Regional Project Director - Data Centre

Location: Singapore

About the Opportunity

A leading digital infrastructure developer and operator is seeking an experienced Project Director - Data Centre to lead the delivery of large-scale, mission-critical data centre developments across Asia Pacific.

This role will be responsible for the end-to-end execution of hyperscale and AI-ready data centre projects, covering site evaluation, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational handover. The successful candidate will play a key leadership role in establishing project governance frameworks, delivery standards, and high-performing regional teams while supporting the growth of a rapidly expanding digital infrastructure platform.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

• Provide strategic leadership and governance across all assigned data centre development and construction projects.
• Establish and implement project delivery standards, policies, and best practices.
• Act as the senior escalation point for commercial, contractual, technical, and project-related risks.
• Prepare and present regular project updates and performance reports to senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement across project execution, governance, and delivery processes.

Project Delivery & Construction Management

• Lead the successful delivery of greenfield, brownfield, and expansion data centre projects.
• Oversee the full projectlifecycle, including:
  • Site due diligence and feasibility assessments
  • Conceptual, schematic, and detailed design development
  • Procurement activities
  • Contracting strategy and execution
  • Construction management
  • Testing, commissioning, and final handover
• Ensure all projects meet hyperscale, colocation, and AI-ready facility requirements.
• Drive effective schedule management, cost control, forecasting, and change management processes.

Technical & Design Oversight

Provide executive-level oversight across:

• Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, and Architectural disciplines
• High Voltage and Low Voltage power systems
• Generators, UPS systems, and Energy Storage solutions
• Air-cooled, liquid-cooled, and hybrid cooling technologies
• BMS, EPMS, controls systems, and commissioning strategies

Ensure compliance with applicable international and local standards, including:

• TIA-942

• Uptime Institute standards

• ASHRAE

• IEC

• NFP

• Local regulatory requirements

• Promote standardised, modular, and repeatable design approaches across the portfolio.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Develop and approve procurement and contracting strategies.
• Oversee major contracts including:
  • EPC and Design & Build agreements
  • Professional consultancy services
  • Long-lead equipment and technology suppliers
• Ensure appropriate application of FIDIC or similar contract frameworks.
• Lead negotiations related to variations, claims, disputes, and commercial matters.
• Manage key commercial relationships with contractors, consultants, and vendors.

Cost, Schedule & Risk Management

• Maintain oversight of:
  • Capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgets
  • Cash flow forecasting
  • Cost-to-complete tracking
  • Programme schedules and critical path activities
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies across projects.
• Champion value engineering initiatives while maintaining reliability, resilience, and operational performance.
• Drive transparency and accountability in project controls and reporting.

Health, Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Establish and promote a strong safety-first culture across all projects.
• Oversee quality assurance and quality control programmes.
• Ensure compliance with local HSE regulations and corporate standards.
• Lead incident investigations and the implementation of corrective actions.
• Drive a zero-harm approach across construction and operational activities.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with:
  • Enterprise and hyperscale customers
  • Design consultants
  • Contractors and suppliers
  • Utility providers and regulatory authorities
  • Joint venture partners and investors
• Represent the organisation during senior-level meetings, negotiations, and industry engagements.
• Facilitate effective communication across internal and external stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Build, lead, and mentor high-performing project and construction teams.
• Develop workforce planning and succession strategies.
• Drive performance management, coaching, and professional development initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable culture across multiple geographies and project teams.
• Support organisational growth through the implementation of scalable project management frameworks and procedures.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of experience in project management, construction, or infrastructure delivery.
• At least 10 years of experience leading large-scale mission-critical facilities or data centre developments.
• Proven track record delivering complex projects from development through commissioning and handover.
• Experience managing hyperscale and/or colocation data centre projects is highly preferred.

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of mission-critical infrastructure and data centre design.
• Deep knowledge of:
  • MEP systems
  • Electrical distribution and power infrastructure
  • Cooling technologies
  • Commissioning methodologies
  • Critical facility operations

Commercial Experience

• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale CAPEX programmes.
• Strong commercial acumen with responsibility for contracts, procurement strategies, and vendor management.

Professional Certifications (Preferred)

• PMP
• PRINCE2
• Chartered Engineer (CEng)
• MRICS
• LEED Accreditation
• Relevant data centre or mission-critical industry certifications\

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit an application along with an updated CV of yours detailing your relevant experience to this job ad.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Recruitment Consultant: Ken Tan

EA Registration No: R22111317

EA License No: 16S8194