Project Director - Hyperscale Data Center

Turner & Townsend; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend in Riyadh is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead hyperscale data center projects from concept through handover.

You will manage cross-functional teams, vendors, budgets, and schedules, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to high quality standards.

The role requires 20+ years in project management, 7+ years in data centers, and PMP certification is preferred, with Middle East experience welcomed.

Qualifications

• 20+ years in project management with 7+ years leading large-scale data center projects.
• Strong knowledge of data center operations, architecture and infrastructure.
• Leadership capabilities and experience building high-performing teams.
• Experience with risk management, compliance and regulatory requirements in data center or infrastructure sectors.
• Preferred: PMP or equivalent certification; Middle East project experience considered a plus.

Responsibilities

• Direct end-to-end delivery of hyperscale data center projects, aligned with objectives and timelines.
• Develop plans, schedules and budgets; monitor progress against KPIs and take corrective actions.
• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams of engineers, contractors and specialists; foster collaboration.
• Manage vendor relationships, procurement processes and contractor performance.
• Identify, assess and mitigate project risks; implement contingency plans.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Risk management

Vendor management

Stakeholder management

Education

PMP certification

Job description

• Full-time

Company Description

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries.
Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people's lives.

Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world's most impactful projects and programmes as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success. Our capabilities include programme, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.

We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier programme, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.
Please visit our website:www.turnerandtownsend.com

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Project Director to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of hyperscale data center projects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this strategic leadership role, you will oversee all aspects of large-scale infrastructure development, from initial concept through operational handover. You will work with cross-functional teams, external stakeholders, and vendors to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This position requires a decisive leader with strong analytical capabilities and a proven track record in managing complex, mission-critical infrastructure initiatives.

• Direct end-to-end project delivery for hyperscale data center construction and deployment, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and timelines
• Develop comprehensive project plans, schedules, and budgets; monitor progress against key performance indicators and implement corrective actions as needed
• Lead and mentor cross-functional project teams, including engineers, contractors, and technical specialists; foster collaboration and accountability across all stakeholders
• Manage vendor relationships, procurement processes, and contractor performance to ensure quality deliverables and cost efficiency
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks; develop contingency plans and implement proactive solutions to minimize impact
• Coordinate with regulatory and compliance teams to ensure adherence to local Saudi Arabian regulations and international data center standards
• Conduct regular stakeholder communications, including executive briefings, progress reports, and issue escalations
• Oversee quality assurance and testing protocols to ensure infrastructure meets technical specifications and operational requirements
• Manage project documentation, change control processes, and lessons learned to support continuous improvement
• Analyze project performance data and provide strategic recommendations for future initiatives

Qualifications

• 20+ years of project management experience, with a minimum of 7 years leading large-scaledata center projects
• Strong knowledge of data center operations, architecture, and technical infrastructure
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience building and motivating high-performing teams
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience with risk management, compliance, and regulatory requirements in the data center or infrastructure sector
• Preferred: Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification
• Preferred: Prior experience working on projects in the Middle East region
• Preferred: Knowledge of cloud infrastructure and emerging data center technologies

Additional Information

Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.

We want our people to succeed both in work and life. To support this we promote a healthy, productive and flexible working environment that respects work-life balance.

Turner & Townsend is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and actively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

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