Senior Director, Data Center Pre-Construction Delivery

Equinix; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 330,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Equinix seeks a Senior Director, Data Center Pre-Construction Deliver Leader to drive the front-end strategy across the AMER construction portfolio, aligning Design & Engineering, Permitting, Procurement, Commercial, and Construction to speed delivery and standardize governance. You will foster strong GC/MCE partnerships and lead pre-award activities to ensure efficient shell and core completion.

You will establish and maintain best-in-class processes, mentor teams, and report progress to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mission-critical construction, pre-construction, contract management, and capital project delivery.
• 5+ years of experience leading, developing, and mentoring professional teams in complex project delivery environments.
• Experience managing general contractor relationships, negotiating major construction contracts, and delivering projects to cost and schedule objectives.
• Experience managing capital project budgets, cost performance, and commercial risk across large infrastructure or mission-critical construction programs.
• Strong understanding of data center construction delivery, procurement strategies, contract administration, and commercial delivery models.
• Proven ability to lead multiple concurrent projects or portfolios while driving operational performance, schedule, cost, and quality outcomes.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence executive leadership and cross-functional partners.

Responsibilities

• Oversee front-end strategy for AMER construction portfolio and drive execution.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Presentation skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical discipline

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.

Job Summary

The Senior Director, Data Center Pre-Construction Deliver Leader will serve as a critical leader in driving the front-end strategy and execution of Equinix's AMER construction portfolio, ensuring projects are positioned for speed, scale, and operational excellence. This role will oversee the strategic direction of the project pipeline, partnering closely with AMER Hub Leads and cross-functional stakeholders across Design & Engineering, Permitting, Procurement, Commercial, and Construction to streamline project delivery, reduce handoffs, and accelerate capacity deployment. The individual will also establish and maintain best-in-class project governance, standards, and processes from pre-award through shell and core completion while fostering strong, high-performing relationships with key supply chain partners, including General Contractors and MCEs, to drive consistent execution and business outcomes.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the VP Construction AMER, the Senior Director will bring the urgency to front-end activities in project delivery - and will espouse the principle that "Every Day Matters" to ensure that float is built and maintained for thefit-outand commissioning phases,

• Working with other Leaders in the Equinix GDC team to ensure that the priorities are aligned, executed and monitored
• Establishing checklist for pre-award and project setup
• Ensuring there is a consistent and right- sized GC organization structure
• Tracking GC selection & procurement of key subs & materials and an effective RIBA 5 (GC design) process
• Working closely with the Design team to accelerate permitting process and actively seeking opportunities to commence enabling works on the site earlier than we are currently achieving (speed-to-market focus)
• Ensuring standard of excellence for scheduling & productivity with focus on C&S & site works, and harmonizing our processes to enable a predictable execution of our Shell & Core build, facilitating early access to our MEP fit-out and ultimately providing sufficient time for our CX teams to achieve or improve our committed dates to the business and our customers
• Maintain strong working relationships with internal and external team members including staff, subcontractors, vendors, architects, and other industry professionals
• To ensure efficient and effective departmental performance including training, professional development, and career advancement opportunities
• Interview, hire, and assure effective training and development of the team
• Provide company subject-matter expertise in areas of responsibility
• Reports status, successes, challenges and plans of action to management team and company on a timely basis
• Develop, manage and be accountable for achievement of key departmental metrics
• Provide leadership and direction in the areas of company construction policies, vendor relationships, accountability, training and employee development, subcontractor and supplier relationships, project and group profitability, and all other areas covered within and by this group all in order to achieve overall Company objectives

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mission-critical construction, pre-construction, contract management, and capital project delivery
• 5+ years of experience leading, developing, and mentoring professional teams in complex project delivery environments
• Demonstrated experience managing general contractor relationships, negotiating major construction contracts, and delivering projects to cost and schedule objectives
• Experience managing capital project budgets, cost performance, and commercial risk across large infrastructure or mission-critical construction programs
• Strong understanding of data center construction delivery, procurement strategies, contract administration, and commercial delivery models
• Proven ability to lead multiple concurrent projects or portfolios while driving operational performance, schedule, cost, and quality outcomes
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence executive leadership and cross-functional partners

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading front-end planning and pre-construction activities for large-scale data center or other high-tech infrastructure projects
• Strong knowledge of global building construction practices, project management processes, and delivery methodologies
• Experience with the design, planning, and delivery of data centers or other mission-critical facilities
• Proven track record overseeing multiple large-scale data center construction projects with capital program responsibility exceeding $100M
• Ability to analyze and evaluate construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and other technical documentation
• Proficiency in construction scheduling, cost estimating, procurement strategy, proposal development, document management, and contract administration
• Experience leading construction contracting and procurement programs across multiple regions or countries
• Demonstrated success leading global or multi-regional teams, including talent development, coaching, mentoring, and organizational capability building
• Exceptional written, verbal, and executive presentation skills with experience collaborating across international organizations

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

United States - DC10 Washington DC : 220,000 - 330,000 USD / Annual

United States - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 200,000 - 300,000 USD / Annual

United States - Chicago Office CHO : 220,000 - 330,000 USD / 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

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.

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 Affirmitive 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.