Head of Project Management - Data Centers

Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Head of Project Management to oversee the planning, execution, and successful delivery of extensive data center construction and infrastructure initiatives. This role entails building and leading a high-caliber project management team committed to delivering vital facilities punctually, within budget, and adhering to stringent quality and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and mentor a team of project managers handling multiple simultaneous data center projects including new builds, expansions, and retrofits.
• Develop project management best practices, methodologies, and governance frameworks for the portfolio.
• Hire, train, and retain top project management professionals while setting clear performance objectives and conducting evaluations.
• Manage the entire project lifecycle from site evaluation, design and permitting stages through construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Create and update master schedules, budgets, and resource allocation plans across all projects.
• Proactively identify and mitigate risks such as supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, permitting delays, weather impacts, and utility interconnection challenges.
• Ensure compliance with uptime, safety, security, and sustainability standards essential for mission-critical facilities.
• Act as the escalation point for internal departments and external contractors, including engineering, operations, real estate, finance, legal teams, general contractors, architects, MEP engineers, and equipment vendors.
• Oversee procurement negotiations and contract management alongside procurement and legal teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience managing construction or infrastructure projects, including at least 5 years specializing in data center or mission-critical facility projects.
• More than 5 years of leadership experience directing teams of project managers on multiple projects concurrently.
• Proven success in delivering large-scale capital projects valued at $50 million or more, meeting all timelines and budget requirements.
• Comprehensive knowledge of data center systems, including power distribution, UPS, generators, various cooling technologies, fire suppression, and physical security measures.
• Experience managing general contractors, design-build teams, and critical infrastructure vendors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as PMP, PgMP, or their equivalents.
• Exposure to hyperscale, colocation, or enterprise data center development programs.
• Familiarity with commissioning processes specific to mission-critical facilities.
• Experience navigating permitting and utility regulations across multiple regions.
• Understanding of sustainability practices relevant to data centers, including LEED certification, PUE optimization, and renewable energy integration.