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Project Director - Data Center

Position Overview

The Project Director - Data Center leads the planning, execution, and delivery of complex data center construction and development projects from inception through completion. This senior leadership role requires extensive experience managing large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure projects with responsibility for overall project success, client relationships, and team performance.

Experience Requirements

• 15-20 years of progressive project management experience in construction/development
• Direct experience delivering 3-4+ data center projects as Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, or Project Director
• Proven track record managing projects with experience in hyperscale, colocation, or enterprise data center environments

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Project Leadership The Project Director provides executive-level oversight for all aspects of data center project delivery, establishing project vision, strategy, and success criteria. They lead project teams of 10-20+ members including project managers, engineers, coordinators, and technical specialists, ensuring alignment with client objectives and organizational goals.

Client Relationship Management This role serves as the primary client interface at the executive level, building and maintaining strategic relationships with C-suite stakeholders, IT leaders, and facilities executives. The Project Director understands client business drivers, anticipates needs, and provides consultative guidance on design decisions, technology selection, and project approach.

Technical Expertise & Oversight The Project Director demonstrates deep knowledge of data center infrastructure including electrical systems (generators, UPS, switchgear, PDUs), mechanical systems (CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water plants, cooling technologies), fire suppression, security systems, and structured cabling. They provide technical leadership on critical path planning, constructability reviews, commissioning strategies, and operational readiness.

Program & Financial Management Responsibilities include managing project budgets ranging from $50M to $500M+, forecasting costs, controlling scope, and ensuring financial performance meets targets. The director oversees procurement strategies, negotiates major contracts, manages risk allocation, and makes decisions on value engineering and cost optimization without compromising uptime requirements or operational performance.

Risk Management & Problem Resolution The Project Director identifies, assesses, and mitigates complex technical, schedule, and financial risks inherent to mission-critical facilities. They lead resolution of major issues, make critical decisions under pressure, and implement recovery plans when challenges arise, maintaining focus on achieving Tier III/IV reliability standards.

Quality & Compliance Assurance This role ensures projects meet stringent quality standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. The director oversees commissioning processes, validates testing protocols, ensures documentation completeness, and confirms readiness for operational handover with guaranteed uptime commitments.

Stakeholder Coordination The Project Director orchestrates collaboration among diverse stakeholders including design teams, general contractors, MEP subcontractors, equipment vendors, utility providers, commissioning agents, and client operations teams. They chair executive steering committee meetings and provide regular reporting to senior leadership.

Required Qualifications

Education Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related technical field required. Advanced degree (MBA, Master's in Engineering) preferred.

Technical Certifications Professional certifications such as PMP, CCM, or PE license highly valued. LEED AP, CxA, or data center-specific certifications (CDCP, CDCS) beneficial.

Industry Knowledge Comprehensive understanding of data center design standards (TIA-942, Uptime Institute Tier Classifications, ASHRAE thermal guidelines), construction methodologies, and critical infrastructure requirements. Current knowledge of emerging technologies including liquid cooling, modular construction, edge computing facilities, and sustainable data center practices.

Project Management Expertise Mastery of project controls, scheduling methodologies (CPM, Lean Construction), cost management systems, and contract administration. Experience with major project delivery methods including Design-Build, CM-at-Risk, and IPD.

Leadership Competencies Exceptional leadership presence with ability to influence outcomes, drive accountability, and inspire high-performing teams. Strategic thinking with strong business acumen. Executive communication skills with ability to present confidently to C-level audiences. Decisive under pressure with sound judgment in complex situations.

Business Development Track record supporting pursuit activities, participating in client presentations, and contributing to proposal development. Ability to identify expansion opportunities within existing accounts.

Additional Requirements

Mission-Critical Mindset Deep appreciation for the critical nature of data center operations where downtime is measured in millions of dollars per minute. Commitment to zero-defect construction and operational excellence.

Preferred Experience

• Hyperscale facilities (AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud) or large colocation providers
• International data center projects
• Greenfield and brownfield retrofit experience
• Fast-track delivery schedules with phased occupancy
• Integration of renewable energy and sustainability initiatives

Location:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements.  We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at [email protected]. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.