Sr. Project Manager – Data Center Controls

Established System Integrator specializing in controls and mission-critical facilities and complex commercial projects.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead controls and automation scope for a large, complex data center project in Central Missouri. This position will take ownership of project execution from planning and engineering coordination through installation, commissioning, and final turnover. The role will work closely with the customer, general and mechanical contractors, engineering teams, field leadership, subcontractors, and vendors to ensure the project is delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLC-based controls and automation along with an understanding of BAS/BMS, HVAC systems, and mission-critical infrastructure. Experience managing large data center, industrial, semiconductor, healthcare, or other technically complex projects is strongly preferred.

This opportunity is best suited for someone who has progressed beyond managing individual controls packages and is comfortable taking ownership of a large, highly coordinated mission-critical project. The right person will understand both the technical and commercial sides of project delivery and be able to anticipate issues, lead teams, communicate effectively with senior stakeholders, and keep a complex project moving forward. Candidates coming from PLC/industrial automation, data center controls, BAS/BMS integration, or mission-critical controls backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall execution of a large-scale data center controls project.
• Manage project schedule, budget, forecasting, procurement, manpower planning, and change management.
• Coordinate controls scope with mechanical, electrical, BAS/BMS, and other critical building systems.
• Oversee PLC-based control systems, networked controls, instrumentation, and system integration.
• Partner with engineering and programming teams throughout design, submittal, programming, testing, and commissioning.
• Review drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, control schematics, and project documentation.
• Coordinate with general contractors, mechanical contractors, electrical contractors, commissioning teams, vendors, and customer representatives.
• Manage subcontractors and field teams while maintaining accountability for schedule, quality, and project deliverables.
• Identify project risks early and drive solutions before they impact schedule or cost.
• Manage RFIs, submittals, change orders, cost projections, and project financial performance.
• Support startup, functional testing, commissioning, and final system turnover.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for the customer and maintain strong relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide direction and mentorship to project engineers, coordinators, and field personnel.

Requirements

• 8+ years of project management experience within controls, automation, BAS/BMS, or related systems integration.
• Experience managing large, technically complex construction or controls projects.
• Strong knowledge of PLC-based automation and control systems; experience with platforms such as Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar systems is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of BAS/BMS and HVAC systems, including AHUs, chillers, pumps, VAVs, cooling systems, and associated controls.
• Data center or other mission-critical project experience strongly preferred.
• Understanding of control networks and protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, and OPC is beneficial.
• Experience coordinating controls with mechanical and electrical infrastructure, including critical power and monitoring systems.
• Strong understanding of construction schedules, project financials, change management, procurement, and subcontractor management.
• Ability to read and interpret controls drawings, electrical drawings, mechanical plans, specifications, and sequences of operation.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage communication across customers, contractors, engineers, and field personnel.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus opportunities
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
• Ongoing professional development and technical training
• Opportunity to work on some of the region's most advanced mission-critical and data center facilities

Pay

$150,000 - $200,000 per year

Location: Central Missouri
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Industry: Data Centers / Building Automation / Controls