Job Title: Construction Project Manager - Site Planning / Scheduling
Job Description
This role leads planning and scheduling for large-scale data center construction projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and to client expectations. You will develop and manage detailed project schedules, coordinate cross-functional teams, and provide clear progress reporting and forecasting. The position emphasizes strong expertise in Primavera P6, data center construction experience, and the ability to drive project performance in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Develop and oversee the implementation of detailed project plans and schedules for large-scale data center construction projects, including timelines, milestones, and resource requirements.
Manage cross-functional teams, including engineering, procurement, and construction, to ensure project milestones are achieved and deliverables are completed on time.
Monitor project risks, identify potential issues early, and develop contingency plans to mitigate schedule and execution impacts.
Collaborate with clients to understand their needs and ensure project outcomes meet or exceed their expectations.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including internal teams, vendors, and client representatives.
Continuously improve project management and scheduling processes, tools, and templates to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring each project meets its objectives and is delivered on schedule.
Develop and implement project management processes and tools that support consistent planning, tracking, and reporting across projects.
Provide regular project updates, schedule status, and progress reports to upper management and other stakeholders at both detailed and executive levels.
Facilitate Interactive Planning Sessions (IPS) with discipline leads, vendors, and client representatives to establish and maintain the project critical path.
Analyze and report on the project critical path throughout the project lifecycle, highlighting trends, risks, and required mitigations.
Comply with relevant owner policies, procedures, and governance requirements while working within applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
Analyze EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) plans and schedules to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for mitigation and optimization.
Track key commodities and apply Earned Value Management principles to measure progress and forecast schedule performance.
Conduct time impact analysis to understand the schedule effects of changes, delays, and mitigation strategies.
Participate in a weekly rhythm of business by providing clear progress measurement, look-ahead schedules, and accurate forecasting.
Essential Skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present data from detailed to high-level depending on the audience.
Proven problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail.
Ability to work independently, manage one's time effectively, and prioritize tasks across multiple projects.
Proficiency in Primavera P6 scheduling software.
Knowledge of business and management principles related to strategic planning, resource allocation, and production methods.
Proficiency with computer software such as MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Project, and Visio.
Excellent understanding of project planning, Earned Value Management, and key commodity tracking.
Ability to analyze EPC plans and schedules and provide deep insights into trends, issues, and mitigations.
Familiarity with Critical Path Methodology (CPM) scheduling methodology.
Experience in managing teams and working collaboratively with cross-functional groups.
Ability to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with data center construction programs.
Strong planning and scheduling capabilities, including review of look-ahead schedules and development of forecasts based on site progress.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
8-10 years of experience, including 8+ years as a planner and/or scheduler utilizing scheduling software such as Primavera P6 or MS Project.
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or a relevant engineering field is preferred.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field and 4+ years of experience in data analysis and reporting, business intelligence, or business and financial analysis.
Proven track record of delivering large-scale data center construction projects on time and to the satisfaction of clients.
Experience performing time impact analysis for schedule changes and delays.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining clear progress measurement and forecasting.
Ability to comply with owner policies and procedures and operate within legal and regulatory frameworks.
Local experience in the project location is preferred; relocation support is not provided.
Candidates without experience and understanding of Primavera P6 will not be a fit for this role.
Work Environment
This position is based on-site in Des Moines (DSM17) and follows a Monday through Friday schedule, totaling approximately 40 hours per week. The role supports large-scale data center construction projects and requires regular presence on active construction sites. You will use a laptop equipped with tools such as Bluebeam, Primavera P6, MS Project, and other Microsoft Office applications to perform planning, scheduling, and reporting activities. The environment is fast-paced and deadline-driven, with a strong weekly rhythm of business focused on progress measurement and forecasting. Appropriate personal protective equipment is required on-site; steel-toed or composite-toed boots are required, and additional PPE is provided. The work involves close collaboration with engineering, procurement, construction teams, vendors, and clients in both office and field settings.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of WDM, IA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $90.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in WDM,IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
