Project Executive - Data Center Construction

Gilder Search Group; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Gilder Search Group is seeking a Project Executive for data center construction in Raleigh, NC. The role requires managing all aspects of construction projects, leading contractors, and ensuring projects are on time and on budget. Ideal candidates will have 8-15+ years of experience in data center construction, exceptional organizational skills, and proficiency in project management tools. Competitive salaries and benefits including medical insurance and a 401(k) plan are offered.

Qualifications

• 8-15+ years of relevant experience in data center or critical facilities MEP construction.
• Experience managing data center construction projects as an owner or general contractor.
• Ability to work independently and travel 25-40%.

Responsibilities

• Maintain liaison with contractors to manage day-to-day activities.
• Oversee teams handling individual projects and guide them.
• Manage financial aspects of contracts including billing.

Skills

Project management

Client relationship skills

Construction knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Budget management

Network within data center market

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

PMP certification (preferred)

Experience in military (preferred)

Tools

MS Project

Job description

Project Executive Data Centers Construction – Owner's Rep – Raleigh, NC

This position is also available in: Minneapolis MN, Ft Collins CO, Chicago IL or Chesterton IN.

We are seeking a data center construction project executive to manage all aspects of brownfield data center construction projects. The role involves leading contractors and vendors, ensuring projects are delivered on budget and on time, and maintaining quality and design standards. Exceptional organizational skills and a background in back‑office tasks such as change orders and budgeting are essential.

Responsibilities

• Maintain liaison with contractors and vendors to manage day‑to‑day activities that influence project delivery.
• Oversee a team of project managers who handle individual projects within the portfolio, providing guidance and direction.
• Apply solid project management construction experience with teams of construction professionals, including PMs and superintendents.
• Manage data center construction projects with budgets ranging from $50 MM to $500 MM+.
• Coordinate multiple concurrent projects; support the Senior Project Manager in negotiating vendor contracts.
• Create and manage project schedules, plans, costs, budgets, and timelines; handle change orders.
• Assist with reporting and RFPs to contractors.
• Deliver built‑to‑suit projects with a strong emphasis on value engineering.
• Enforce company standards uniformly across all project delivery participants.
• Manage financial aspects of contracts—including progress billing, rental equipment, and income/expenses—to protect company interests while maintaining good client relationships.
• Represent the company in project meetings.
• Act as key liaison with managers of all company departments.
• Maintain logs required to track project progress.
• Leverage an extensive network within the mission critical data center facilities market.
• Apply background knowledge in critical facilities design, architecture, engineering, and construction services.

Qualifications

• Experience managing data center construction projects as an owner or general contractor/HOS.
• Previous experience managing diverse teams of high‑level construction project managers on multi‑million‑dollar projects.
• 8‑15+ years of relevant experience in data center or critical facilities MEP construction.
• Client‑facing and client‑relationship skills.
• PMP certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with the design process of building systems for data center and mission critical projects.
• Solid construction project management experience.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in the military or veterans from any branch is a huge plus.
• Ability to work independently.
• Open to travel 25‑40%.
• Strong administrative skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and MS Project.

Company offers competitive salaries and benefits package including medical insurance and a 401(k) plan.

EOE/AA Employer M/F/D/V