Data Center General Manager

Edison Smart®; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure firm is seeking a General Manager for Data Center Delivery in Dubai. The role involves overseeing large-scale data center construction projects across the Middle East, emphasizing leadership and stakeholder management. Candidates should have 15+ years of relevant experience and a degree in Engineering or Construction Management. Frequent travel within the Middle East and potential European expansion is expected. Competitive compensation offered.

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in data center or mission-critical infrastructure delivery.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale construction programmes.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems and commissioning of data centers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full lifecycle of data center construction projects.
• Lead a multidisciplinary delivery team, ensuring high performance.
• Serve as the primary contact for executive stakeholders and clients.

Skills

Leadership capability

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication skills

Operational efficiency

Education

Degree in Engineering or Construction Management

Postgraduate qualification preferred

Job description

General Manager – Data Center

Location: Dubai, UAE

Reports to: Regional Director, Infrastructure Delivery

Travel: Frequent travel across the Middle East; potential expansion into Europe within 12–18 months

About the Role

We are seeking an accomplished General Manager of Data Center Delivery to lead the end-to-end delivery of multiple large-scale data center construction projects across the Middle East. This role demands a proven leader with deep technical understanding, commercial acumen, and exceptional stakeholder management skills.

The successful candidate will oversee the full project lifecycle — from site acquisition and design through to commissioning and handover — ensuring delivery excellence, cost control, and alignment with business strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Delivery
• Oversee the full lifecycle of data center construction projects (“cradle to grave”), ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of safety and quality.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary delivery team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and high performance.
• Manage 6 concurrent builds across the Middle East, with responsibility for programme management, commercial oversight, and risk mitigation.
• Stakeholder Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for executive stakeholders, clients, contractors, and consultants, ensuring alignment across all phases of project delivery.
• Build strong relationships with government bodies, utilities, and regulatory authorities to facilitate smooth project execution.
• Communicate complex technical and strategic updates to non-technical stakeholders with clarity and confidence.
• Strategic Growth & Expansion
• Drive continuous improvement in delivery frameworks, processes, and supplier performance.
• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for regional expansion, with a clear succession plan to take full control of European data center delivery operations within 12–18 months.
• Identify and implement opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and scalability.

Key Requirements

• 15+ years’ experience in data center, hyperscale, or mission-critical infrastructure delivery.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale construction programmes across multiple geographies.
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and external delivery partners.
• Proven ability to influence and manage senior stakeholders across technical, commercial, and executive domains.
• Comprehensive understanding of design, MEP systems, commissioning, and operational handover of data centers.
• Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline; postgraduate qualification preferred.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the Middle East and Europe.