Project Director (Owners Representative) Data Center - Philadelphia, PA

KALCON • Philadelphia, PA

7d • $225,000 - $275,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Seeking an experienced Project Director to provide executive Owner Representation for the planning, design, construction, commissioning, and turnover of large-scale hyperscale data center campuses. The Project Director serves as the primary leader responsible for program delivery, client satisfaction, financial performance, risk management, and overall project execution across multiple projects, buildings, and stakeholders. This role provides strategic leadership to Project Managers, Construction Managers, design teams, consultants, contractors, and owner stakeholders to ensure project objectives related to scope, cost, schedule, quality, safety, and operational readiness are achieved.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field
• 15+ years of experience managing large-scale construction programs
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Data Centers, Critical Facilities, Semiconductor, Mission Critical, Industrial, or Advanced Technology projects
• Experience leading programs exceeding $500M in construction value
• Proven success managing multiple concurrent projects and large multi-disciplinary teams
• Strong knowledge of design management, construction delivery, commissioning, and facility operations
• Executive-level communication and leadership skills
• Advanced knowledge of project controls, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and contract administration
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Procore, and project management platforms

Nice To Haves

• PMP, CCM, PE, DBIA, or equivalent professional certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior Owner's Representative for all assigned data center construction projects and campus development programs.
• Provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project closeout activities.
• Direct and oversee Project Managers, Project Engineers, consultants, contractors, and third-party vendors to ensure successful project delivery.
• Act as the primary liaison between client leadership, project stakeholders, design teams, construction managers, and operational personnel.
• Establish and maintain program governance, reporting structures, and communication protocols.
• Ensure project objectives are achieved related to scope, budget, schedule, quality, safety, and operational readiness.
• Lead executive-level project meetings, steering committee reviews, and client presentations.
• Evaluate project risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize impacts to cost, schedule, and operations.
• Provide leadership in resolving complex project issues, disputes, and escalated matters.
• Oversee program-wide scheduling activities, including milestone management, critical path analysis, and recovery planning.
• Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions as necessary to maintain project objectives.
• Lead project budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and cost management efforts across multiple projects and workstreams.
• Review and approve major contracts, change orders, budget modifications, and funding requests.
• Drive value engineering initiatives and identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising quality or operational requirements.
• Ensure construction activities are executed in accordance with contract documents, project standards, and client expectations.
• Oversee quality assurance, quality control, and safety programs to support successful project execution.
• Manage contractor and consultant performance through regular evaluations and accountability measures.
• Direct design management activities to ensure alignment between owner requirements, operational needs, and construction execution.
• Coordinate integration of owner-furnished equipment, technology infrastructure, and customer fit-out requirements.
• Lead commissioning, start-up, and turnover activities to ensure facilities are fully operational and ready for occupancy.
• Oversee project closeout processes, including financial reconciliation, punch list completion, turnover documentation, and warranty management.
• Manage relationships with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), utility providers, and regulatory agencies to support permitting and occupancy requirements.
• Develop and maintain strategic client relationships while identifying opportunities for future business growth.
• Mentor and develop project management staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Promote and uphold company values, safety standards, and operational excellence across all project activities.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• 401(k) retirement plan with 4% KALCON match when an employee contributes at least 5%
• 15 days of paid time off
• 8 paid National Holidays
• Reimbursement for professional licenses and certifications

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive