What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Director - Data Center Construction position at Turner & Townsend?
Company Description
Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries.
Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.
Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.
We are majority-owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.
Job Description
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.
Our inspired people share our vision and mission. We provide a great place to work, where each person has the opportunity and voice to affect change.
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.
Please find out more about us at www.turnerandtownsend.com/ and https://www.heery.com/
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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