The role of a Project Director for an EPCC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning) data centre involves the end-to-end management and delivery of complex, mission-critical infrastructure projects. This senior position requires extensive experience in project management, specifically within the data centre or similar high-stakes environments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- A Project Director overseeing a data centre EPCC project is responsible for managing all project phases from initial concept through to commissioning and becoming Ready for Service (RFS).
- Strategic Planning & Leadership: Leading multidisciplinary teams (including CSA - Civil, Structural, Architectural and MEP - Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), Telecoms & ICT while managing EPCC contractors and consultants.
- Project Lifecycle Oversight: Ensuring seamless execution across engineering design, local authorities approvals, Project cost, procurement of materials and equipment, construction, installation, testing and final commissioning. Chair project key meetings with EPCC contractors, consultants, and key vendors
- Resolver for all Design conflicts between CSA,MEP and ICT disciplines.
- Establish project governance structures, reporting cadence, and escalation mechanisms.
- Ensure alignment between design and actual constructed facility.
- Review and approve key design deliverables related to Uptime Tier III and Tier IV design and construction compliance.
- Ensure constructability and operational readiness against approved design.
- Oversee all Procurement Strategy for Long-Lead and mission critical equipments .
- Ensuring all procurements are aligned with approved budget and technical specification
- Protect SSDC against cost overrun, scope creep, and contractor underperformance.
- Financial & Project Risk and Budget Management: Overseeing budgets, timelines, risks, and quality control to ensure projects meet client expectations and regulatory compliance.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Liaising with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams, often handling high-value contracts
- Technical Expertise: Possessing strong expertise in the specific requirements of data centres, including power solutions, cooling systems, and IT infrastructure fit-outs, which are essential for mission-critical operations.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Typically requires 10+ years of project management experience, with at least 3-5 years specifically in data centre construction infrastructure projects.
- Degree in Engineering (CSA or MEP) or Construction Management is generally required.
- PMP / PRINCE2
- Professional Engineer (Ir.)
- Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS)
- LEED AP or equivalent green building certification
- HSE / OSHA certification
- Proven track record in delivering successful projects (EPC, EPCC, EPCM) across various industries, with strong business development and cost management skills.
- Strong understanding of:
- Tier III / Tier IV data centre design and construction
- High-availability electrical and mechanical systems
- Redundancy architectures and fault isolation
- Experience managing complex multidisciplinary teams and contractors