VP Program Manager, Data Centers

JLL • Washington, DC

2d • $138,840 - $201,480 • Remote

About The Position

As VP, Program Manager, you will serve as the day-to-day PMO lead for a large data center campus, overseeing mission-critical infrastructure projects that demand exceptional technical expertise and operational precision. You will manage integrated project teams delivering complex data center construction and operations programs while maintaining the rigorous standards required for 24/7 uptime environments. Your deep understanding of data center infrastructure, vendor ecosystems, and critical facility requirements will be essential to ensuring seamless program execution. Working closely with client stakeholders and senior leadership, you will drive operational excellence across all aspects of campus development and ongoing facility management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (electrical, mechanical, or civil preferred), construction management, or related technical field
• 12+ years of program/project management experience with significant exposure to data center or mission-critical facility projects
• Proven experience leading PMO operations for large-scale capital programs ($100M+ portfolios)
• Deep understanding of data center infrastructure including power systems (UPS, generators, switchgear), cooling architectures (CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water systems), and supporting MEP systems
• Demonstrated success managing complex stakeholder relationships in demanding, high-accountability environments
• Experience with commissioning processes, integrated systems testing, and operational handover for critical facilities
• Extensive experience supervising, developing, and mentoring technical project teams
• Exceptional organizational skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent high-priority initiatives
• Strong financial acumen including budget management, cost forecasting, and value engineering
• Outstanding communication skills with ability to present complex technical information to diverse audiences
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in engineering, construction management, or business administration
• PMP, CCM, or other recognized project management certifications
• LEED AP or data center-specific certifications (CDCP, CDCS, or similar)
• Experience with hyperscale data center environments or colocation facilities
• Familiarity with modular/prefabricated data center delivery methods
• Proficiency in project management platforms (Smartsheet, Procore, P6, MS Project) and data analytics tools
• Six Sigma or Lean certification with demonstrated process improvement track record
• Experience working with mission-critical clients in technology, cloud services, or telecommunications sectors
• Track record of successful business development and client portfolio growth

Responsibilities

• Leading daily PMO operations for the data center campus, coordinating multiple concurrent projects across construction, infrastructure upgrades, and facility expansions
• Establishing and maintaining PMO frameworks, standards, governance structures, and reporting cadences specific to data center program delivery
• Serving as the central point of coordination between clients, contractors, design teams, MEP specialists, and critical systems vendors
• Managing master program schedules, interdependencies, and resource allocation across the campus portfolio
• Overseeing mission-critical infrastructure projects including power distribution, cooling systems, backup generators, fire suppression, and network infrastructure
• Ensuring adherence to data center industry standards (Uptime Institute Tier classifications, ASHRAE guidelines, etc.) and client-specific technical requirements
• Coordinating commissioning activities, integrated systems testing, and operational readiness for data center facilities
• Managing relationships with specialized data center contractors, equipment vendors, and critical infrastructure providers
• Acting as the primary client interface for program delivery, building trusted relationships with facilities teams, IT leadership, and executive stakeholders
• Conducting regular program reviews, presenting status updates, risk assessments, and performance metrics to client leadership
• Translating complex technical requirements into actionable program plans and communicating progress across technical and non-technical audiences
• Managing client expectations around capacity planning, phased delivery schedules, and operational transition planning
• Overseeing program budgets ranging into hundreds of millions of dollars, tracking costs across multiple projects and ensuring financial accountability
• Monitoring change management processes, reviewing and approving change orders while maintaining budget integrity
• Identifying and mitigating program risks including supply chain disruptions, long-lead equipment delays, and operational continuity concerns
• Ensuring compliance with safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and data center-specific operational standards
• Leading and mentoring a team of project managers, coordinators, and technical specialists focused on data center delivery
• Implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance PMO effectiveness, reporting accuracy, and program delivery efficiency
• Developing data center-specific project management methodologies, templates, and lessons learned repositories
• Supporting business development efforts through client relationship management, technical expertise, and proposal development

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director