Director, Project Controls, Project & Development Services (Data Center)

Cushman & Wakefield•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

This Director-level role will serve as the strategic lead and primary client interface for all planning and scheduling functions across large-scale capital programs, with a strong focus on data center delivery. The individual will operate as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders, shaping program strategy through the development of high-level integrated schedules, resource plans, and delivery frameworks from early planning through execution and closeout. The Director will lead the establishment of best-in-class scheduling standards, governance, and reporting while building and mentoring high-performing teams. This role requires a balance of strategic insight and technical expertise, with the ability to influence outcomes, drive alignment across complex stakeholder groups, and ensure successful program delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field.
12–15+ years of experience in planning and scheduling for large-scale capital programs, including design and construction phases.
Demonstrated experience operating at a program or portfolio level, ideally in a client-facing leadership capacity.
Strong experience in advanced tech, mission critical and/or data center projects required, with an understanding of delivery, fast-track schedules, and commissioning requirements.
Expertise in Primavera P6 (required); experience with additional planning tools and data visualization platforms preferred.
Proven ability to lead teams within complex, matrixed environments and influence senior stakeholders.
Strong commercial awareness with the ability to connect schedule performance to cost, risk, and business outcomes.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present to executive audiences and translate complex data into clear insights.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of enterprise-level schedule management frameworks across major capital programs, including tools, processes, governance, and reporting standards.
Serve as the primary planning and scheduling advisor to client leadership, providing strategic guidance on program phasing, sequencing, and delivery risks.
Develop and oversee integrated master schedules aligning design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations across complex programs.
Drive alignment across internal teams, contractors, designers, and third parties to ensure integration into a single source of truth schedule.
Establish program-level reporting structures, KPIs, and executive dashboards to communicate schedule performance, risks, and trends.
Lead scenario planning, what-if analysis, and quantitative risk assessments to support key program decisions.
Identify and communicate critical path impacts, schedule risks, and mitigation strategies at both project and program levels.
Oversee schedule quality, data integrity, and consistency across all projects within the program.
Partner with cost, commercial, and project management leads to align schedule with financial and operational objectives.
Build, lead, and mentor a team of schedulers and planners, establishing a culture of accountability, development, and continuous improvement.
Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals, client presentations, and thought leadership related to project controls and scheduling.
Act as a visible leader within both the client organization and internal teams, reinforcing best practices and driving delivery excellence.