Construction Project Executive - Data Center / Mission Critical (to $230K+)

Rare Bird Recruiting, LLC; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Rare Bird Recruiting, LLC is seeking a results-driven Project Executive with deep expertise in data center construction to lead large-scale, mission-critical projects from concept to closeout. As a General Contractor, you will oversee all phases of construction, ensuring alignment with financial, technical, and quality goals.

This role demands strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a strong command of MEP systems and commissioning protocols unique to data center environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of construction management experience, with 5+ years in data center or mission-critical environments.
• Proven success managing multi-million-dollar projects with complex MEP and commissioning requirements.
• PMP, CCM, or similar certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of data center construction projects — from preconstruction through commissioning and turnover.
• Serve as the primary client interface, ensuring clear communication, satisfaction, and alignment of expectations.
• Review and approve contracts, scopes of work, budgets, and schedules; proactively identify and mitigate risks.
• Drive cost control and forecasting practices to maintain financial health and meet margin targets.
• Oversee quality assurance programs to ensure compliance with client specs and industry standards.
• Manage project risk and change control processes to address scope, schedule, and cost impacts.
• Enforce safety protocols across all job sites in compliance with OSHA and company standards.
• Optimize workforce planning, including subcontractor coordination and self-perform labor deployment.
• Lead vendor management including prequalification, procurement, performance tracking, and compliance.
• Apply deep knowledge of data center infrastructure — including power, cooling, redundancy, and commissioning standards — to guide project decisions.
• Implement best-in-class project management tools and methodologies (Lean, BIM, Procore, etc.) to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management / Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Procore

Primavera P6

MS Project

BIM

Job description

Job Title: Project Executive - Data Center/Mission Critical

Location: Atlanta, GA - Traveling

IMPORTANT: Candidates MUST have extensive experience working as a General Contractor. Our client builds the "shell" of the data center, not the interior.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a results-driven Project Executive with deep expertise in data center construction to lead large-scale, mission-critical projects from concept to closeout. As a General Contractor, you will oversee all phases of construction, ensuring alignment with financial, technical, and quality goals. This role demands strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a strong command of MEP systems and commissioning protocols unique to data center environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the full lifecycle of data center construction projects — from preconstruction through commissioning and turnover
• Serve as the primary client interface, ensuring clear communication, satisfaction, and alignment of expectations
• Review and approve contracts, scopes of work, budgets, and schedules; proactively identify and mitigate risks
• Drive cost control and forecasting practices to maintain financial health and meet margin targets
• Oversee quality assurance programs to ensure compliance with client specs and industry standards
• Manage project risk and change control processes to address scope, schedule, and cost impacts
• Enforce safety protocols across all job sites in compliance with OSHA and company standards
• Optimize workforce planning, including subcontractor coordination and self-perform labor deployment
• Lead vendor management including prequalification, procurement, performance tracking, and compliance
• Apply deep knowledge of data center infrastructure — including power, cooling, redundancy, and commissioning standards — to guide project decisions
• Implement best-in-class project management tools and methodologies (Lean, BIM, Procore, etc.) to ensure consistency and efficiency

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 10+ years of construction management experience, with 5+ years in data center or mission-critical environments
• Proven success managing multi-million-dollar projects with complex MEP and commissioning requirements
• Strong understanding of prefabrication, modular assembly, and integrated systems testing (IST)
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills
• Proficiency in project management software (Procore, Primavera P6, MS Project, or similar)
• PMP, CCM, or similar certification is a plus

Core Competencies:

• Cost Accounting
• Industry Knowledge – Data Center Design & Construction
• Contract Review and Recommendations
• Project Risk and Change Management
• Quality Management and Assurance
• Workforce Planning
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Processes, Methodologies and Tools
• Vendor Management
• Project Management