Project Director - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend•Ann Arbor, MI

About The Position

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead a major multi‑building hyperscale data center development. The Project Director will provide overall leadership of project delivery, client interface, risk management, schedule assurance, commercial oversight, and stakeholder coordination. The ideal candidate has deep experience delivering large‑scale, complex mission‑critical or industrial projects and excels at leading multi‑disciplinary teams through all phases of design and construction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, quantity surveying, cost management, or a related construction field.
10+ years of experience delivering large‑scale construction projects, with significant experience in cost management, project management, or quantity surveying roles.
Significant experience delivering hyperscale data centers or mission‑critical facilities, with experience on major data center programs strongly preferred.
Proven track record leading multi‑disciplinary, high‑performing teams on major capital programs (ideally $1B+).
Prior people management experience with the ability to lead, develop, and mentor cost management and project delivery teams.
Demonstrated experience managing successful cost management service delivery in a consulting environment.
Strong understanding of large‑scale permitting, zoning, community approvals, and regulatory processes.
Exceptional communication skills; presentation, verbal, written, and organizational including executive‑level client engagement.
Strong commercial and business development acumen, with the ambition and capability to drive business growth.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with executives, owners, contractors, stakeholders, and partners.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree in construction management, engineering, quantity surveying, or a related discipline preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide executive‑level leadership for a multi‑building hyperscale data center program.
Lead, mentor, and develop high‑performing project and cost management teams, ensuring delivery against all accountabilities.
Set clear strategic direction aligned with the client’s business objectives and Turner & Townsend’s Business Plan.
Build a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performance culture that promotes learning, respect, safety, and operational excellence.
Support training, mentorship, and upward career development for staff; partner with Talent Acquisition to plan resources and attract top talent.
Serve as the primary interface for executive‑level client stakeholders, including cloud, AI, and technology partners.
Lead communication and coordination with the general contractor (Walbridge), utility providers, regulatory agencies, and other external partners.
Represent the project in community, planning, and environmental engagements, addressing topics such as land use, environmental considerations, and local construction impacts.
Act as a Turner & Townsend brand ambassador within the hyperscale data center and mission‑critical sectors.
Oversee end‑to‑end delivery of design, engineering, procurement, and construction activities.
Lead strategic planning, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, risk management, permitting, and execution across all project phases.
Drive progress against aggressive delivery timelines and ensure alignment with major program milestones.
Ensure compliance with technical specifications, quality standards, internal processes, safety requirements, and ISO audit processes.
Lead process improvement initiatives and ensure best‑practice knowledge sharing across the program.
Oversee and support cost planning, estimating, procurement strategy, risk analysis, and change management with embedded cost management teams.
Track revenue, margins, forecasts, resource requirements, and monthly financial performance for all project and cost commissions.
Lead preparation of proposals, RFP responses, and commercial strategies for future project phases.
Identify cross‑selling opportunities and future revenue streams to drive business growth.
Lead research and analysis of construction market conditions, including interpretation of official published data.
Produce thought leadership, insights, and external‑facing reports on market trends, data center construction, and mission‑critical sectors.
Attend and represent the firm at industry conferences, networking events, and promotional opportunities with senior leadership.
Ensure compliance with internal quality standards, audit procedures, and ISO requirements.
Oversee internal BMS audits and coordinate external audits conducted by certification authorities.
Develop priority plans including KPIs, appraisals, risk mitigation strategies, and performance measurement tools aligned with company goals.
SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.