Data Center Owner’s Representative - Mission Critical
GBA · Chicago, IL · 1 mo ago
Business Development$100/hrFull-time
About the role
The Data Center Owner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep) serves as the Owner’s trusted partner and project steward, representing the Owner’s interests across the entire lifecycle of mission-critical data center projects. This role ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, at the highest standards of quality, and with full alignment to enterprise operational readiness goals.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact and advocate for the Owner throughout design, construction, commissioning, and turnover.
- Lead Owner-side project meetings, steering committees, and milestone reviews; provide clear communication and direction across all project participants.
- Align project execution with Owner’s business objectives, operational standards, and risk management policies.
- Participate in site selection, feasibility studies, and early due diligence.
- Review design development documents to ensure alignment with Owner’s standards, resiliency goals, and scalability requirements.
- Coverage of MEP and civil/structural systems, as well as familiarity with industry codes and standards.
- Provide technical expertise in evaluating equipment submittals, installation practices, and integration of MEP systems.
- Support integrated systems testing to validate redundancy, failover, and sequence of operations.
- Monitor safety performance and enforce strict adherence to site-specific safety and environmental protocols.
- Monitor contractor invoices, pay applications, and progress reports to ensure financial transparency and accuracy.
- Enforce Owner’s contractual rights, warranty protections, and performance guarantees.
- Ensure delivery of as-builts, O&M manuals, commissioning reports, warranty binders, and training sessions for operations staff.
- Support the smooth transition of the facility from construction to operations, ensuring readiness for day-one occupancy and long-term reliability.
- Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement of Owner’s data center delivery standards.
Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline (PE, PMP, CxA, LEED AP, or equivalent certifications strongly preferred).
- Experience: 7–10+ years of progressive experience managing large-scale construction projects, with at least 5 years in mission-critical/data center environments. Direct experience overseeing projects $100M+ in value, with fast-track delivery schedules.
- Proven record of interfacing with Owners, A&E firms, general contractors, trade contractors, and commissioning providers.
- Technical Expertise: Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, as well as civil/structural design and site development. Familiarity with industry codes and standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, ASHRAE, ANSI/NETA ATS, SMACNA, IBC, ADA, OSHA). Understanding of commissioning processes, testing protocols, and L1–L5 commissioning phases.
- Leadership & Communication: Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to resolve conflicts, manage competing priorities, and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Ability to travel regionally/nationally to project sites as required.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, with proficiency in project management and reporting tools (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, MS Project, Primavera P6).
- Physical Requirements: Ability to navigate active construction sites safely, stand, walk, and climb stairs or ladders as needed, and manage field-based responsibilities across varying environments.
Skills
- Project management
- Technical oversight
- Financial and contractual controls
- Commissioning and testing
- Stakeholder management
- Travel
- Physical demands
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life, accident, and disability coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives
- Paid company holidays, floating holidays, and flexible time off
- Training, professional growth, and advancement opportunities
Pay
Compensation is commensurate with experience.
Schedule
Hours are flexible to accommodate project needs.