Giga Campus Construction Lead — Data Center Delivery

Digital Realty; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Digital Realty seeks a Giga Campus Construction Lead to plan, coordinate, and direct construction delivery for campus projects. You will liaise with design managers, contractors, vendors, and customers to ensure safe, on-time, and on-budget delivery.

This hybrid role covers sites in Chicago and other strategic markets, requiring strong budgeting, scheduling, and MEP expertise. You’ll lead cross-functional teams and help drive scalable data center deployment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in mission-critical construction or a similar MEP-focused environment (e.g., biopharma or life sciences).
• Experience working for a general contractor, subcontractor, or equipment vendor preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of construction scheduling, project budgeting, and cost control practices.
• Technical understanding of MEP systems and data center operations.
• LEED AP credential preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee large-scale construction: site development, ground-up builds, data center deployments, and customer fit-outs.
• Build and maintain relationships with general contractors, subcontractors, equipment vendors, and consultants.
• Review project budgets, schedules, and documents to ensure quality and alignment with targets.
• Serve as a construction SME when evaluating prospective customer leases and active projects.
• Lead budget and schedule review meetings with internal stakeholders and customer representatives, reporting on risks and progress.
• Direct and coordinate internal design/construction managers and third-party consultants.
• Develop and manage project budgets and schedules across multiple buildings in varying design/construction phases.
• Monitor active construction work and escalate issues to drive resolution.
• Support permitting and entitlement processes with consultants and government agencies.

Skills

Mission-critical construction

MEP experience

Data center experience

GC/Subcontractor background

Budgeting and scheduling

LEED AP preferred

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CM/Engineering/Arch

Job description

Digital Realty seeks a Giga Campus Construction Lead to plan, coordinate, and direct construction delivery for campus projects. You will liaise with design managers, contractors, vendors, and customers to ensure safe, on-time, and on-budget delivery.

This hybrid role covers sites in Chicago and other strategic markets, requiring strong budgeting, scheduling, and MEP expertise. You’ll lead cross-functional teams and help drive scalable data center deployment.