Data Center Implementation Manager

Lambda, The Superintelligence Cloud, is a leader in AI cloud infrastructure serving tens of thousands of customers. Our customers range from AI researchers to enterprises and hyperscalers. Lambda's mission is to make compute as ubiquitous as electricity and give everyone the power of superintelligence. One person, one GPU.

If you'd like to build the world's best AI cloud, join us.

Travel: 50%, Travel required to various data center sites.

What You’ll Do

As a Data Center Implementation Manager, you will lead the end-to-end execution of multiple concurrent data center infrastructure projects, spanning Greenfield builds, colocation white space fit-outs, equipment upgrades, and lifecycle replacements. You’ll serve as the single point of contact for all construction activities on your assigned projects, coordinating closely with data center providers, MEP contractors, and internal stakeholders.

Your role includes overseeing construction schedules and budgets, managing OFCI equipment procurement and installation, conducting design reviews, and driving alignment across cross-functional teams including electrical, mechanical, low voltage, and network engineering. You’ll also contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, integrating emerging technologies and design innovations into our infrastructure strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Oversight:
  • Manage the build out of multiple data center projects concurrently, from detailed design to physical build out, including Greenfield construction projects, colocation white space fitouts, equipment upgrades, and end-of-life replacements. Oversee the work of MEP Contractors and Equipment Suppliers during the build out process.
• Internal Coordination with SMEs:
  • Coordinate with internal Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across various disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and low voltage, to ensure project requirements, technical specifications, and solutions are properly aligned.
• Budget & Schedule Coordination:
  • Work with our Data Center Providers and Contractors to prepare, review, and monitor project schedules, budgets, and forecasts for design and construction expenditures.
• OFCI Equipment Management:
  • Review and evaluate OFCI (Owner-Furnished, Contractor-Installed) equipment submittals, providing recommendations to the Construction Management team and Procurement teams.
• Design Reviews:
  • Participate in page-turn meetings with consultants, providing feedback on designs, Sequence of Operations, Basis of Design documents, and commissioning plans.
• Vendor Management:
  • Assist with RFPs for OFCI Equipment and Data Center Whitespace Fit Outs, evaluation of proposals, selection of vendors, and oversight on alignment with project budgets and schedules.
• Project Reporting:
  • Prepare and deliver detailed project reports to both executive leadership and project teams, track project budgets, schedules, scope objectives, and progress.
• Stakeholder Communication:
  • Provide regular project updates to internal and external stakeholders, both informally and formally.
• Design Coordination & Site Visits:
  • Conduct site visits during construction to review design implementation, assess construction progress, and ensure adherence to design specifications, quality standards, and project requirements.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Network Engineering, Data Center Operations, HPC, Supply Chain, and Technical Project Management to ensure alignment with business objectives and project deliverables. Serve as a liaison between internal teams and external contractors or vendors, ensuring clear and effective communication.
• Transformation & Design Improvements:
  • Contribute to internal design team meetings, proposing and exploring new technologies or design concepts to enhance project outcomes. Stay up to date with industry trends and integrate innovative solutions into project designs.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven experience managing data center construction projects, including Greenfield builds, colocation fit-outs, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems and construction practices, with hands-on experience coordinating with electrical, mechanical, and low voltage SMEs.
• Skilled in managing OFCI equipment procurement, submittal review, and installation oversight.
• Effective communicator with the ability to serve as the single point of contact for construction activities and maintain alignment across internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in tracking and managing project schedules, budgets, and forecasts in collaboration with contractors and data center providers.
• Experienced in participating in design reviews and commissioning processes, with the ability to provide meaningful technical feedback.
• Comfortable conducting on-site inspections to verify construction quality, design adherence, and progress.
• Familiar with vendor RFP processes, proposal evaluation, and managing vendor performance to budget and timeline expectations.
• Highly organized, with a strong ability to prepare detailed project reports and communicate updates to both executive leadership and project teams.
• Collaborative team player with cross-functional experience working alongside Network Engineering, Data Center Operations, HPC, Supply Chain, and TPM organizations.
• Passionate about continuous improvement and staying current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices in data center design and delivery.

Top Five Requirements

1. End-to-End Data Center Construction Experience:
   • Proven track record managing full lifecycle data center projects, colocation fit-outs, and infrastructure upgrades.
2. Strong MEP & OFCI Coordination Skills:
   • Deep understanding of mechanical, electrical, and low voltage systems, with experience reviewing OFCI submittals and coordinating with design and construction teams.
3. Project Budget & Schedule Management:
   • Demonstrated ability to manage construction budgets, track project schedules, and work with vendors and providers to meet critical deadlines and cost targets.
4. Cross-Functional Communication & Stakeholder Management:
   • Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of serving as the single point of contact for construction and aligning internal stakeholders, external contractors, and data center providers.
5. On-Site Construction Oversight & Quality Assurance:
   • Ability to perform regular site visits to monitor construction progress, validate design implementation, and ensure adherence to project specifications and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 10+ years of experience managing data center construction or critical infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of MEP systems, including coordination with electrical, mechanical, and low voltage trades.
• Proficient in reviewing technical design documents, including Basis of Design, Sequence of Operations, and commissioning plans.
• Demonstrated experience managing OFCI equipment procurement, submittals, and installation processes.
• Strong documentation and writing skills, with the ability to create clear, concise project documents, decision-making documents, and instructional materials.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and solve complex problems.
• Skilled in construction schedule and budget management, including forecasting, tracking, and reporting.
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Smartsheet) and construction tracking/reporting platforms.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and effectively engage with stakeholders.
• Passion for continuous improvement, with a proactive mindset for integrating new technologies and design innovations.