Project Manager

Zest Technical Solutions is partnering with an unnamed client, a North American provider of custom air-handling and liquid-cooling systems. The Project Manager will lead onsite execution of complex HVAC service and construction programs for hyperscale data center projects, coordinating teams and overseeing work from start-up and commissioning through warranty and field support.

Responsibilities:

• Apply project methodologies to drive scalable, repeatable and cost-effective execution across mission-critical HVAC programs
• Lead internal and external teams (mechanical contractors, controls integrators, GCs, commissioning agents) across rework, start-up, commissioning, warranty and field support
• Lead execution across both air-side and chiller/water-side systems
• Coordinate Level 3-5 commissioning, including equipment start-up, functional performance testing and integrated systems testing (IST)
• Coordinate OEM technicians and commissioning agents to validate cooling capacity and redundancy design
• Track progress, risks and interdependencies across equipment delivery, refrigerant piping, ductwork and controls sequencing against construction schedules
• Ensure strict adherence to safety requirements including LOTO, confined space and hot work, particularly in live or near-live data halls
• Act as primary escalation point and strategic liaison with GCs, mechanical engineers and data center operators on scope, schedule and change management
• Oversee Superintendents and other onsite staff
• Represent the business at all GC and project meetings, with regular construction-site presence

Requirements:

• 7+ years of progressive experience in HVAC service operations or project management, ideally within mission-critical or data center environments
• Proven track record managing complex HVAC mechanical programs across both:
• Air-side systems: CRAC/CRAH units, air handlers, precision cooling and VRF
• Chiller/water-side systems: chillers, cooling towers, condenser water and chilled water piping
• Working knowledge of mechanical drawings and sequences of operation
• Working knowledge of BMS/controls platforms and protocols such as BACnet, Niagara and Modbus
• Experience with ERP/CRM systems, service management platforms and performance dashboards
• strong operational, business or technical program management experience within HVAC
• Strong planning and follow-through, clear communication at all levels, a customer-first mindset, and composure under tight, shifting priorities
• Direct experience in data centers, hyperscale, colocation or other uptime-sensitive facilities
• Mechanical or HVAC engineering background