Data Center Construction Manager/Owner's Representative Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Construction Manager to support the delivery of a critical data center infrastructure project located in DeKalb, IL. This role is responsible for managing onsite construction activities, commissioning efforts, and project turnover while partnering closely with contractors, consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure safe, efficient, and predictable project delivery.
The position offers exposure to both new data center buildouts and a significant volume of retrofit work within live operating data center environments. Candidates should be comfortable managing complex construction activities in mission-critical facilities where careful planning, coordination, and execution are essential to maintaining operational continuity.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; and/or 7-10 years of professional experience in construction, operations, maintenance, project planning, or a related discipline.
7-10 years of experience directly related to the design or construction of data centers and/or critical infrastructure facilities.
General knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and connectivity systems.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across various phases of execution.
Mission Critical, infrastructure, and/or Data Center Construction experience.
Experience supporting commissioning activities for both retrofit projects and new data center buildouts.
Knowledge of CPM scheduling practices and familiarity with Primavera P6.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Key Responsibilities
Manage onsite construction, commissioning, and turnover activities for data center projects.
Support the Lead Construction Manager with contractor, designer, consultant, and vendor management.
Take ownership of construction execution across both retrofit projects within existing live data halls and new buildout projects throughout the leased data center portfolio in North America.
Serve as a key point of coordination between contractors, consultants, and cross-functional partners.
Provide strong onsite leadership by developing and maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders, consultants, vendors, contractors, and internal teams.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through innovation, process improvement, accountability, and effective project execution.
Support project planning and scope development by working closely with cross-functional teams and internal customers to identify, sequence, and package work for execution.
Assist with the development and maintenance of project schedules in coordination with Project Controls and Scheduling teams.
Manage the change management process and negotiate cost-effective solutions while balancing schedule and project objectives.
Proactively manage schedules and associated risks to ensure reliable and predictable turnover dates while communicating opportunities, risks, and mitigation plans to leadership.
Conduct monthly WIP (Work-In-Place) walks to verify completed work for invoicing purposes and perform regular site walks to monitor progress and validate handover readiness.
Manage relationships with contractors, consultants, and designers throughout the project lifecycle.
Assist in developing capital project budgets and preparing ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude) construction cost estimates.
Manage monthly CapEx forecasting for all project-related expenditures.
Analyze weekly project status reports and develop action plans related to financial performance, schedule adherence, and quality metrics.
Develop and manage Method of Procedures (MOPs) for retrofit and remediation work occurring in live data center environments.
Facilitate collaboration between contractors, internal stakeholders, and third-party QA/QC teams.
Lead and support project closeout activities to ensure successful turnover and documentation completion.
Escalate critical project issues promptly to the Construction Manager.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, partnership, teamwork, and accountability.
Champion and support an industry-leading safety culture while ensuring compliance with all project safety requirements.
Required Skills
Construction Management
Project Management
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Systems
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Additional Information
This role will support a diverse portfolio of mission-critical projects with a strong emphasis on retrofit work within existing operational data centers, in addition to new construction and expansion initiatives. Successful candidates will have experience working in complex environments where detailed planning, stakeholder coordination, commissioning, and operational risk management are critical to project success.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of DeKalb, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $90.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of DeKalb, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in DeKalb,IL.
About TEKsystems
We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services
Were a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. Were a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. Were strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. Were building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
