Project Executive - Data Centers

Project Executive – Data Center Construction

Overview

The Project Executive provides senior-level leadership and strategic direction for large-scale data center construction projects , overseeing every phase from concept through commissioning. This position requires deep technical expertise in mission-critical environments , including hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data centers.

The Project Executive is accountable for project performance, client satisfaction, and financial success — ensuring all work meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational uptime.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

Lead multiple, large-scale data center and mission-critical builds , including greenfield, expansion, and retrofit projects.

Oversee full project lifecycle — design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and turnover.

Manage project budgets exceeding $50M+, ensuring adherence to cost, schedule, and performance goals.

Coordinate and integrate all disciplines, including structural, MEP, electrical, controls, and security systems .

Champion zero-defect delivery and safety excellence across all field operations.

Client & Stakeholder Management

Serve as the primary client contact, representing the organization with hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise clients.

Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, design teams, commissioning agents, and trade partners.

Lead client meetings and project reviews, ensuring alignment between owner requirements and construction execution.

Manage owner expectations regarding scope, risk, schedule, and financial performance.

Preconstruction & Business Development

Drive preconstruction activities, including conceptual budgeting, logistics, and risk analysis.

Oversee procurement of long-lead items (e.g., switchgear, generators, UPS systems, chillers).

Collaborate with estimating teams to establish accurate budgets, GMPs, and contingency plans.

Support business development by engaging in proposal preparation, presentations, and client strategy sessions.

Identify growth opportunities within the mission-critical market and cultivate long-term client relationships.

Operational Oversight

Supervise all project management and field staff to ensure precise execution of technical scopes.

Enforce QA / QC and commissioning protocols specific to mission-critical systems (electrical redundancy, cooling, and controls).

Implement Lean construction practices to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.

Monitor progress, risk indicators, and change management through data-driven reporting.

Conduct site visits to assess construction safety, quality, and team performance.

Team Leadership & Development

Hire, develop, and mentor Project Managers, Superintendents, and Engineers within the data center division.

Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Provide training and guidance on mission-critical construction methods and system commissioning.

Lead cross-functional coordination between construction, commissioning, and operations teams.

Post-Construction

Manage the closeout and turnover process, ensuring all punch lists, documentation, and as-builts are complete.

Oversee integrated systems testing and client handover, ensuring operational readiness.

Facilitate lessons-learned reviews to inform future project delivery improvements.

Qualifications

Required :

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

15+ years of commercial or industrial construction experience, with 10+ years in mission-critical or data center environments

Proven record managing multiple concurrent projects exceeding $50M each

Strong understanding of electrical distribution, mechanical systems, chilled water, UPS, generators, and BMS controls

Expertise in managing design-build and fast-track project delivery methods

Proficiency with Procore, Primavera P6, Bluebeam, Revit , and Microsoft Office Suite

Exceptional communication and negotiation skills

Preferred :

Experience with hyperscale and colocation data center clients

Familiarity with Tier III / Tier IV design standards (Uptime Institute)

Knowledge of commissioning protocols (Level 1–5 testing)

PMP or CCM certification

Skills & Competencies

Strategic leader with strong financial and operational acumen

Advanced knowledge of mission-critical systems and redundancy strategies (N, N+1, 2N)

Collaborative communicator skilled in cross-functional coordination

Adept at problem-solving, conflict resolution, and high-pressure decision-making

Passionate about innovation, safety, and quality excellence

Work Environment & Travel

Projects are located across the Southeastern US, with frequent regional travel required.

Regular visits to live data center construction sites, often under high-security and compliance environments.

Role involves coordination with national teams and partners across multiple time zones.