Data Center Programme Director
Are you ready to take on a senior leadership role driving large‑scale, mission‑critical infrastructure programmes across Japan and the wider Asia region? We are looking for a Programme Director to lead strategic planning, governance and end‑to‑end delivery of a multi‑year portfolio of major build projects.
This is a high‑impact opportunity to shape an expanding infrastructure pipeline while guiding diverse teams and partnering with senior stakeholders across both Japan and Europe. Experience in data‑center projects is not required; backgrounds in large‑scale construction, industrial facilities, utilities or other complex infrastructure environments are equally relevant.
About the Organisation
With more than 25 years of global experience delivering high‑performance, energy‑efficient and mission‑critical facilities, the organisation is entering a period of accelerated growth. Backed by significant international investment, the company is expanding its footprint across Asia and Europe and strengthening its delivery capabilities. You'll join a forward‑looking team where continuous learning, innovation and operational excellence are core values.
Role Overview
As Programme Director, you will define and steer the programme strategy for Japan, ensuring alignment with long‑term growth objectives and capital plans. You will oversee governance frameworks, resource planning, risk management, and the performance of multiple concurrent projects. Your leadership will be critical in ensuring all infrastructure programmes are delivered on time, within budget and to world‑class standards of quality, safety and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Set the overarching programme strategy and manage the long‑term portfolio roadmap.
- Anticipate future resource needs, project pipelines and programme‑level risks.
- Establish and refine governance, reporting, and decision‑making structures.
Portfolio Oversight
- Provide senior guidance across multiple large‑scale infrastructure builds.
- Ensure consistent project planning, scheduling, sequencing and interdependency management.
- Identify and mitigate programme risks, constraints and commercial exposures.
Team Development
- Lead and mentor Programme Management and Delivery teams.
- Build a culture of high accountability, transparency, capability growth and collaboration.
Stakeholder & External Engagement
- Represent the organisation with customers, partners, contractors and suppliers.
- Navigate complex stakeholder environments with clarity and commercial awareness.
- Maintain open communication with senior leaders globally.
Commercial & Contracting
- Guide procurement strategies, vendor selection and commercial negotiations.
- Drive decisions based on lifecycle value, long‑term resilience and cost optimisation.
Governance & Compliance
- Oversee programme‑level reporting on budgets, KPIs, schedules, risks and quality.
- Ensure all work aligns with corporate governance and local regulations.
- Champion best practice across planning, design, procurement, construction and commissioning.
Operational Integration
- Partner closely with Operations to ensure seamless transition to steady‑state.
- Lead lessons‑learned initiatives and continuous improvement across the full delivery lifecycle.
Your Background
Essential
- Experience delivering major infrastructure, industrial, mission‑critical, or commercial construction programmes in Japan.
- Proven leadership of multi‑project portfolios and cross‑functional teams in matrix environments.
- Strong capability in programme governance, scheduling, commercial management and risk management.
- Excellent stakeholder‑leadership skills and the ability to influence senior decision‑makers.
- Professional communication skills in both Japanese and English.
Desirable
- Experience working with international organisations and global HSE/quality standards.
- Knowledge of capital‑investment evaluation and reporting.
- Experience leading organisational scaling or transformation.
FAQs
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