CORE DATA PROJECT MANAGER

CORE DATA PROJECT MANAGER (Not for First time job seekers - read the specs)SummaryThe business requires an experienced Data Center Operations Project Manager (DCOPM) to oversee critical ICT infrastructure projects. The role manages end-to-end project delivery within data centre environments, ensuring efficiency, security, and alignment with business goals. Reporting to the Core Facilities Operations Manager, the DCOPM works closely with internal teams and vendors to drive successful execution.Data Centre OperationsThese projects fall under the Senior Manager Core Implementation Projects portfolio. The DCOPM is accountable to the Core Facilities Operations Manager and GM Network Operations, assuming immediate responsibility for all DC Facility operation projects. Experience in managing multiple concurrent infrastructure projects and effective stakeholder management is essential.Key ResponsibilitiesOversee procurement and contractual agreements (Client/Vendor) including payment milestones.Facilitate project handovers, kick-offs, and define success criteria.Identify and engage stakeholders and ensure strong collaboration across departments.Maintain close working relationships with M&E Engineers, Planning, Procurement, Legal, and Suppliers to ensure timely, quality delivery.Establish RACI, project governance, and reporting structures.Manage vendors, budgets, risks, and project changes.Handle project administration (requisitions, invoices, reports).Deliver daily/weekly/monthly reporting and manage close-out including PoC acceptance.The DCOPM must ensure all project documentation (minutes, plans, schedules, budgets, reports) is accurately produced and maintained.Detailed DutiesDefine and structure each project and its governance.Establish scope, plans, and stakeholder engagement and communication strategies.Manage projects using defined controls and ensure proper governance.Direct internal and external resources, manage risk and issue resolution.Facilitate and approve change requests within authority limits.Ensure site readiness, handover, and transition into operations.Conduct project reviews, document lessons learned, and ensure continuous improvement.Coordinate meetings, timelines, and revenue forecasting.Key DeliverablesProduce programme and project status reports (daily/weekly/monthly) with executive dashboards.Ensure quality reporting suitable for executive review.Escalate issues requiring management support timeously.Store all documentation in designated repositories for audit.Manage budgeting, business cases, and capitalisation forecasts.Candidate ProfileMinimum 10 years experience managing complex infrastructure projects (5 years in major cross-functional delivery).Degree in a relevant discipline; PMP or PRINCE2 Practitioner certification preferred; Master’s advantageous.Core KnowledgeData Centre facilities operations and infrastructure management.Integration of new nodes (floor space, power, hardware/software installation, testing, PPM, corrective maintenance).Executive-level stakeholder engagement and reporting.Oversight of supplier and contractor deliverables.Establishing project control processes, risk and issue management, and change control.Applying best practice project methodologies and continuous improvement.Transition management and project closeout.Experience in ICT-enabled business transformation and Change Management.Knowledge of Health & Safety Act and working with SHE specialists.CompetenciesLeadership across multidisciplinary teams.Strong communication and stakeholder engagement.Skilled in governance, risk, and budget management.Analytical and problem-solving ability.Experience with virtual project teams and MS Teams collaboration.Competence in project tracking, reporting, and executive presentations.Excellent documentation and administrative discipline.Technical ExpertiseElectrical Systems: MV/LV, UPS, Generators, HVAC, Fire suppression, Diesel refuel systems.Operations & Maintenance: Preventative/corrective maintenance, fault diagnosis, SLA/KPI compliance.Energy Optimization: Power monitoring and efficiency improvements.Risk & Compliance: OHS Act adherence and municipal regulation compliance.Project Management Tools: MS Projects, Power BI, Excel, PowerPoint.QualificationsEducation: BTech Electrical Engineering (Power) or equivalent.Certifications: CDCP (or similar), PMP or PRINCE2.Industry Exposure: Telecommunications and Enterprise Data Centres.ExperienceMinimum 7 years managing Data Centre builds and facility operations.Proven experience supervising contractors, enforcing safety standards, and maintaining SLAs/KPIs.Oversight of infrastructure delivery and quality assurance.Strong understanding of technical systems and operational continuity.Additional InformationThe position is based in Gauteng, primarily remote via MS Teams, with occasional site or head office visits. The candidate must have domain access from their own laptop.Duration: 12 months, with possible extension based on business needs.