Data Center Design and Build (Physical Layer) - Project Manager

Company: Align Communications
Location: Chicago
Posted on: September 25, 2022

Job Description:

Data Center Design & Build . Chicago, Illinois

Why Align

For over three decades, many of the world's leading firms have relied on Align as a trusted IT solution provider and center of excellence in IT advisory, infrastructure design, build, delivery and managed services. We are actively seeking innovative minds to establish and strengthen our team to deliver high-quality state-of-the-art technology solutions for our enterprise and boutique clients.

If you are seeking to own challenging projects for some of today's most fascinating companies while leveraging an exceptional team and long track record of success, then we want to hear from you today.

Position Overview

Align seeks a Project Manager with a strong understanding of Power Distribution for our Physical Layer Data Center Design and Build team. The person we hire would report to our Chicago office, but the person can be located physically anywhere in Illinois. The ideal candidate will have experience designing and building out the whitespace of data centers in colocation facilities. Candidates must have in-depth experience with multiple data center design and build projects. Strong knowledge of Data Center Power Distribution is required. The PM will manage data center, white space (physical layer) design and build out. We prefer someone with a strong background in power distribution. Ideal candidates will have experience working with local Data Center REITs (co-location) to build out customized data centers. We design and manage the build out of the Physical Layer in the Data Center (the White Space). We would seek a Project Manager with a strong power distribution and structured cabling background. The focus is on the physical infrastructure, such as the low voltage, structured cabling, power distribution, space planning and HVAC. This will include a primary focus on working as a project manager in a billable, professional services (consulting) capacity. Our data center team specializes in a variety of projects including greenfield builds, audits/retrofits of existing data centers and white space builds within colocation facilities. Candidate must have participated in a data center design and build projects from inception to final handover. For the next 18months, much of the travel may be within Illinois and in the Chicago area. You may travel to other states as needed for projects. The Candidate should expect about 40% travel at times.

The Project Manager must be able to handle all aspects of data center white space design, deployment and implementation including:

Design - Understand customer requirements and support a design that best utilizes their new data center facility. This focus of design is the structural support systems, power distribution to the cabinet level, carrier infrastructures, structured cable plant and overall data center layout.

Oversight - Focus on managing the implementation of the project, as designed, to ensure subcontractors are adhering to design criteria and building the data center to the client's expectations, on time and within budget.

Project Management - Ensure that the required completion date is on target, chair meetings with the client and subcontractors, and provide regular updates on progress to the customer.

• The person we hire can work remotely from anywhere in Illinois, when not onsite for a project, but will report to our Chicago office, Candidates will often work in the Chicago area, but must be available to work on projects throughout the US as needed. We estimate up to 40% travel may be required at times.
• This is a full-time position offering full benefits, a competitive salary, paid training and performance-based bonuses. You will be empowered and compensated for growing our local business.
• We are offering a relocation package for suitable candidates that are willing to relocate. Responsibilities
  • Act as a Design Consultant and Project Manager on Data Center Build Outs
  • Lead projects as both the lead project manager and data center design subject matter expert providing on-site support for data center design and build projects from inception to final handover.
  • Act as the primary contact and counsel to assigned clients while ensuring project deliverables and client expectations are met.
  • Estimate projects and create sales proposals for new business opportunities with assistance from the corporate office and solution leads.
  • Responsible for the development of all RFI and RFP documents required for bid leveling, overseeing comparison and analysis process.
  • Manage client expectation and maintain status documents for client projects throughout the project re: scope, budget, billing, schedules and timeframes.
  • Develop budget and project plans during the analysis and design phase of the project.
  • Maintain thorough understanding of Align billing process, responsible for reviewing and approving invoicing on a project.
  • Oversee and approve all expenses related to the project.
  • Provide leadership, direction, team building, coaching, and decision making for problem and conflict resolution with project teams and members.
  • Exhibit leadership characteristics: strong communication skills, full understanding of internal policies, group and individual management. Qualifications
    • A minimum of 5+ years of relevant Data Center Facilities design and build project management experience.
    • Strong knowledge of Data Center Power Distribution is required.
    • Possess hands-on experience with data center design and deployment best practices - including a strong understanding of power distribution and structured cable design in the Data Center
    • In depth knowledge and subject matter expertise related to Data Center design focused on structural support systems, power distribution to the cabinet level, carrier infrastructures, structured cable plant, space planning, physical security/ access control and overall data center layout.
    • Prior, recent experience successfully managing large-scale data center build-outs and relocation projects.
    • Advance, in-depth IT construction and cabling infrastructure build out project experience and a good understanding of power distribution and cooling methods.
    • A combination of working technical knowledge and a strategic understanding of current and future data center requirements.
    • Strong understanding of Design Drawings including plans, sections and elevations.
    • Relationships with local vendors or Data Center REITs would be a big plus
    • Knowledge in bid documents and contractor bid levelling.
    • Strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
    • Strong individual and team time management skills - prioritizing and delegating tasks.
    • RCDD, Bicsi DCDC, CDCDP or PMP or related Data Center Facilities Design certifications are a plus.
      
      About Align
      
      Align is a dynamic and flexible place to work, offering professionals unparalleled opportunities to train in the leading technologies, make an impact within the industry and control their own destinies. We have a flawless track record of delivering technical solutions and have established long-standing relationships with an impressive client list of both Global 1000 and SMB clients.
      
      We work across a diverse list of industries including financial services, life sciences (pharmaceutical and health care), retail, technology, media and telecommunications. We give our professionals the autonomy to pursue opportunities and manage assignments in ways that maximize their creativity and talents, leading to self-fulfillment and financial rewards.
      
      For more details, visit www.align.com .
      
      Tier 3
      
      PM20
      
      PI190934661

Keywords: Align Communications, Chicago , Data Center Design and Build (Physical Layer) - Project Manager, Executive , Chicago, Illinois