Director, Development

T5 Data Centers•Chicago, IL

About The Position

About T5 Data Centers – Forever On! At T5, we’re defined by a magnetic culture of excellence that attracts ambitious, talented people and empowers them to do their best work. We’re the only solutions provider in the data center industry that integrates development, construction, and operations, giving our team the unique ability to deliver end-to-end results. Join us and discover what it means to be part of a high-performing, collaborative team. T5 Culture Consistently exhibit strong ethics, confidence, and a positive attitude toward Company, Customers, and Vendors alike Remain flexible to modify or shift behaviour as situations or objectives evolve Continuous improvement mindset to participate and drive Company initiatives Takes ownership of all success & failure of projects and team members Act in the best interest of the Team and Company Job Description The Development Director is responsible for leading the full lifecycle of data center development projects from inception through closeout, while supporting strategic initiatives across T5 Development. This role provides high-level guidance to project teams, oversees cross-functional coordination, manages financial and schedule performance, and represents T5 in interactions with internal leadership, external partners, and key stakeholders. The Director ensures that projects meet safety, quality, budget, and schedule expectations while maintaining alignment with T5’s operational and investment objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent experience
7+ years of experience in development, construction management, or project leadership, ideally with data center, industrial, or mission-critical facilities
Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cashflow management, change management, and commitment tracking
Proficiency with project management and construction software (e.g., Procore, MS Project), and strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
Demonstrated leadership capabilities with experience overseeing teams, external consultants, and general contractors
Strong communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to coordinate across technical and non-technical groups
Ability to travel regularly to project sites and T5 office locations as required

Responsibilities

Provide leadership support to Directors, VPs, and senior leadership across T5 Development
Oversee and manage all document control processes for development files to maintain accuracy, compliance, and accessibility
Support enterprise risk management by identifying exposures, establishing mitigation plans, and ensuring alignment with corporate risk protocols
Serve as a team leader, offering mentorship, direction, and support to project management staff
Lead the full lifecycle of development projects—from early due diligence through turnover—including entitlements, permitting, design, construction, commissioning, tenant coordination, and financial closeout
Manage due-diligence budgets for prospective sites, oversee project cashflow projections, track commitments, and administer change orders
Create master project schedules and oversee general contractor schedules, including review of the critical path and risk impacts
Lead procurement of third-party consultants such as special inspectors, commissioning agents, and design teams
Support procurement of general contractors and negotiate associated AIA contract structures
Collaborate with internal business lines—including Construction Services, Procurement, Finance, Accounting, Legal, and Marketing—to maintain alignment and drive project success
Review monthly billings, validate financial accuracy, and produce monthly project reports for leadership and stakeholders
Act as a liaison for tenant coordination, ensuring that lease requirements, construction obligations, and timelines are fully understood and executed
Drive consistency and excellence in project execution across all assigned development initiatives