Data Center Project Director

Project Management – Engineering, Construction & Critical Infrastructures

1. Job Overview

Title: Data Center Project Director

Reporting Line: Operations Director / Program Director / General Management

Scope: France and International

Sector: Data Centers – Critical Infrastructures – Construction – Engineering

2. Main Mission

The Data Center Project Director is responsible for the strategic, technical, operational, and financial management of complex projects for the design, construction, expansion, or transformation of Data Centers.

They ensure the successful execution of projects in compliance with contractual commitments, budgets, deadlines, and requirements for quality, safety, energy performance, and infrastructure availability.

They are involved throughout the entire project lifecycle, from feasibility studies to site acceptance, commissioning, and handover to operations teams.

Acting as a true conductor, they coordinate various stakeholders and ensure the interface between the client, the design team, engineering consultants, construction companies, suppliers, and operators.

3. Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Project Direction and Management

• Define the overall execution strategy and project objectives.

• Manage new Data Center projects (Greenfield), expansions, or renovations (Brownfield).

• Oversee all project phases, from feasibility to delivery.

• Define milestones, deliverables, and performance indicators.

• Establish governance structures and decision-making bodies.

• Arbitrate technical, economic, and organizational choices.

• Anticipate risks and define mitigation plans.

• Provide reporting to Senior Management, investors, and clients.

B. Technical Management and Study Coordination

Supervise and coordinate all technical disciplines:

Electrical – High and Low Voltage

• HV/MV/LV networks and transformer substations.

• Electrical panels, Main Distribution Panels (MDPs), and electrical distribution.

• Generator sets and backup power systems.

• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), batteries, and distribution systems.

• N+1, 2N redundancy architectures, and other configurations adapted to availability requirements.

• Coordination of electrical protection, selectivity, and service continuity.

HVAC – Cooling and Air Treatment

• Chilled water production and distribution.

• Chillers, free cooling, and adiabatic cooling systems.

• Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAH), Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRAC), and Fan Walls.

• Liquid Cooling systems.

• Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs) and Direct-to-Chip Cooling solutions.

• Optimization of thermal and energy performance.

Building and Infrastructure

• Civil engineering, structure, and architecture.

• Utilities and site infrastructure connections.

• Fire safety and detection/suppression systems.

• Access control, video surveillance, and physical security.

• Building Management Systems (BMS), Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM), Technical Building Management (GTB), and technical supervision.

• Integration of IT and telecommunications infrastructure.

Ensure technical consistency of studies, interface management, and compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

C. Design and Conception Management

• Oversee feasibility studies and preliminary designs.

• Manage design phases according to applicable contractual standards, particularly RIBA Stages 0 to 4 for relevant projects.

• Approve architectural and technical choices.

• Organize design reviews and risk analyses.

• Oversee BIM coordination and clash detection studies.

• Ensure the constructability, maintainability, and operability of installations.

• Manage Value Engineering processes.

• Optimize CAPEX without compromising performance and resilience requirements.

D. Construction and Execution Management

• Define the construction strategy and work phasing.

• Supervise general contractors, technical packages, and subcontractors.

• Coordinate design and construction teams.

• Ensure adherence to schedules and contractual milestones.

• Manage interfaces between civil engineering, electrical, HVAC, and IT infrastructure.

• Oversee quality control procedures.

• Ensure compliance with HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) requirements.

• Manage changes, non-conformities, and critical situations.

• Organize pre-acceptance operations.

E. Financial and Contractual Management

• Develop and manage the overall project budget.

• Supervise financial commitments and expenditure tracking.

• Manage CAPEX and Estimate at Completion (EAC).

• Identify budget deviations and implement corrective actions.

• Oversee tendering, bid processes, and negotiations.

• Manage contracts for design, engineering, construction, and supply.

• Handle contract amendments, claims, and financial risks.

• Optimize costs and preserve project margins.

• Ensure reliable and regular financial reporting.

F. Commissioning and Go-Live

• Define and supervise the commissioning strategy.

• Coordinate testing of technical equipment and systems.

• Oversee functional testing and Integrated Systems Testing (IST).

• Verify normal, degraded, and backup operating scenarios.

• Manage the resolution of punch list items and non-conformities.

• Ensure delivery of As-Built drawings, procedures, and technical documentation.

• Organize training for operations teams.

• Supervise operational handover to Facilities Management and Data Center Operations teams.

G. Team and Stakeholder Management

• Lead Project Managers, Design Managers, Construction Managers, and Technical Leads.

• Coordinate engineering consultants, advisors, and partners.

• Define team responsibilities and objectives.

• Facilitate steering committee meetings and management reviews.

• Foster a culture of performance, safety, and collaboration.

• Manage conflicts and complex arbitration situations.

• Ensure structured communication with clients and investors.

4. Required Technical Skills

Data Center Engineering

• Excellent understanding of Data Center electrical and mechanical architectures.

• Mastery of availability, resilience, and redundancy challenges.

• Knowledge of EN 50600, ISO/IEC 22237 standards, Uptime Institute requirements, and applicable ASHRAE recommendations.

• Understanding of constraints related to high-density IT infrastructure.

• Knowledge of energy performance metrics, particularly PUE and WUE.

Complex Project Management

• Proficiency in planning and risk management methods.

• Management of multidisciplinary projects with significant financial stakes.

• Contractual and financial management.

• Proficiency in design, construction, and commissioning processes.

• Experience in EPC, EPCM, Design & Build, or client-side project management environments.

Tools

• Microsoft Project / Primavera P6.

• AutoCAD / Revit / Navisworks.

• BIM environments.

• Power BI and reporting tools.

• Budget tracking and document management tools.

5. Candidate Profile

Education

• Engineering degree or equivalent higher education (Bac+5) in electrical, energy, mechanical, building, or construction engineering.

• A specialization in critical infrastructures or Data Centers is a plus.

Experience

• Significant professional experience, ideally 12 to 15 years minimum, in complex technical project management.

• Proven experience in managing Data Center construction or engineering projects.

• Experience in managing large-budget projects and multidisciplinary teams.

• Good understanding of design, construction, and commissioning processes.

• International experience is appreciated.

Languages

• Fluent French.

• Professional English essential, both written and spoken.

6. Management and Behavioral Skills

• Leadership and ability to unite multidisciplinary teams.

• Strategic vision and strong results orientation.

• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.

• Mastery of financial and contractual challenges.

• Ability to anticipate and manage critical situations.

• Rigor, organization, and sense of responsibility.

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.

• Ability to communicate with technical and executive stakeholders.

• Client focus and commitment-driven culture.

7. Compensation

The proposed compensation for this position ranges from EUR 12,000 to 20,000 per month.

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