Job Description
Senior Project Manager — Mission Critical
Chicago, IL | Newly Formed Division
About the Opportunity
A highly respected, Chicago-based general contractor is launching a dedicated Mission Critical division and is seeking a Senior Project Manager to join the founding leadership team.
This role offers the rare opportunity to help build a Mission Critical platform from the ground up within a well-established organization — with meaningful influence over delivery standards, team structure, and long-term growth strategy.
Why This Role Is Different
- Founding-team role within a newly formed Mission Critical division
- High visibility and direct access to executive leadership
- Opportunity to help define delivery systems, processes, and standards
- Strong backlog and a long-term commitment to Mission Critical growth
- Local Chicago / Illinois-based projects
- Competitive compensation and genuine long-term career upside not typically available in established departments
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Mission Critical and MEP-intensive projects from preconstruction through closeout
- Manage budgets, schedules, contracts, risk, and change management
- Coordinate owners, design teams, consultants, and trade partners
- Establish project controls, reporting, and communication standards
- Support early-stage team building and mentor future Project Managers
- Contribute to the long-term strategy and growth of the Mission Critical division
Ideal Background
- 10+ years of experience with a general contractor or construction management firm
- Direct experience delivering Mission Critical, data center, or similarly complex MEP-driven projects
- Strong understanding of commissioning, redundancy planning, QA/QC, and trade coordination
- Comfortable operating in a high-visibility, build-as-you-go environment
- Motivated by the opportunity to shape a new business unit
Location
- Chicago, IL
- Primarily local projects; limited travel required
Compensation & Growth
- Competitive base salary and bonus structure
- Clear growth path into senior leadership as the division scales