Director, Transitions and Due Diligence – Data Centers & Critical Env

Director, Transitions and Due Diligence – Data Centers & Critical Env

We are seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Data Center Transition & Due Diligence lead to support the seamless transition of data center operations, infrastructure, and services during new client contract awards, acquisitions, divestitures, migrations, or new site deployments. This role is critical in leading the transition process, evaluating operational readiness, identifying risks, and ensuring compliance with technical, financial, and regulatory standards throughout the lifecycle of data center/critical environment transitions and due diligence.

This role could require travel of 25‑50%.

• Lead end‑to‑end planning and execution of data center transitions/start‑ups, including onboarding/offboarding of subcontractors, facilities, systems, and employees.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams (engineering, IT, real estate, legal, finance) to ensure smooth handovers and no disruption to client operations.
• Develop and manage transition playbooks, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Enable successful operational transition to site and account teams. Support and consult with business to enable platform and technology integration at the site/account level.
• Lead a team to conduct comprehensive assessments of data center assets, infrastructure, contracts, systems, and operational practices during site evaluations and new start‑ups.
• Evaluate facility condition, capacity, uptime history, compliance posture, and scalability.
• Analyze vendor agreements, SLAs, and service records to identify risks and opportunities.
• Ensure all transitions meet internal governance, industry standards (e.g., ISO, Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, IEEE), and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and document gaps in compliance, operational maturity, and infrastructure reliability.
• Recommend remediation plans and track execution.
• Serve as a key liaison between internal stakeholders, external partners, and clients during transition and due diligence phases.
• Present findings, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership and decision‑makers.
• Maintain detailed records of assessments, transition plans, and post‑transition reviews.
• Generate executive‑level reports summarizing due diligence outcomes, risks, and strategic recommendations.
• Support new business strategies with an emphasis on identified target clients.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure a high level of client satisfaction, delivering key initiatives and ensuring consistency in processes, reporting, and operational delivery.
• Consult with clients on changing industry trends, projections, budget planning, etc.
• Identify opportunities for delivery, service quality, innovation, and process improvement on an ongoing basis.
• Support sales and marketing efforts to secure new business for the Data Center segment.
• Establish and implement standard processes and best practices that maximize efficiencies.

• BA/BS degree required, or equivalent direct experience in data center management and operations. Advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 15+ years in Data Center facilities maintenance, Facilities Engineering and/or technical services management, including outsourced facility management in Data Centers.
• Experience with high‑level, complex Facility and Engineering operations including asset management, maintenance best practices, Safety, Quality, ISO, etc.
• Technology:
  Expertise with asset management/CMMS platforms, highly proficient with MS Office Suite, including ability to perform internet‑based research.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills required.
• Strong competency in strategic planning, execution, and business acumen.
• Competency in Resource Allocation and Implementation.
• Accomplished relationship management and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational abilities required.
• Team strategic development and leadership experience.

Cushman & Wakefield provides eligible employees with a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability…