Data Center - Project Manager

AFL provides industry-leading fiber optic products and services across the globe. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and now we manufacture over two thousand products, employ over 5,000 associates and consistently generate annual sales in excess of a billion-dollars in revenue.  With our commitment to professional growth and employee development, let AFL “Connect” you to your next career opportunity!

Job Summary

The Data Center Project Manager focus is on delivering World Class Customer Experience and Quality. They are integral to the account team and are key in building the trusted relationship with the customer.

The Data Center Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of fiber optic deployment project within our data center facilities. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of data center operations, fiber optic technologies, and project management methodologies. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader with excellent communication skills, capable of managing cross-functional teams and ensuring that projects are completed on time, within scope, and on budget.

This job is NOT a remote position and will require the PM to be onsite for the duration of the project. After the initial phase a hybrid position can be discussed.

Responsibilities

• Aligning all contract documents via Job Manager (PO, Contract, Proposal, PnL)
• Manage Change Control and procure change orders
• Manage AFL team and/or subcontractors/vendors to ensure timely and high-quality work
• Monitor and drive the quality assurance process during all phases of the project
• Conduct site surveys, quality checks and job audits
• Continuously expand / farm existing accounts for additional opportunities to introduce other AFL services
• Works with the customer, suggesting alternatives as required to meet the customer’s needs and expectations, as well as satisfy AFL’s sales objectives
• Understands, adheres to, & promotes the Environmental, Health & Safety policies of AFL Telecom
• Lead and manage fiber optic deployment projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with company goals and client requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering, IT, and operations teams to define project specifications and requirements for fiber optic installations.
• Coordinate and supervise the work of contractors and vendors involved in fiber optic deployment, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project delivery.
• Conduct regular project status meetings with stakeholders, providing updates on progress, challenges, and solutions.
• Ensure that all project documentation is complete and up to date, including contracts, change orders, and progress reports.
• Performing weekly reviews of: Project & field budget trackers, project metrics system, invoicing due, pending awards, accounts receivables, material management
• Works with the customer, suggesting alternatives as required to meet the customer’s needs and expectations, as well as satisfy AFL’s sales objectives
• Understands, adheres to, & promotes the Environmental, Health & Safety policies of AFL Telecom
• Facilitate communication between internal teams and external partners to resolve issues and ensure project alignment.
• Stay current on industry trends, technologies, and best practices related to fiber optics and data center operations.
• Prepare and present project reports and performance metrics to senior management.
• Work closely with a core team namely, fiber optic leads, PM administrators and the Site Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Must have Mass Fiber optic deployment and Fiber infrastructure experience 
• Bachelor’s degree in project management, Information Technology, engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience, with a focus on fiber optic deployment in data center environments.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of fiber optic technologies, installation processes, and industry standards.
• Familiarity with data center infrastructure, including networking, power distribution, and cooling systems.
• Proficient in project management tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Trello).
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is preferred

Personal

•  RCDD or PMP preferred
• BICSI Certifications preferred
• Extensive experience managing new data center sites
• Experience managing mission critical data centers preferred
• Experience managing teams of 25-100 technicians on job sites
• Product experience with, but not limited to Corning, Panduit, Commscope and AFL
• Familiarity with business concepts related to the use of information technologies and networking in all aspects of business and organizational operations for the achievement of business/operating objectives
• Proficient with Microsoft Suite
• Proficiency with MS Visio and AutoCAD preferred

Working Conditions

• Will be required to work onsite with the core data center team
• Use of standard office equipment, mostly printers
• General hours of Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm with the ability to provide support during and outside regular business hours is required
• Travel maybe required from time to time
• Must be able to work in the United States

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.
• The chance to work on cutting-edge projects in a rapidly evolving industry.