Job Title: Data Center Construction Project Manager (Contract)
Location: Milan, Italy (on-site)
Contract Type: Freelance / Contract
Duration: 12 months (initial term)
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Languages Required: Fluent in Italian and English
Start Date: ASAP
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced and technically astute Data Center Construction Project Manager to oversee the on-site delivery of a large-scale hyperscale data center build in Milan. This 12-month freelance role will be responsible for full lifecycle construction management, from pre-construction planning through to commissioning and handover.
As Project Manager, you will serve as the owner’s representative on-site, coordinating between contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure execution is aligned with project specifications, safety standards, and performance targets. You will play a key leadership role in maintaining accountability across cost, schedule, and quality, while managing field-level issue resolution in a fast-paced and mission-critical environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end project execution, including scope, schedule, budget, and quality control.
- Act as the on-site client representative, coordinating field activities across all workstreams.
- Oversee general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers across mechanical, electrical, civil, and architectural trades.
- Interface with internal teams including design, operations, commissioning, and security to ensure alignment of deliverables.
- Drive site coordination meetings, daily inspections, and construction progress reporting.
- Review and manage technical documentation, including RFIs, submittals, change orders, and permits.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards and lead site level HSE enforcement.
- Support the commissioning and integrated systems testing process through to final handover.
- Track project milestones and flag risks, driving resolution of site issues and stakeholder concerns.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering – OR –
- At least 11+ years of construction experience managing large-scale infrastructure or industrial projects.
- Minimum 7+ years of project management experience in mission-critical or high-value construction environments.
- Demonstrated experience managing vendors, cost tracking, QA/QC, schedule performance, and contract compliance.
- Strong technical understanding of MEP systems and site execution processes.
- Fluent in Italian and English, written and spoken – essential for effective coordination with local and international teams.
- Proficient in interpreting technical drawings, construction schedules, method statements, and scope documentation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Construction Management or Engineering.
- 10+ years’ experience delivering data centers, critical infrastructure, or complex industrial builds.
- Prior experience serving as an owner’s representative or client-side construction lead.
- Industry certifications such as PMP, NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent.
- Familiarity with digital project platforms such as Procore, BIM 360, or PlanGrid.
- Knowledge of commissioning workflows and system handover procedures.