DATA CENTER CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
Role: Data Center Construction Manager
Effective Date: August 1, 2026
Location: North East Philly | PNE
Employment Status: Full-time on-site presence | Temporary Contract (12 months or longer)
Reports To: Dual reporting to TotalFM Director and Client Construction Manager
Company: TotalFM, LLC
Pay: $95.00 - $115.00 per hour
ABOUT THE ROLE
TotalFM, LLC is seeking a seasoned Data Center Construction Manager to lead a high-priority, hyperscale data center project in the North East Philly | PNE region. In this role, you will act as the owner's professional advocate, ensuring successful project delivery in accordance with established quality, schedule, and budget requirements. You will serve as the primary "eyes and ears" on the ground, exercising a professional Standard of Care to mitigate risk and protect the owner's interests.
As the Owner's Representative, you will coordinate between the Owner, General Contractor, Design Consultants, Separate Contractors, OFCI vendors, commissioning teams, and project stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making, proactively identify project risks, and ensure contractual compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Contract Administration: Administer the Owner's contract with the General Contractor (GC). Enforce contract terms to ensure the GC delivers a high-quality project in accordance with drawings and specifications, and coordinate Owner decisions and contractual communications throughout the project.
- On-Site Oversight & QA/QC: Maintain a daily on-site presence. Validate the accuracy of QA/QC reports produced by the GC and execute weekly inspections comparing submittals/shop drawings against technical specifications.
- Financial & Change Management: Review budgets and evaluate contractor payment applications. Advise the Owner on change orders, but observe strict limitations of authority: you will not authorize costs or contingency spends without prior written approval.
- OFCI Logistics: Track and escalate Owner Furnished Contractor Installed (OFCI) materials through a weekly log. Verify receipt of equipment delivered to the site.
- Schedule & Project Controls: Identify schedule risks and acceleration opportunities, including overtime and sequencing modifications. Monitor Separate Contractors and suppliers to prevent interference. Monitor project milestones and critical path activities. Coordinate timely responses to Requests for Information (RFIs), Owner decisions, and technical clarifications to maintain project progress. Recommend recovery plans when schedule risks are identified.
- Commissioning & Closeout: Attend morning and evening testing sessions during the Commissioning Phase. Manage the Lessons Learned tracker and deliver a presentation at the close of each project phase.
- Reporting & Communication: Deliver detailed weekly status reports, maintain snagging/punch lists by close of business every Monday, and proactively communicate schedule, quality, commissioning, and project risks to the Owner and project stakeholders.
- Compliance & Government Relations: Ensure all planning, building, and fire officer approvals are obtained before work starts. Note: This role prohibits direct interaction with government officials unless pre-approved in writing; all government inquiries must be reported to the Owner immediately.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
- Professional Experience: Minimum 5+ years in Data Center Construction Project Management or Owner's Representation.
- Technical Mastery: Hands-on experience in Data Center Finish Out and Commissioning.
- Software Proficiency: Mastery in managing complex project schedules using P6 or MS Project.
- Safety & Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of building codes, local laws, and OSHA regulations. You will monitor the GC's health and safety duties but will not direct their specific means or methods.
- Ethics & Confidentiality: Must execute a Confidentiality Agreement and perform all services in strict compliance with the Owner’s Code of Conduct and Supply Chain Standards.
- Conflict Resolution: Ability to identify and promptly disclose any potential conflicts of interest between the Vendor, Owner, or Project Team.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Site Presence: 100% in-person, 5-day-a-week position. Must be available for extended hours or weekends as needed.
- Field Conditions: Navigating active construction sites, climbing ladders, and wearing PPE.
- Suitability: Must complete and pass background checks in accordance with the Owner’s Personnel Suitability Requirements.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their resume via Indeed posting. Questions can be directed to Carmen@TotalFM.com.
TotalFM, LLC is a leading 3rd-party Owner’s Representation and Project Management firm based in Texas.
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Pay: $95.00 - $115.00 per hour
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- Data Center Experience (Dealbreaker) How many years of experience do you have specifically in Data Center Construction?
This position is 100% on-site in North East Philly, 5 days a week. Are you currently located within commuting distance or willing to relocate immediately for the duration of this 12-month contract?
Experience:
- Data Center Construction: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Philadelphia, PA 19114 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Philadelphia, PA 19114: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: On the road