Data Center Operations & Service Delivery Project Manager

Job#: 3019116

Job Description:
Data Center Operations & Service Delivery Project Manager (Contract)

Location: Northlake Campus

Schedule: Monday-Friday, core business hours between 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Pay Rate Range will vary from $50-$60*/hr based on experience and qualifications
About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Data Center Operations / Service Delivery Project Manager to support critical infrastructure projects at a Chicago Data Center in Northlake . In this role, you'll be at the center of data center buildouts and operational readiness, acting as a key liaison between operations, engineering, and construction teams. If you thrive in dynamic environments, excel at driving projects to completion, and want to make a measurable impact on mission-critical facilities, this opportunity is for you.
What You'll Do
Project Management & Coordination

• Lead small-to-medium data center projects from planning through completion, ensuring schedules, budgets, and quality expectations are met.
• Coordinate and manage CE audits and compliance verifications, ensuring readiness and adherence to standards.
• Identify operational risks and vulnerabilities; recommend improved equipment designs, technologies, and construction methods.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and remediate operational gaps across projects.
• Develop detailed project plans and integrate technical activities to meet strategic goals.
• Prepare and present proposals, reports, and findings to leadership clearly and effectively.
• Review, evaluate, and recommend approval of contracts and cost estimates.

Operations Point of Contact (POC)

• Serve as the primary operations liaison during design and construction, ensuring operational requirements are understood and met.
• Provide end-to-end operational oversight for new data center builds, from design reviews through turnover.
• Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) impacting operations with accuracy and urgency to minimize risk and delays.
• Implement QA/QC processes to resolve post-IST and turnover issues and ensure operational excellence.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to manage changes, lessons learned, and alignment to approved Plans of Record (POR).
• Manage turnover deliverables and oversee post-turnover activities, including warranty claims, defect resolution, and Technical Support Bulletin (TSB) tracking.
• Participate in Operational Advisory Committees (OACs), Go/No-Go decisions, and design review calls as an operations representative.
• Conduct L2, L3, L4, Post-IST, and turnover walkthroughs to validate operational readiness and compliance.
• Collaborate with SMEs and logistics teams to manage spare parts inventory and procurement.

What You Bring
Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in technical fields (e.g., automotive, electrical, controls, data center)
• OR 5+ years of industry experience combined with college coursework
• 5+ years of experience with:
  • Critical Environment infrastructure (UPS, generators, AHUs), or
  • Physical IT infrastructure (servers, SANs, networking, structured cabling, racks/enclosures)
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include 12-hour days, rotating shifts, and 3-, 4-, or 5-day workweeks
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word)

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA or OSHA-approved NFPA 70E certification
• Technical college degree in Computer Science, Math, Telecommunications, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• Industry certifications such as:
  • ASICS / Inventory Control
  • CompTIA
  • Microsoft certifications
  • Network certifications
  • PMP, ITIL, CDCP

Why Join This Project?

• Work on cutting-edge data center infrastructure projects
• High-impact role with visibility across operations and leadership
• Competitive hourly rate with strong potential for extension
• Collaborative, fast-paced environment supporting mission-critical systems

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.