Project Director - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working environment

Commitment to work-life balance

Job summary

A leading construction consultancy is seeking an experienced Project Director to spearhead a mission-critical data center program in Pennsylvania. This role involves leading the project lifecycle from feasibility to operational readiness, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and overseeing complex MEP systems. Ideal candidates will have over 15 years of experience in program delivery, a strong command of CPM scheduling tools, and a proven capability in managing large-scale projects. This is an opportunity to shape the future of infrastructure in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in construction/program delivery.
• Proven track record managing large multi-million-dollar programs.
• Strong proficiency in CPM scheduling and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of a large-scale data center program.
• Develop and manage multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Oversee design integration and ensure compliance.

Skills

Construction/program delivery

MEP systems design

CPM scheduling

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or related field

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Bluebeam

Job description

Project Director - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend are seeking a seasoned Project Director to lead the end‑to‑end delivery of a large‑scale, mission‑critical data center program in Beaver County, PA. The Project Director will set strategy, manage multi‑million‑dollar budgets, oversee design and construction, drive aggressive schedules (CPM), and own quality and commissioning, especially complex MEP systems, to achieve operational readiness on time, within budget, and to exacting standards of reliability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of a large-scale data center program, from site feasibility through operational readiness.
• Define delivery strategy, governance, and long-term goals; align construction with business objectives and KPIs.
• Develop and manage multi-million-dollar budgets; implement cost controls, value engineering, and procurement strategies.
• Create and maintain detailed CPM schedules (e.g., Primavera P6 / MS Project); manage critical path, milestones, and recovery plans.
• Oversee design integration and pre‑construction activities; ensure constructability of complex MEP systems and compliance with codes and permitting requirements.
• Direct procurement and contracting processes, including bid strategies, tendering, evaluations, and contract administration.
• Manage daily site operations; ensure safety, quality, and adherence to specifications across civil, structural, architectural, and MEP workstreams.
• Own the quality program and commissioning process; lead MEP testing, integrated systems testing (IST), and performance validation through handover.
• Serve as the primary stakeholder interface; report progress, risks, and mitigations to senior leadership and maintain alignment across architects, engineers, vendors, and utilities.
• Build and mentor a high-performance team; foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in construction/program delivery, with significant exposure to mission-critical or power-intensive projects.
• Proven track record managing large, multi-million-dollar programs end-to-end, including design, construction, and commissioning.
• Expertise in MEP systems design, constructability, and commissioning, including integrated testing and performance validation.
• Strong proficiency in CPM scheduling, cost management, risk management, and change control.
• Experience managing GCs and specialty vendors, implementing QA/QC programs, and ensuring safety excellence.
• Familiarity with utility coordination, interconnection agreements, and projects adjacent to on-site generation or substation infrastructure.
• Advanced stakeholder management and executive reporting skills; ability to lead across matrixed teams in fast-paced environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Professional certifications such as PMP, PE, CCM, or CxA are advantageous.
• Proficiency with project controls and delivery tools (Primavera P6 / MS Project, cost systems, Bluebeam, BIM/Navisworks/Revit, commissioning platforms).
• Knowledge of relevant standards and codes and permitting processes.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills; committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Additional Information

*On-site presence and requirements may change depending on our client’s needs.

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.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

It is strictly against Turner & Townsend policy for candidates to pay any fee in relation to our recruitment process. No recruitment agency working with Turner & Townsend will ask candidates to pay a fee at any time.

Any unsolicited resumes/CVs submitted through our website or to Turner & Townsend personal e‑mail accounts are considered property of Turner & Townsend and are not subject to payment of agency fees. To be an authorised recruitment agency/search firm for Turner & Townsend, there must be a formal written agreement in place and the agency must be invited, by the Recruitment Team, to submit candidates for review.