Data Center -Project Manager IV

AFL Telecommunications•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Data Center Project Manager leads data center infrastructure projects from initiation through closeout, using structured project management frameworks to deliver work on time, within scope, and under budget. The role develops project charters, work breakdown structures, and integrated baselines covering scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, and risks. As the primary liaison among customers, internal engineering teams, and field crews, the manager oversees critical facility infrastructure installation, including structured cabling and fiber systems, while maintaining safety, documentation, and continuous-improvement standards. The role oversees project planning and execution, technical coordination and validation, vendor performance, logistics, reporting, project controls, risk and change management, and project closeout. It also manages client communications and promotes a strong environmental, health, and safety culture at project sites.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in technical leadership or project management within data centers or critical facilities.
Proven use of project management tools and methods.
Deep knowledge of low-voltage infrastructure, ISP/OSP fiber networks, grounding and bonding, and pathway systems.
Familiarity with TIA/EIA, BICSI, and NEC codes.
Ability to interpret blueprints, specifications, and financial data.
Expertise in MS Project or similar scheduling tools, risk software, and BI dashboards.
Ability to mentor crews and apply servant leadership and situational leadership models.
Ability to adapt to shifting priorities in high-uptime environments.
Authorized to work in the United States.
Able to meet the physical demands of a construction environment.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in a technical field; equivalent field experience is highly valued.
PMP or CAPM certification is strongly preferred.
Manufacturer-specific certifications are highly preferred.
B.A. or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Develop project charters and obtain stakeholder approval for scope, objectives, deliverables, success criteria, risks, and milestones.
Create project management plans, Gantt charts, critical path schedules, resource plans, and cost-loaded baselines using MS Project, Primavera, or similar tools.
Conduct kickoff meetings, initial risk assessments, and establish communication protocols aligned with RACI matrices.
Lead execution of data center infrastructure projects to meet approved scope, schedule, budget, technical standards, and customer requirements.
Manage installation, termination, and testing of structured cabling and fiber systems, and ensure traceability through as-built documentation.
Coordinate with network, facilities, security, construction, and operations teams to sequence work and maintain site readiness.
Ensure compliance with design standards, change control procedures, and site access protocols; verify as-built drawings, test reports, labeling records, inventory updates, and turnover packages.
Assist with onsite troubleshooting, implement corrective and preventive actions, and update change control logs.
Identify and resolve delivery risks, technical coordination gaps, and execution issues; analyze root causes and coordinate decisions with technical teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
Track and report productivity for vendors and subcontractors performing cabling, splicing, labeling, testing, validation, and documentation.
Track material availability, equipment readiness, inventory, delivery dates, shortages, substitutions, and potential schedule impacts.
Deliver performance metrics, status updates, and project closeout packages.
Assist with site surveys, quality inspections, and progress audits, using control charts to monitor quality metrics.
Monitor project health through dashboards and earned value management trends; manage changes through integrated change control.
Maintain the project risk register, conduct risk reviews, and escalate issues according to governance thresholds.
Facilitate project closure, including lessons-learned sessions, stakeholder sign-offs, resource releases, and financial settlements.
Serve as the primary client contact and manage expectations through regular reporting, steering committee updates, and issue and escalation logs.
Champion environmental, health, and safety practices by integrating safety into project plans, tracking briefings and near-miss reports, and leading safety audits.