Project Director - Data Centres

Gough Recruitment; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Referral bonus

Job summary

Gough Recruitment is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead delivery of a hyperscale data centre program in Australia. You will provide leadership across the full lifecycle, from initiation to handover, and act as the main client interface.

The role requires 10+ years in data centres, degree in CM/Engineering, and strong negotiation, with a track record in managing budgets, risk and teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in Data Centre or mission-critical project/construction management.
• Experience as a Project Director or Construction Director within PMC, EPCM, Construction Management environment, or as a General Contractor.
• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Project management qualification highly regarded (PRINCE2, PMP or similar).
• Strong pre- and post-contract, full lifecycle delivery background.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the gravitas to operate at senior client level.
• Experience with project controls methodology (e.g. P6) and commercial negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall project delivery and client relationship management on a major data centre program.
• Own project planning, risk management, cost and commercial management, and quality control.
• Lead RFP preparation, tendering, contract negotiation and award for major packages.
• Oversee contract administration, variations and claims management.
• Lead value engineering and buildability reviews to minimise risk and maximise outcomes.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of data centre development requirements, including authority approvals and utility connections.
• Lead and develop a team of Senior Project Managers, Project Managers and Coordinators.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Contract negotiation

Risk management

P6 planning

Education

Degree in Construction Management, Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Primavera P6

Cost management software

Job description

As Project Director you provide leadership and direction to the project team(s) and are ultimately responsible for the delivery of major data centres

Our client is a leading global professional services and project management consultancy, recognised as a market leader in delivering major Data Centre programs across Australia and internationally. They are seeking an experienced Project Director to lead delivery on a significant hyperscale data centre program.

The Role

As Project Director, you will provide leadership and direction across the full project lifecycle — from initiation, design and approvals through to procurement, construction and handover. You'll act as the key day-to-day client interface, leading a multi-disciplinary team and ensuring projects are delivered to time, cost, quality and safety targets at the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead overall project delivery and client relationship management on a major data centre program
• Own project planning, risk management, cost and commercial management, and quality control
• Lead RFP preparation, tendering, contract negotiation and award for major packages
• Oversee contract administration, variations and claims management
• Lead value engineering and buildability reviews to minimise risk and maximise outcomes
• Maintain strong working knowledge of data centre development requirements, including authority approvals and utility connections
• Lead and develop a team of Senior Project Managers, Project Managers and Coordinators

About You

• 10+ years' experience in Data Centre or mission-critical project/construction management
• Experience as a Project Director or Construction Director within a PMC, EPCM, Construction Management environment, or as a General Contractor
• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering or a related discipline
• Project management qualification highly regarded (PRINCE2, PMP or similar)
• Strong pre- and post-contract, full lifecycle delivery background
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the gravitas to operate at senior client level
• Experience with project controls methodology (e.g. P6) and commercial negotiation

This is a rare opportunity to join a global leader in the data centre sector and play a pivotal role in shaping Australia's digital infrastructure future.

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