Project Director - Data Centre
At Turner & Townsend we’re passionate about making the difference. That means delivering better outcomes for our clients, helping our people to realize their potential, and doing our part to create a prosperous society.
Every day we help our major global clients deliver ambitious and highly technical projects, in over 130 countries worldwide.
Our team is dynamic, innovative and client-focused, supported by an inclusive and fun company culture. Our clients value our proactive approach, depth of expertise, integrity and the quality we deliver. As a result our people get to enjoy working on some of the most exciting projects in the world.
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Project Director to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of data center projects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In this strategic leadership role, you will oversee all aspects of large-scale infrastructure development, from initial concept through operational handover. You will work with cross-functional teams, external stakeholders, and vendors to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This position requires a decisive leader with strong analytical capabilities and a proven track record in managing complex, mission-critical infrastructure initiatives.
- Direct end-to-end project delivery for hyperscale data center construction and deployment, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and timelines
- Develop comprehensive project plans, schedules, and budgets; monitor progress against key performance indicators and implement corrective actions as needed
- Lead and mentor cross-functional project teams, including engineers, contractors, and technical specialists; foster collaboration and accountability across all stakeholders
- Manage vendor relationships, procurement processes, and contractor performance to ensure quality deliverables and cost efficiency
- Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks; develop contingency plans and implement proactive solutions to minimize impact
- Coordinate with regulatory and compliance teams to ensure adherence to local Saudi Arabian regulations and international data center standards
- Conduct regular stakeholder communications, including executive briefings, progress reports, and issue escalations
- Oversee quality assurance and testing protocols to ensure infrastructure meets technical specifications and operational requirements
- Manage project documentation, change control processes, and lessons learned to support continuous improvement
- Analyze project performance data and provide strategic recommendations for future initiatives
- 20+ years of project management experience, with a minimum of 7 years leading large-scale data center projects
- Proven expertise in hyperscale data center design, construction, and deployment
- Strong knowledge of data center operations, architecture, and technical infrastructure
- Strong leadership capabilities with experience building and motivating high-performing teams
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Experience with risk management, compliance, and regulatory requirements in the data center or infrastructure sector
- Preferred: Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification
- Preferred: Prior experience working on projects in the Middle East region
- Preferred: Knowledge of cloud infrastructure and emerging data center technologies
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