Programs & Projects Director, xScale (Deal Program Lead)

Equinix; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 195,000 - 293,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Equinix is seeking a highly organized Programs & Projects Director to lead large, complex data center deals. You will coordinate across Sales, Design & Construction, Legal, and Operations to ensure alignment from qualification to contract signature.

You’ll excel in ambiguity, translate vast information into actionable insights, and influence without authority to drive on-time, within-budget outcomes. This is a high-impact role in a fast-paced, global environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in program management, deal execution, or sales operations.
• Experience leading large, cross-functional initiatives.
• Familiarity with data center, infrastructure, or related industries preferred.
• Sales or commercial operations experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex deal programs, coordinating across Sales, Design & Construction, Legal, and Operations from qualification through signature.
• Drive execution by improving deal cycle time and producing executive readouts.
• Influence and align stakeholders across matrixed teams to resolve conflicts and drive outcomes.
• Ensure risk, issue, and dependency tracking and proactive resolution throughout deals.
• Drive continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and simplifying processes.

Skills

Program leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Risk management

Executive communication

Job description

Who are we?

Equinix is the world's digital infrastructure company, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.

A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future. A career at Equinix means being at the center of shaping what comes next and amplifying customer value through innovation and impact. You'll work across teams, influence key decisions, and help shape the path forward. You'll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you-because when you feel valued, you're empowered to do your best work.

About the Role

We are looking for a highly organized, analytical, and proactive Programs & Projects Director to partner to lead execution of large, complex data center deals. In this role, you will act as the central coordination point across Sales, Design & Construction, Legal, and Operations delivery teams-ensuring alignment from early deal qualification through contract signature.

You will thrive in ambiguity, bring structure to complexity, and translate large volumes of information into clear, actionable insights. This is a high-impact role where your ability to influence without authority, anticipate risks, and drive clarity will directly shape business outcomes.

What You'll Do

Lead Complex Deal Programs

• Serve as Program Lead for coordination and orchestration of strategic xScale deals from qualification through design and contract execution
• Partner with Deal Leads, Account Execs, TPMs, Sales Engineers, Legal, and cross-functional teams to drive program alignment
• Balance customer expectations with operational feasibility to ensure commitments are deliverable

Drive Execution & Coordination

• Improve deal cycle time and contract velocity through disciplined program execution
• Capture detailed notes and produce concise, high-quality executive readouts
• Lead meetings, track actions, and ensure timely follow-through across stakeholders
• Maintain risk, issue, and dependency trackers; proactively drive resolution

Influence & Align Stakeholders

• Act as a bridge between Sales, Legal, Design, Construction, Operations, and Delivery teams, navigating competing priorities
• Facilitate productive conversations and help resolve conflicts across teams
• Build strong relationships across a matrixed organization

Ensure Risk & Compliance Alignment

• Ensure customer commitments align with delivery capability
• Identify and mitigate risks that could impact timelines, cost, or compliance
• Support contract negotiations by managing issue tracking and stakeholder alignment

Drive Continuous Improvement

• Lead or contribute to lessons learned sessions
• Identify and implement improvements to simplify processes and enhance deal execution

What We're Looking For

Core Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Highly detail-oriented and methodical, with strong organizational discipline
• Ability to simplify complex information into clear insights and summaries
• Comfortable working independently in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
• Strong ability to connect the dots across disparate information sources

Communication & Influence

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (strong writing backgrounds highly valued)
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Proven ability to build trust and navigate complex stakeholder dynamics

Experience

• 10+ years in program management, deal execution, or sales operations
• Experience leading large, cross-functional initiatives
• Familiarity with data center, infrastructure, or related industries preferred
• Sales or commercial operations experience is a plus

Why This Role Matters

You will play a critical role in transforming complex deal environments into aligned, executable programs-helping the organization move faster, make better decisions, and deliver on customer commitments with confidence.

The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:

United States - Ashburn Office AEO : 195,000 - 293,000 USD / Annual

United States - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 177,000 - 265,000 USD / Annual

United States - Chicago Office CHO : 195,000 - 293,000 USD / Annual

United States - Tampa Office TAO : 177,000 - 265,000 USD / Annual

United States - New York City Office NYO1 : 195,000 - 293,000 USD / Annual

Canada - Toronto Office TRO : 166,000 - 248,000 CAD / Annual

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.

The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.

Equinix Benefits

As an employee, you become important to Equinix's success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we're providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you'll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.

Employee Assistance Program

An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.

US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms. Canada Core Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in healthcare coverage that is designed to complement the provincial healthcare system, along with life, disability and optional benefit plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You may also enroll in Equinix-sponsored retirement or savings plans: Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP), Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Plan (TSFA). - Vacation and Paid Holidays: Equinix offers both vacation and personal time, along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to specific plan or program terms, and to change at Equinix discretion.

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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This posting is a new position within our organization.