Director, Data Center Development & Construction

Director, Data Center Development & Construction

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Location:

Dallas, TX
🏢 Department:
Data Centers
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Employment Type:

Full-Time | In-Office

🌟 About the Role

We’re seeking a visionary and execution-driven Director to manage the end-to-end development and construction of hyperscale data centers across the Dallas region. This role blends strategic real estate planning, site development, and construction oversight to deliver mission‑critical infrastructure that powers global digital operations.

This individual embodies a strong ethical core and collaborative spirit, and will be responsible for managing complex development cycles—from site acquisition and entitlement through design, permitting, and construction. Knowledge in development and hands‑on experience with ground‑up data center construction is required for this position. Experience with mission‑critical and/or large‑scale industrial projects is a plus!

This role will report to the Managing Director, with daily collaboration with other members of the Data Centers team.

• Oversee the full lifecycle of data center development projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Defining project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Developing detailed project plans, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk assessments.
• Manage the entitlement, permitting, regulatory approval process, and construction processes for all data centers projects in the region.
• Managing project schedules, budgets, and resources to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Monitoring project progress, identifying potential issues, and implementing corrective actions.
• Manage external consultants, contractors, and vendors across architecture, engineering, and construction disciplines.
• Managing internal tracking of all development financials, including budgets, costs, and change orders.
• Assisting in development of financials/procurement, including reviewing and approving invoices, developing RFP’s, reviewing proposals and change orders, leveling proposal bids, and conducting proponent interviews.
• Partner with internal teams on capacity planning, infrastructure design, and operational readiness.
• Align development timelines with business growth forecasts and global expansion strategies.
• Develop and manage project budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditure plans.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to land use, construction delays, and regulatory hurdles.
• 7-10+ years of experience in commercial real estate development and construction, with a focus on data centers or mission-critical facilities.
• Proven success in leading large-scale construction projects ($100M+) from concept to completion.
• Deep knowledge of real estate law, permitting, entitlements, and construction management.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing external vendors and contractors.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale hyperscale or colocation data center development and construction projects from concept through commissioning, with strong command of scheduling, budgeting, and contractor oversight.
• Familiarity with LEED certification, ESG frameworks, and energy-efficient building systems.
• Strong grasp of capital planning, cost control, and ROI analysis for real estate investments.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and a results-driven approach.
• A “big-picture” person with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Comfortable with ambiguity, the ability to quickly adapt to changes, and navigate complex situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present effectively to investors, partners, and public stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
• Relentless drive for mastering the craft, demonstrating a curiosity and commitment to deepening expertise in industrial real estate development.
• Ability to travel as needed for project site visits and meetings.

• 7-10+ years of experience in commercial real estate…