Senior Director, Data Center Pre-Construction Development

Nscale; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Nscale is seeking a Sr Director of Data Center Facilities Development in Seattle, WA to lead pre-construction strategy and manage large-scale data center projects. You will ensure project alignment in scope, schedule, and budget, and translate complex requirements into actionable plans.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in data center infrastructure, proven success in leadership roles, and exceptional communication skills to maintain team alignment. Join us in building facilities that matter!

Qualifications

• Extensive experience delivering hyperscale or enterprise data center infrastructure.
• Proven success in pre-construction leadership, including budgeting and scheduling.
• A track record of managing large, multi-site construction programs with aggressive timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-construction strategy across multiple data center developments.
• Translate ambiguous project requirements into clear actionable plans.
• Oversee full lifecycle delivery of data center facilities.

Skills

Leadership in pre-construction

Construction program management

Strong communication skills

Hands-on problem solving

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a Sr Director of Data Center Facilities Development who can turn complex, high‑stakes infrastructure programs into real, operational facilities. This role is built for someone who thrives in fast‑moving environments, keeps teams aligned, and drives clarity through the noise. If you enjoy taking big, complicated projects and making them actually happen—without overcomplicating the process—you’ll fit right in.

What You’ll Do

• Lead pre‑construction strategy across multiple data center developments, ensuring scope, schedule, and budget are aligned before a shovel hits the ground.
• Translate large, ambiguous project requirements into clear, actionable plans for internal teams, design partners, and construction stakeholders.
• Oversee full lifecycle delivery of data center facilities—from early planning and site evaluation through commissioning and turnover.
• Manage cross‑functional teams including design, construction, operations, procurement, and external partners to keep projects moving and obstacles out of the way.
• Drive schedule discipline across tight timelines with many moving parts, ensuring risks are identified early and mitigated quickly.
• Champion constructability and simplicity, pushing for solutions that work in the field, not just on paper.
• Maintain strong vendor and contractor relationships, ensuring alignment on quality, safety, and execution expectations.
• Report program status to senior leadership with clarity, accuracy, and a focus on outcomes.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and straightforward communication across all project phases.

What You Bring

• Extensive experience delivering hyperscale or enterprise data center infrastructure, including mechanical, electrical, and mission‑critical systems.
• Proven success in pre‑construction leadership, including budgeting, scheduling, design coordination, and early‑stage planning.
• A track record of managing large, multi‑site construction programs with aggressive timelines.
• Ability to simplify complexity, make decisions quickly, and keep teams aligned in dynamic environments.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build trust, set expectations, and keep people rowing in the same direction.
• A practical, hands‑on mindset—focused on results, not theatrics.
• Experience working with major cloud or colocation providers (Oracle, Vantage, Microsoft, etc.) is a strong plus.

Who You Are

You’re someone who likes building things that matter. You work hard, keep things straightforward, and don’t get rattled when surprises show up—because they always do. You enjoy being around good people, having a few laughs along the way, and delivering projects that stand up to the real world.