Project Director - Data Center Pre-Construction
Job Title: Project Director - Data Center Pre-Construction
Location: Australia (Not restricted to a particular state)
Industry: Data Centers / Mission Critical Infrastructure
About the Company
Our client is a fast-growing and well-capitalized data center developer and operator with a strong presence across Asia and other international markets. With a significant portfolio of hyperscale and AI-optimized facilities already in operation, they are known for delivering complex infrastructure at speed and scale.
Driven by innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric design, the business is now making a strategic move into the Australian market as part of its broader global expansion. Backed by a major investment platform, the company offers the resources and ambition of a global player, while operating with the agility and focus of a growth-oriented team.
The Opportunity
Our client is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead their entry into the Australian market. This is a high-impact, strategic role responsible for launching and shaping local operations. You will lead development of hyperscale and AI-optimized data center projects-from site selection through to full pre-construction readiness-and lay the groundwork for long-term success in the region.
This role is ideal for a senior professional with a proven track record in early-stage data center development, land acquisition, and infrastructure delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Technical & Industry Expertise
Lead site selection and due diligence, assessing power, fiber, land use, environmental and water sourcing factors.
Ensure alignment with Tier standards, cooling strategies, power distribution, modularity, and sustainability targets.
Navigate local permitting, environmental regulations, and utility engagement processes.
Strategic & Commercial Acumen
Develop feasibility studies, CapEx/OpEx models, and investment cases for internal stakeholders.
Drive land acquisition and power strategy, including lease/purchase negotiations and grid access agreements.
Build strategic business cases for board and investor approval.
Stakeholder & Partner Management
Engage government agencies, utility providers, and regulators as a key project representative.
Manage external partners such as brokers, legal advisors, EPC contractors, and technical consultants.
Liaise with hyperscale and enterprise clients to align design with demand.
Project Leadership & Execution
Lead project lifecycle from greenfield site identification to pre-construction readiness.
Coordinate cross-functional teams across legal, commercial, technical, and finance functions.
Identify and mitigate risks related to permitting, power, and program delivery.
Leadership & Communication
Lead high-level negotiations and execute agreements related to land, utilities, and partnerships.
Provide decisive leadership informed by data and complex inputs.
Inspire agile, high-performing teams and collaborate with global senior leadership.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will possess:
10+ years' experience in data center or mission-critical infrastructure development.
A strong understanding of Australia's regulatory and utility landscape.
Demonstrated success in site acquisition, stakeholder engagement, and pre-construction delivery.
Strong negotiation, leadership, and financial modeling capabilities.
A passion for scaling new markets and delivering innovative infrastructure solutions.
This role presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of digital infrastructure in Australia with the full backing of a global leader in data center development. If you're ready to lead the charge in a high-growth environment, we'd love to connect.
FAQs
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