Senior Director, Construction Operations, NA

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world's well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Construction Department

The Construction team is responsible for the entire process flow of delivering the physical data centers from shovel ready state through commissioning, working with Sales, Operations, and management along the way. Construction implements and executes upon the work product developed by the Development & Engineering (D&E) team. The team also manages Vantage's build partners to success through technical feedback and review, and actively participating in review of schedule and budget.

Many times, a role like this at other companies is purely oversight. One thing that distinguishes Vantage is that our construction teams are given the responsibility and authority to directly drive the process. When compared to external resources, our internal team can ensure the key stakeholders are engaged in the decision-making process to align long-term operational sustainability with value engineering and cost metrics to deliver products aligned with corporate goals. This approach empowers each member of the team to drive high-impact decisions and even more impactful results.

Position Overview

This role will be based onsite in Port Washington, WI.

The Senior Director, Construction Business Operations is a key member of the Construction leadership team, responsible for optimizing operational performance, enhancing strategic planning processes, and ensuring cross-functional alignment across all construction projects globally. This individual will lead a team focused on program management, analytics, systems, and tools that drive visibility, accountability, and operational excellence in support of Vantage's rapid and strategic growth.

This role requires a strategic, data-driven leader with deep knowledge of construction delivery models, strong business acumen, and the ability to collaborate across multiple teams including Design Engineering, Procurement, Finance, and Executive Leadership.

Essential Job Functions

Operational Strategy & Execution : Lead the development and execution of construction business strategies that improve efficiency, predictability, and scalability of Vantage's global project delivery.

Process Improvement : Own and refine end-to-end processes related to construction planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking. Champion best practices, standardization, and consistency across regions.

Data & Reporting : Establish and maintain robust reporting frameworks and KPIs to track project health, schedule adherence, budget accuracy, risk mitigation, and resource allocation. Drive data-driven decision making.

Systems Oversight : Partner with IT and other stakeholders to implement and maintain tools, platforms, and dashboards (e.g., Procore, Power BI, Workday) that support project delivery and operational transparency.

Program Governance : Oversee program-level governance, ensuring alignment between business priorities and construction execution across all active and future builds.

Cross-Functional Collaboration : Serve as the liaison between construction and finance, legal, development, and operations to ensure integrated planning and execution.

Team Leadership : Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing Business Operations team. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Additional duties as assigned by Management

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field (MBA or advanced degree a plus).

12+ years of experience in construction operations, capital project delivery, or program management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Experience in data centers or large-scale infrastructure preferred.

Proven success in building and scaling construction operations in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Strong command of financial acumen, project controls, scheduling, and business operations principles.

Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Deep understanding of construction delivery models, permitting, procurement, and design coordination.

Proficiency in construction management tools (e.g., Procore, Primavera, Excel / Power BI) and ERP systems (e.g., Workday, Oracle).

Ability to influence at all levels and lead cross-functional initiatives with executive-level visibility.

Travel required is expected to be up to 30% but may increase over time as the business evolves.

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Details

This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.

Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.#LI-Onsite #LI-MS1

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other's strengths and respecting each other's weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We'll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon-we're excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!