Senior Project Manager - Data Centers / Due Diligence

Turner & Townsend•Chicago, IL

10h•$130,000 - $165,000

About The Position

Turner & Townsend are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager - Data Centers / Due Diligence to support a number of developer, investor and end user clients through the front-end lifecycle of major data center projects, from site identification and acquisition through to detailed diligence and into project development. The ideal candidate possesses a comprehensive understanding of the data center investment, site selection, and development lifecycle, supported by 8+ years of proven experience leading technical, commercial, and operational due diligence efforts for data center developments, acquisitions, and investment opportunities. They will have a demonstrated track record evaluating greenfield and brownfield sites, assessing project feasibility, identifying development risks, and supporting investment decisions for developers, hyperscalers, private equity firms, institutional investors, and enterprise clients. To excel in this role, the candidate must be highly effective in a client-facing environment, combining strong commercial acumen with a deep understanding of the factors that drive successful data center investments. This includes evaluating power availability, utility infrastructure, fiber connectivity, water resources, environmental constraints, permitting considerations, land acquisition opportunities, development costs, and schedule risks. The successful individual will be comfortable engaging with external consultant groups, executive stakeholders, investment committees, development teams, and technical subject matter experts to provide clear, actionable recommendations that support informed decision-making. As a Senior Project Manager, you will lead multidisciplinary teams responsible for the evaluation and assessment of prospective data center sites and portfolios across North America. You will manage complex due diligence programs, coordinate technical advisors and consultants, synthesize findings into executive-level reports, and provide strategic guidance throughout the investment and site selection process. Beyond project execution, you will play a key role in developing and maintaining client relationships, identifying opportunities to expand service offerings, and supporting the continued growth of Turner & Townsend's Data Center advisory and due diligence practice. The successful candidate will be recognized as a trusted advisor capable of guiding clients through the complexities of data center site selection, acquisition, and investment planning. They will bring a balanced understanding of technical infrastructure, commercial drivers, development constraints, and market dynamics while helping clients make informed investment decisions and reduce risk across their development portfolios. Through exceptional project leadership and client service, they will contribute to Turner & Townsend's position as a leading advisor to data center developers, investors, operators, and hyperscale clients throughout North America.

Requirements

A minimum of 8 years’ project management experience with a significant focus on due diligence, site acquisition and land purchase.
Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, Architecture, Project Management or equivalent.
Demonstrated experience leading projects from land acquisition through handover to construction or delivery teams.
Strong financial, commercial and risk management capabilities
Proficient – expert experience level using Microsoft tools (MS Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Nice To Haves

Strong understanding of data center development, entitlement, and pre-construction processes.
Ability to lead, coordinate & organize multiple stakeholders including general contractor and deliver project/program status reports as required.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
The tenacity and drive to inject value and create solutions.
Develops good working relationships with project team and clients
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced consulting environment
Ability to travel up to 25% as required by clients.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary day-to-day client representative and trusted advisor for data center developer, investor and end user clients.
Manage client relationships through proactive communication, issue resolution, and strategic guidance.
Lead project governance processes, reporting, stakeholder management, and executive-level presentations.
Coordinate multi-disciplinary consultant teams and ensure alignment across all project stakeholders.
Support business development initiatives and identify opportunities for expanded service delivery within client accounts.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with developers, investors, landowners, utility providers, consultants, and local authorities.
Lead data center projects from site screening and acquisition through development and readiness for construction execution.
Manage development schedules, budgets, risks, and key project milestones.
Oversee feasibility studies, site evaluations, due diligence activities, and technical assessments.
Coordinate development activities including: Site selection, Land acquisition support, Utility assessments, Capacity and infrastructure evaluations, Environmental due diligence, Zoning and entitlement processes, Permitting strategies, Infrastructure planning.
Track and manage project development risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Ensure development activities align with overall client business objectives, schedule requirements, and investment criteria.