital backbone of the future. 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. This is an opportunity to lead major, high visibility work that directly impacts the next generation of connectivity and cloud innovation. 

In this role, you'll oversee the full lifecycle of data center construction projects, ensuring flawless execution through disciplined application of PMO standards, safety practices, cost controls, and schedule management. You'll set the tone for operational excellence, drive collaboration across teams, and help define what "best in class" means for modern data center deployment. 

Black Box is a global leader in IT solutions and technology integration-trusted for delivering complex projects with precision, innovation, and integrity. Here, you'll join a purpose driven culture built on shared ownership, accountability, and a commitment to surpassing expectations. 

Why Top Talent Thrives Here 

• High profile, global technology infrastructure projects 

• A fast-paced environment where your expertise is valued 

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits 

• Opportunities for advancement in one of the world's largest Technology Solutions Integrators 

• The chance to contribute to a historic, industry defining build 

If you're ready to elevate your career and make a lasting mark on digital infrastructure, we want to meet you. 

Position Details

Key Responsibilities: 

Project Leadership & Execution 

• Owns day-to-day DC Field Ops management (capacity, network services, physical layer) 

• Develop, maintain, and manage detailed project schedules 

• Oversee all phases of project execution, ensuring alignment with scope, timeline, and budget 

• Identify and manage change events, applying best practice change management processes 

• Continuous measure & drive service quality against defined SLAs/KPIs 

• Acts as the on-site (DC) escalation point / coordinator for planning, scheduling, work prioritization, and ticket resolution with XFN partners and site teams 

• Define priorities, build roadmaps, and lead cross-functional delivery by holding owners accountable, tracking progress, and driving adoption 

• Manage changes to scope, timelines, and resources with clear stakeholder alignment and communication 

Safety, Quality & Compliance 

• Enforce safety protocols, procedures, and site standards across all project activities 

• Ensure quality control through consistent documentation, tracking, and reporting 

• Maintain adherence to construction technology platforms, building codes, and industry standards 

• Manage escalations and incidents by coordinating updates, driving action items to closure, and delivering concise leadership reports 

• Identify delivery risks and blockers early and lead mitigation efforts across teams 

• Process improvement / SOP governance: develops/standardizes SOPs and implements best practices at scale 

• Own QA/QC for physical layer work, including structured cabling, with plant ownership post-acceptance and project intake reviews 

• Own EHS Compliance and drive safe execution through procedural adherence, audits, and correct routing of out-of-scope work 

Financial & Contract Management 

• Apply project management accounting practices to support forecasting, budget reviews, and financial reporting 

• Manage contracting and delivery methods including lump sum, cost-plus, GMP, design build, and time & material 

• Monitor vendor performance, approve invoices, and track project expenditures 

Stakeholder Communication 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams, cross functional teams, clients, subcontractors, and senior leadership 

• Communicate project status, risks, milestones, and priorities clearly and confidently 

• Prepare presentations and lead briefings for both small and large groups 

• Active monitoring of communication portals 

• Own service delivery by managing resource utilization, coordinating onboarding and training, and enforcing accountability to standards 

• Build trusted stakeholder relationships and represent field needs to drive tooling and process improvements 

• Provides status reporting: roadmap updates, risks, mitigation plans, and critical changes communicated on a regular cadence 

• Facilitates cross-functional forums (planning sessions, reviews, war rooms) and keeps teams aligned under time pressure 

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement 

• Anticipate issues, mitigate risks, and drive timely resolution of conflicts 

• Apply data driven insights to influence decisions and optimize project performance 

• Promote a culture of innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement on site 

• Customer facing POC being the main conduit to communication with other cross functional partners 

• Ability to adapt to changes in tooling and processes due to continuous improvement initiatives 

Requirements 

• Proficient in using data and analytics to support informed decision making 

• Extensive knowledge of construction safety protocols and regulatory requirements 

• Strong understanding of estimating engineering principles and construction methodologies 

• Experience with change management processes and documentation 

• Solid understanding of construction accounting, cost forecasting, and budgeting 

• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills 

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-driven with the ability to adapt to evolving project needs 

• Proficient in business and industry tools including MS Office, Primavera P6, Bluebeam, Procore, Textura, and other construction platforms 

• In-depth knowledge of data center infrastructure and emerging technologies 

• Excellent problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach 

• Ability to work independently and make informed decisions 

• Willingness to travel as needed to support project requirements 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or related field (or equivalent experience) 

• Minimum 5 years of experience in construction/project management in a leadership role, with a data center focus 

• Experience managing large data center or structured cabling construction projects 

• Experience across multiple contract and delivery models (GMP, design build, fixed price, etc.) 

• Exceptional leadership skills to guide and inspire diverse teams 

• Union Environment
  • Experience working in Union environments, particularly with IBEW technicians
  • Comfortable assisting in managing both direct hires vs subcontractor teams
     

Preferred Certifications

• OSHA 30  (must possess within 60 days of starting)

• PMI PMP

• BICSI RCDD 

• BICSI RTPM 

This job description is designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required of the employee; it is not meant to be all-inclusive for any one position. Job responsibilities and requirements are subject to change at any time due to business conditions or any other reason.

About Us:
Black Box Network Services is a leading technology solutions provider dedicated to helping customers design, deploy and manage their IT infrastructure. We deliver high-value products and services through our global presence and 3,000 team members.

What's in it for You at Black Box Network Services?
Black Box provides challenging work that creates advancement opportunities within the organization for those demonstrating desire and aptitude through their achievements. We have no shortage of opportunities. If you are looking for a business that allows for individual reward and growth, we are the place for you!

Black Box does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status, and endorses those policies and practices which seek to recruit, hire, train and promote the most qualified persons into available jobs.