Director - Data Centers

Westwood Professional Services Inc•Midlothian, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Data Centers is responsible for working with regional leadership teams and the National Data Center Team to implement the data center strategic plan, maximize market share, grow teams focused on data centers through effective sales strategies, and develop the project management and technical team within the business unit. This person can sit in any one of the East Coast offices. The primary responsibilities for the Director, Data Center focus on the overall growth and operation of the data center market throughout the east coast and across the country. Overarching responsibilities include implementing the data center strategic plan, driving organic growth by creating and implementing business development strategies, cross selling across everything Westwood sells (Land, Power, Renewables, Infrastructure), maximizing efficiencies through effective operational management of the business unit, and creating a team of high performers by providing leadership and mentorship to those within the business unit.

Requirements

Extremely organized, initiative-taking, and able to manage multiple priorities well. Able to fulfill their commitments as well as those made by others on their team
Demonstrates active listening techniques
Outgoing, friendly, approachable (collaborator)
Strong and skilled communication skills with conflict management within team members and clients
Able to convey information clearly and concisely to all stakeholders and are adept at managing any conflicts that may arise, while remaining calm under pressure
Relevant technical and business expertise, including financial acumen specific to data center development
Proficient in computer software (Word, Excel, Outlook, MS Project, and other project management tools)
Competent technical skills required to understand data center infrastructure, including power distribution, cooling systems, network architecture, and redundancy requirements
Ability to delegate assignments and determine methods and procedures
Ability to be open to others' ideas and willing to compromise
Detail-oriented but also flexible enough to be big picture/conceptual
Capable of envisioning the client's goals and translating them into actionable data center development plans
Good reputation amongst peers, clients, and agencies
Able to follow general directions and guidelines for the firm's policies, practices, and procedures
Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, or related field; Master's degree preferred
Professional licensure (PE, PMP, or equivalent) preferred
Minimum of 10 years of experience in data center development, critical facilities, or mission-critical infrastructure projects
Deep knowledge of the data center development and consulting business
Excellent business development skills with proven track record of client acquisition
Must have insight to the data center market including hyperscale, colocation, edge computing, and enterprise segments
Previous experience collaborating with data center clients, operators, and technology providers
Strong client relationships within the data center industry
Experience in supervising and managing multi-disciplined teams including mechanical, electrical, structural, and IT infrastructure professionals
Understanding of data center standards and certifications (Uptime Institute Tier standards, LEED, Energy Star, etc.)
Knowledge of power infrastructure, cooling technologies, network architecture, and security requirements for data centers
Strong presentation skills paired with the ability to coach and motivate others
Ability to work within a team and to make independent business decisions

Nice To Haves

Experience with hyperscale data center projects (100+ MW facilities)
Familiarity with modular and prefabricated data center solutions
Knowledge of emerging technologies including AI/ML infrastructure, liquid cooling, and renewable energy integration
Experience with international data center projects
Proven ability to manage fast-track project schedules
Professional certifications such as CDCP (Certified Data Centre Professional), CDCS (Certified Data Centre Specialist), or PMP

Responsibilities

Full accountability for overall business unit performance
Management of business unit Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and achieving business unit performance goals through revenue generation and direct/indirect expense management
Assist with short- and long-term growth plans for the data center market and services
Influence annual bill rate, compensation, and performance of the team within the market
Ensures company policies and procedures are consistently implemented
Responsible for brand awareness and marketing opportunities within the data center market and office
Drives growth of Business through Client growth including new clients and accountability of others with client relationships
Responsible for organic revenue growth in the data center market by developing and implementing business development plans and strategies for the business unit
Directs project proposal efforts including scope, schedule, and fee for data center projects
Responsible for risk mitigation by supporting contract negotiations with clients and legal counsel
Identifies opportunities to pursue new data center opportunities and services to increase market share and wallet share
Identify cross-market and cross-division business development opportunities, including hyperscale, colocation, edge computing, power, substation, and Renewable Generation opportunities
Supports company mission, vision, and values, and promotes a "One Team" culture
Responsible for team members within the business unit, including team development, mentorship, leadership, team evaluations, and removal of non-performers from their respective areas of responsibility
Provides leadership, mentoring and empowerment to project managers, service leads, and technical leads in the business unit
Responsible for organic revenue growth in the data center market by developing and implementing business development and client management plans and strategies for the business unit
Responsible for managing client relationships with data center stakeholders
Enhances the client experience by being responsive, providing quality work, and innovative solutions
Responsible for successful project execution in the business unit, ensuring data center projects meet critical timelines and uptime requirements