Data Center - Project Manager

AFL Telecommunications•Ashburn, VA

About The Position

The Data Center Project Manager leads the end-to-end lifecycle of fixed bid data center infrastructure projects using structured PM frameworks. Frominceptionthrough closeout, this role ensures on-time, on-scope, under-budget delivery by developing project charters, work breakdown structures (WBS), and integrated baselines for scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, and risks. Acting as the primary liaison between customers, internal engineering, and field crews, you will oversee the installation of critical facility technologies—including structured cabling and fiber infrastructure—whilemaintainingrigorous standards for safety, documentation, and continuous improvement via post-project lessons learned.

Requirements

Experience:Minimum of 5 years in a technical leadership or project management role within data centers or critical facilities, with proven use of PM tools/methods.
Education:Associatedegree in a technical field preferred; equivalent field experience highly valued; PMP or CAPM certification strongly preferred.
Technical Mastery:Deep knowledge of low-voltage infrastructure, fiber networks (ISP/OSP), grounding/bonding, and pathway systems.
Industry Standards:Familiarity with TIA/EIA, BICSI, and NEC codes.
Certifications:PMP, BICSI (RCDD/Technician), or manufacturer-specific certifications highly preferred.
Compliance:Mustbe authorized towork in the U.S. and capable of meeting physical demands of a construction environment.
Core Competencies
Leadership:Ability to mentor crews, apply servant leadership, and manage via situational models (e.g., Tuckman stages).
Analytical Rigor:Proficiencyin interpreting blueprints,specsand financial data.
Adaptability:Skilled at shifting priorities in high-uptime environments.
PM Tools:Expertisein MS Project or similar for scheduling, risk software, and BI dashboards.

Nice To Haves

B.A. or equivalent experience
PMP Certification

Responsibilities

Project Initiation & Planning
Develop and gain stakeholder approval for project charters, defining scope,objectives, deliverables, success criteria, and high-level risks/milestones.
Create detailed project management plans, including Gantt charts, critical path method (CPM) schedules, resource planning and cost-loaded baselines using tools like MS Project or Primavera.
Conduct kickoff meetings, perform initial risk assessments with probability-impact matrices, andestablishcommunication protocols aligned with RACI matrices.
Project Execution & Technical Leadership
Field Management:Direct multiple installation crews (up to 50+ technicians) across large-scale data center environments, track scheduleperformanceand cost performance.
Infrastructure Oversight:Manage the installation, termination, and testing of structured cabling and fiber systems, ensuring traceability via as-built documentation.
Technical Validation:Utilizeand interpret output from OTDRs, power meters, and certifiers tovalidatetest results, perform root cause analysis on variances, and secure final project acceptance.
Problem Solving:Assistwith onsite troubleshooting for connectivity or infrastructure issues, implementing corrective/preventiveactionsand updating change control logs.
Project Control
Logistics:Manage material inventory, equipment tracking, and vendorlogisticsvia procurement plans to prevent delays, including vendor scorecards and contract administration.
Reporting:Deliver daily/weekly performance metrics, daily status updates, and comprehensive close-out packages.
Site Audits:Assistwith site surveys, quality inspections, and progress audits to ensure compliance with BICSI, TIA, and NEC standards, using control charts for quality metrics.
Monitoring, Control & Closeout
Track project health via dashboards, forecast via EVM trends, and manage changes through formal integrated change control processes.
Maintain a project risk register, conduct regular risk reviews, and escalate issues per governancethresholds.
Facilitate project closure with lessons learned sessions, stakeholdersign-offs, resource releases, and financial settlements.
Stakeholder Engagement & Safety
Client Relations:Serve as the primary point of contact, managing expectations through steering committee updates and issue/escalation logs.
Safety Culture:Champion EHS with the operations team by integrating safety into the PM plan, tracking daily briefings, near-miss reports, and leading safety audits for zero-incident targets.