Sr. Construction Manager- Data Center

AFL•Ashburn, VA

About The Position

The Data Center Construction Manager leads fast-paced infrastructure buildouts, upgrades, and expansion projects within hyperscale, enterprise, and colocation data centers. The role executes project plans by coordinating and scheduling assignments and managing materials logistics, equipment, contractors, and tools to deliver projects on time and within budget. It requires proactive communication, detailed planning, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. This leadership position ensures construction and installation activities meet customer expectations, data-center standards, and compliance requirements. The position reports directly to the Operations Manager and leads onsite construction and installation teams. It oversees data-center infrastructure installation and integration, including hardware, cabling, power, mechanical systems, and commissioning activities. The manager coordinates crews and stakeholders, manages logistics and documentation, supports customers, and ensures work follows engineering drawings, operational requirements, and company EHS policies. The work uses hand and power tools and involves frequent climbing, navigating raised floors, and working in construction zones. Hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with after-hours and weekend support potentially required for critical cutovers or maintenance windows. Travel is required based on project locations. Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements

Associate degree in a related technical field, or five years of equivalent experience in data-center or mission-critical facility construction or management.
Strong technical background in data-center infrastructure, including electrical, mechanical, and structured cabling systems.
Familiarity with IT, networking, and data-center architectures.
Ability to think critically, solve problems, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
Proven success leading high-performance teams in mission-critical environments.
Ability to interpret technical data to drive decision-making and project outcomes.
Ability to build consensus, anticipate issues, and resolve onsite conflicts.
Ability to manage multiple competing priorities with strong execution discipline.
Ability to communicate plans, interpret policies, and present updates to stakeholders.
Ability to work in cross-functional environments and demonstrate strong team leadership.
Working knowledge of AC/DC power systems, UPS systems, battery strings, generators, and -48Vdc power.
Working knowledge of test equipment including OTDR, power meters, fiber certification testers, thermal imaging tools, circuit analyzers, and other commissioning gear.
Demonstrated proficiency in at least one area: structured cabling, fiber splicing/testing, electrical/conduit installation, mechanical systems, or equipment commissioning.
Ability to use hand tools and power tools as required for site work.
Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Current industry certifications preferred, such as BICSI, OSHA, PMP, or data-center operations certifications.

Responsibilities

Report directly to the Operations Manager and lead onsite construction and installation teams.
Coordinate day-to-day activities for electrical, mechanical, cabling, commissioning, and general construction crews.
Conduct daily safety briefings, JSA’s, and toolbox talks, and enforce site safety requirements.
Oversee installation and integration of data-center systems, including rack/stack hardware, structured cabling, fiber systems, PDUs, busway, grounding, containment systems, HVAC components, and power distribution equipment.
Lead crews through complex tasks on active data-center floors and in equipment rooms.
Evaluate test results, troubleshoot infrastructure faults, respond to trouble tickets, and support maintenance activities.
Conduct site surveys, quality assurance reviews, and punchlist walk-downs; verify construction meets design and customer standards.
Prepare daily and weekly progress reports, feasibility assessments, and project documentation.
Manage material procurement, storage, and onsite logistics.
Ensure installation work aligns with engineering drawings, MOPs, and data-center operational requirements.
Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, network engineering, commissioning agents, and facility operations to identify and resolve issues.
Provide customer support through direct communication during builds, guidance on issue resolution, and management of customer expectations.
Ensure compliance with company Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) policies.