Design & Construction Program Manager – Data Centers

Design & Construction Program Manager – Data Centers at IBM

IBM is seeking an experienced Design & Construction Program Manager to oversee the delivery of complex, mission‑critical data center projects within industrial and or manufacturing environments. This individual will serve as IBM’s primary governance lead, ensuring alignment across multiple vendors and driving execution under IBM’s Integrated Delivery Framework. The role requires deep expertise in data center construction, risk management, and program‑level oversight to meet aggressive timelines and technical requirements for IBM’s quantum, infrastructure and high‑performance computing facilities.

• Lead and govern all design and construction activities across multiple vendors.
• Ensure adherence to IBM’s project delivery model, design review gates (SD/DD/CD) and governance standards.
• Develop scope of work and RFP documents; prepare and issue RFPs, evaluate bids and recommend awards.
• Maintain master schedule and critical path; validate vendor schedules and commissioning readiness.
• Own risk register; proactively identify and mitigate risks related to cost, schedule and technical compliance.
• Oversee change‑order governance, contract compliance and financial reporting accuracy.
• Validate design deliverables for hyperscale/data center requirements (Tier III+/IV).
• Ensure commissioning protocols (Level 1–5, IST) meet IBM standards.
• Act as primary liaison between IBM leadership, internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Provide executive dashboards and weekly progress reports to senior management.
• Facilitate service provider adherence to all processes and financial controls; ensure timely invoicing and project closeout.
• Participate in value engineering exercises and maintain awareness of latest D&C innovations.
• Integrate all pillars within geography into end‑to‑end project delivery, including contracts, workplace, transactions and facility management.
• Review lease language, budgets and schedules; validate estimates and capital cash‑flow projections.
• Drive implementation of IBM Workplace standards and ensure LEED/WELL compliance.

• Master’s Degree

• 10+ years in construction program management, with at least 5 years in data center or mission‑critical facilities.
• Experience in out‑of‑the‑ground construction of data centers.
• Proven track record managing industrial/manufacturing environments and large‑scale projects with various contract structures.
• Strong knowledge of electrical/mechanical systems, commissioning protocols and hyperscale design.
• Advanced skills in schedule development, cost forecasting and risk management.
• Ability to lead multi‑functional teams and communicate effectively with executives & technical stakeholders.
• Detail‑oriented with comprehensive understanding of project financial & schedule documents.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field; PMP certification strongly preferred.

• Strong negotiation skills and ability to manage complex vendor ecosystems.
• Experience with EPC, GMP, IPD, Cost Plus & open‑book contracting.
• Familiarity with prefabrication/modularization strategies for data centers.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Design, Art/Creative and Information Technology

IT Services and IT Consulting