Project Director – Data Center Development
Location: Austin, TX | Some Travel Required
The Company
A venture-backed start-up reshaping the future of digital infrastructure—starting in Austin. Our mission is to build next-generation data centers that are leaner, faster, and smarter. We combine innovation, sustainability, and agility to deliver mission-critical facilities for hyperscalers, enterprise clients, and AI companies. As an early member of our leadership team, you'll play a direct role in building our first flagship development and shaping how we scale.
Job Summary
We’re seeking a Project Director to oversee the full lifecycle of data center developments—from early pre-construction through project delivery. You'll lead site-level strategy, manage contractors and consultants, and act as the face of the project to key stakeholders. This is a hands-on leadership role suited for someone who thrives in a start-up environment, wears multiple hats, and knows how to push projects forward without the red tape.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Execution
- Lead site development and vertical construction of new data centers in Austin and future markets.
- Own project budgets, schedules, and performance metrics from concept through commissioning.
- Interface directly with city officials, permitting authorities, utilities, and design teams.
- Develop and enforce construction best practices and safety plans.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders (finance, operations, product) to ensure alignment across functions.
Pre-Construction & Planning
- Lead contractor selection, RFP processes, and bid package evaluations.
- Oversee preparation of construction documents and lead constructability reviews.
- Develop and maintain high-level and detailed project schedules (Primavera, MS Project).
- Drive value engineering and strategic procurement efforts to stay on budget and ahead of schedule.
Execution Oversight
- Conduct regular on-site reviews to ensure work aligns with design, schedule, and safety standards.
- Manage change orders, RFIs, submittals, and as-builts to ensure clean handoff at turnover.
- Track and report project progress, risks, and mitigation plans to executive leadership.
- Ensure a high level of QA/QC throughout construction and commissioning phases.
- Team Building & Client Relations
- Build and lead a project delivery team as we grow—including PMs, engineers, and superintendents.
- Act as the main point of contact for clients, investors, and partners throughout the project lifecycle.
- Collaborate closely with our design and engineering partners to ensure project intent is achieved.
Experience
- 8–12+ years of construction project management, with at least 5 in mission-critical or data center delivery.
- Experience in high-growth environments, ideally with start-ups or innovative infrastructure firms.
- Proven track record of delivering $50MM+ projects on schedule and within budget.
- Deep understanding of project controls, scheduling software (Primavera P6, MS Project), and cost reporting tools.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or similar.
- PMP or similar certification a plus.
- Familiarity with Austin’s permitting and development environment is strongly preferred.
Why Join Us?
- Ground Floor Opportunity: Help build a next-gen data center platform from the ground up.
- High Impact: Direct line of sight to leadership and decision-making.
- Fast Growth: Scale with us into multiple markets over the next 12–24 months.
- Equity Potential: Competitive compensation with meaningful upside.
We’re not looking for someone to just manage a schedule—we’re looking for a builder, a leader, and a partner in growth. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and develop the infrastructure powering the next wave of technology, we want to hear from you.