Senior Project Manager - Data Centres

AECOM is seeking a Senior Project Manager - Data Centers to be based in South Africa's Enterprise Capabilities office in Centurion. This position will support a team locally based in South Africa and Global Teams. As a part of AECOM's culture, it offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement which accommodates both office and out-of-office work schedules.

About Enterprise Capabilities

Fundamental to our Think and Act Globally strategy and digital adoption, Enterprise Capabilities (EC) is AECOM’s primary vehicle for workshare. Operating across geographic boundaries and time-zones, EC partners with regional and Global Business Line project teams to provide technical expertise, accelerate delivery and keep AECOM competitive in the industry. 

With a team of over 3000 technical professionals located across nine countries and remote technical anchors, EC teams are trusted to deliver high-quality, specialist services that help to fill capability gaps, resourcing needs and technical constraints on projects of all scopes and sizes.  

Start here. Grow here.

Here is what you will be doing:

We are seeking a talented and experienced individual to join our Data Centre PM/DM team, focusing on both international and local data centre projects. The role is based in South Africa, where our technical teams are located. You will have the opportunity to work with global teams on high‑profile, fast‑paced data centre projects for major international clients.

To be considered for this role, candidates MUST have proven experience in data centre design, as well as broader building design experience. Experience limited to general project management without data‑centre‑specific and building‑design exposure will not meet the minimum requirements.

As a Project and Design Manager, you will oversee hyperscale data centre projects end‑to‑end: site due diligence, master planning, conceptual design, schematic design, detailed design, construction documentation, and construction administration. This role requires hands‑on leadership of data centre and building design teams, not only PM oversight.

You will be client‑facing, responsible for leading and coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams. A background in architecture or engineering is essential, along with strong written and verbal communication skills.

You will also build and maintain strong relationships with clients, while helping grow our multidisciplinary data centre team and service offerings.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage data centre core and shell due diligence and design projects (architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, and fire protection) from concept through construction, ensuring adherence to budgets, schedules, design requirements, and quality.
• Develop trusted relationships with client stakeholders and technical decision‑makers.
• Engage confidently and proactively with clients, contractors, and supply‑chain partners.
• Lead multidisciplinary coordination of civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design packages on data centre and building design projects.
• Perform and oversee peer reviews and quality checks in line with AECOM standards.
• Own the project basis of design and manage localization requirements for international data centre standards.
• Detect, track, and resolve scope changes, inconsistencies, and design issues throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate and participate in meetings with clients and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver integrated and technically robust solutions.
• Lead AECOM’s data centre design team, promoting collaboration, shared ownership, and high performance.
• Proactively manage and communicate design and project changes to all parties.
• Identify technical or coordination challenges early and develop effective, creative solutions.
• Manage contract administration and design deliverables.
• Provide clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders regarding progress, risks, and issues.
• Support resource planning: identify, onboard, and offboard design contributors as needed.
• Prepare and deliver client presentations and participate in design interviews.
• Contribute to bids and proposals, including technical scoping, planning, and resource estimation.
• Travel as required to support project, client, and team needs.

Here is what we are looking for:

• Minimum experience requirement: Candidates must have data centre design experience AND building design experience to qualify.
• Honours degree in a built‑environment field with a minimum of four (4) years of relevant post‑graduate experience.
• B‑Tech degree in a built‑environment field with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant post‑graduate experience.
• National Higher Diploma in a built‑environment field with a minimum of six (6) years of relevant post‑graduate experience.
• National Diploma in a built‑environment field with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant post‑graduate experience.
• Tertiary qualification in a project‑management‑related discipline (e.g., quantity surveying, engineering, architecture, planning, contracting) with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant post‑graduate experience.
• Master of Science / Engineering is advantageous.
• Professional registration with ECSA, SACAP, or SACPCMP is advantageous.

At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity

At AECOM, our Freedom to Grow philosophy supports flexibility and balance to help our people thrive. As part of this approach, we ask all hybrid employees to work from an AECOM office at least three days per week.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.