Director, Data Center, Project & Development Services

Job Title Director, Data Center, Project & Development Services Summary The Director, acting as Owner’s Representative, is responsible for leading delivery of an advanced AI test factory focused on the assembly, integration, and validation of liquid‑cooled AI server racks prior to deployment in production data centers. This role oversees planning, design coordination, construction, commissioning, and turnover of a highly technical, MEP‑dominant facility operating at mission‑critical performance levels and ensures cost, schedule, quality, safety, and operational readiness objectives are met. Project Leadership & Owner Representation Act as the Owner’s Representative for all phases of project delivery, from early planning through commissioning and handover. Establish project execution strategies aligned with operational requirements for AI rack assembly, liquid cooling, and test validation. Lead day‑to‑day project governance, decision‑making, and stakeholder alignment. MEP‑Focused Execution Oversee MEP‑intensive scopes, including high‑capacity electrical distribution, power quality, controls, and direct‑to‑chip liquid cooling systems. Coordinate central utility plant infrastructure, process cooling, house air systems, and test/validation environments that simulate data‑center operating conditions, ensuring systems are designed for high‑density loads, burn‑in testing, and repeatable commissioning processes. Design & Engineering Management Manage and coordinate multi‑disciplinary design teams (mechanical, electrical, low‑voltage, controls, structural, and civil). Lead design reviews to ensure constructability, sequencing, and alignment with manufacturing and test workflows, validating that design intent supports operations, maintainability, scalability, and future technology upgrades. Construction & Contractor Oversight Oversee general contractors, trade partners, and specialty vendors, emphasizing sequencing, quality control, and safety. Lead construction coordination in fast‑paced environments, including work in partially active or start‑up conditions, and proactively mitigate schedule risk, scope gaps, and cost exposure, especially within MEP and systems integration scopes. Schedule, Cost, and Risk Management Develop and manage detailed project schedules with clear milestones for equipment installation, start‑up, and testing. Lead cost control, change management, and forecasting efforts to maintain budget discipline and maintain active risk and issue logs, driving timely resolution and escalation when required. Commissioning, Start‑Up & Turnover Lead start‑up, test balance, and commissioning planning with owners, vendors, and contractors. Ensure all systems meet performance criteria prior to rack shipment and facility turnover, overseeing documentation, as‑built drawings, O&M manuals, and readiness for operations and production use. Qualifications & Experience Proven experience as an Owner’s Rep on complex industrial, mission‑critical, or advanced manufacturing facilities. Strong background in MEP‑heavy projects, including electrical power systems and process or liquid cooling infrastructure. Experience supporting commissioning‑driven environments such as data centers, semiconductor, life sciences, or advanced tech manufacturing. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders in fast‑track, high‑change environments, with strong command of scheduling, cost control, contractor oversight, and risk management fundamentals. Comfortable operating at both executive and field levels with a hands‑on leadership style. Role Characteristics Environment: Fast‑paced, technically complex, and execution‑focused. Scope: MEP‑dominant, commissioning‑driven, production‑adjacent. Leadership Style: Decisive, collaborative, detail‑oriented. Ideal Background Mission‑critical, data center, or advanced manufacturing delivery experience. Benefits Health, vision, and dental insurance Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts Retirement savings plans Life and disability insurance programs Paid and unpaid time off Salary The compensation for the position is: $170,000.00 - $200,000.00. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Cushman & 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 click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cushman & Wakefield