Director, Project Controls, Project & Development Services (Data Centers) (Chicago)

Job TitleDirector, Project Controls, Project & Development Services (Data Centers)Job Description SummaryThis Director-level role will serve as the strategic lead and primary client interface for all planning and scheduling functions across large-scale capital programs, with a strong focus on data center delivery. The individual will operate as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders, shaping program strategy through the development of high-level integrated schedules, resource plans, and delivery frameworks from early planning through execution and closeout.The Director will lead the establishment of best-in-class scheduling standards, governance, and reporting while building and mentoring high-performing teams. This role requires a balance of strategic insight and technical expertise, with the ability to influence outcomes, drive alignment across complex stakeholder groups, and ensure successful program delivery.Job DescriptionResponsibilitiesLead the development and implementation of enterprise-level schedule management frameworks across major capital programs, including tools, processes, governance, and reporting standards.Serve as the primary planning and scheduling advisor to client leadership, providing strategic guidance on program phasing, sequencing, and delivery risks.Develop and oversee integrated master schedules aligning design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations across complex programs.Drive alignment across internal teams, contractors, designers, and third parties to ensure integration into a single source of truth schedule.Establish program-level reporting structures, KPIs, and executive dashboards to communicate schedule performance, risks, and trends.Lead scenario planning, what-if analysis, and quantitative risk assessments to support key program decisions.Identify and communicate critical path impacts, schedule risks, and mitigation strategies at both project and program levels.Oversee schedule quality, data integrity, and consistency across all projects within the program.Partner with cost, commercial, and project management leads to align schedule with financial and operational objectives.Build, lead, and mentor a team of schedulers and planners, establishing a culture of accountability, development, and continuous improvement.Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals, client presentations, and thought leadership related to project controls and scheduling.Act as a visible leader within both the client organization and internal teams, reinforcing best practices and driving delivery excellence.Education / ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field.12–15+ years of experience in planning and scheduling for large-scale capital programs, including design and construction phases.Demonstrated experience operating at a program or portfolio level, ideally in a client-facing leadership capacity.Strong experience in advanced tech, mission critical and/or data center projects required, with an understanding of delivery, fast-track schedules, and commissioning requirements.Expertise in Primavera P6 (required); experience with additional planning tools and data visualization platforms preferred.Proven ability to lead teams within complex, matrixed environments and influence senior stakeholders.Strong commercial awareness with the ability to connect schedule performance to cost, risk, and business outcomes.Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present to executive audiences and translate complex data into clear insights.Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate’s experience and qualifications.The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.The compensation for the position is: $ 161,500.00 - $190,000.00Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at View phone number on apply.placed-app.com or email View email address on apply.placed-app.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”SummaryLocation: Ashburn, Virginia, USA; Austin, Texas, USA; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Raleigh, North Carolina, USAType: Full time