Senior Project Director, Data Centres
The opportunity
Data centres are among the fastest-growing sectors in Australian construction, and this is a chance to lead a major build program at the centre of it. A global project management consultancy is looking for a Senior Project Director to oversee a portfolio of data centre projects for one of Australia’s leading data centre operators.
This is a senior, high-visibility role. You’ll be the key day-to-day client interface for the program, accountable for delivering multiple mission-critical projects to time, cost, quality and safety targets, while leading a multi-disciplinary team of Project Directors, Senior Project Managers, Project Managers and Coordinators.
About the role
You’ll provide leadership and direction across the full project lifecycle: initiation, planning and design, procurement, construction and handover. Reporting to the Account Lead, you will:
- Lead delivery across a portfolio of major data centre developments, with overall accountability for programme, cost, risk, quality and safety
- Act as the senior client-facing lead, building trusted relationships with executive stakeholders and program sponsors
- Lead procurement strategy, tendering and contract negotiation for major packages, including long lead equipment
- Oversee contract administration, variations and claims, protecting the commercial interests of both the client and the business
- Drive value engineering, buildability reviews and critical review of design and documentation
- Navigate planning pathways, authority approvals and utility connections
- Chair PCG and senior stakeholder meetings, and ensure accurate, timely reporting to the client and leadership
- Set the safety culture on site and in design, and lead the implementation of HSE systems
- Coach, develop and structure a high-performing delivery team
- Contribute to business development, including EOIs, pricing submissions and thought leadership
About you
You’re an experienced data centre or mission-critical delivery leader who is as comfortable in a boardroom as on site. You’ll bring:
- 12+ years in data centre or mission-critical construction project management
- Proven experience as a Project Director or Construction Director within a PMC, EPCM, Construction Management or General Contractor environment
- A track record of leading major projects and programmes end-to-end, ideally including hyperscale or mission-critical data centre developments in Australia
- Strong commercial acumen and contract administration experience across the full pre-contract and post-contract lifecycle
- In-depth knowledge of construction methods, building codes, regulations and safety standards on complex, large-scale projects
- Proficiency in budgets, forecasting, cash flow and change order assessment, plus project controls tools such as Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project
- A solid understanding of different delivery methods (Project Management, Construction Management, Managing Contractor, Lump Sum, D&C)
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
- A degree in Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline (PMP or PRINCE2 highly regarded)
Experience working for Principal Contractors or in client-side project management is also highly regarded.
Why join?
- Lead a flagship program on a strong, long-term pipeline of work
- Executive-level client exposure and real influence over how the program is delivered
- Work on projects at national scale in a sector with sustained growth
- The backing, systems and global network of a leading consultancy
- A leadership role with scope to shape the team and grow the account
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Senior Project Director - Data Centre in Sydney employer: Gough Recruitment
Gough Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Southeast Sydney. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will benefit from a supportive leadership team and a clear path for career progression while managing a diverse portfolio. The company fosters a collaborative culture that values compliance and communication, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
