Project Director - Data Centre

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. Your impact Jacobs is seeking a highly experienced Project Director to lead the Construction Supervision delivery of major Hyperscale Data Center developments across the Middle East. The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, and successful execution of large-scale data center projects from construction through testing, commissioning, operational readiness, and final handover. The role requires extensive experience managing multidisciplinary supervision teams and overseeing the construction of Tier III and Tier IV hyperscale data centers, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with the highest standards of quality and operational reliability. The Project Director will act as the primary client interface and provide strategic leadership across all project disciplines, including civil, structural, architectural, electrical, mechanical, ICT, commissioning, quality, and HSE functions. Key Responsibilities Project Leadership & Delivery • Lead the overall delivery of construction supervision services for hyperscale data center projects across the Middle East. • Provide leadership and direction to multidisciplinary teams comprising Resident Engineers, Construction Managers, Discipline Engineers, Quality Engineers, HSE Managers, BIM Coordinators, and Project Controls professionals. • Establish project governance structures, reporting procedures, communication protocols, and performance management frameworks. • Ensure successful delivery of projects in accordance with contractual requirements, approved budgets, schedules, and client expectations. • Monitor project performance against key milestones and implement corrective actions where required. • Proactively identify and mitigate technical, commercial, operational, and schedule-related risks. • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project performance and delivery effectiveness. Client & Stakeholder Management • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, developers, contractors, utility providers, government authorities, and key stakeholders. • Build and maintain strong relationships with executive-level client representatives and project partners. • Lead project steering committees, executive review meetings, and stakeholder engagement sessions. • Provide strategic advice and recommendations regarding project progress, risks, opportunities, and commercial matters. • Ensure high levels of client satisfaction and maintain Jacobs' reputation for technical excellence and project delivery. Construction Supervision Management • Direct and oversee all construction supervision activities throughout project execution. • Ensure construction works are executed in accordance with approved designs, project specifications, applicable codes, and regulatory requirements. • Oversee contractor performance, resource deployment, construction methodologies, and recovery plans. • Coordinate architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, ICT, and specialist contractor activities to ensure effective project integration. • Resolve major design, construction, interface, and delivery challenges affecting project performance. • Ensure robust quality assurance and quality control procedures are implemented and maintained throughout construction. Data Center Infrastructure Oversight • Provide executive oversight of the construction and delivery of hyperscale data center campuses, including data halls, administration buildings, substations, central utility plants, generator facilities, ICT infrastructure, utility networks, and support facilities. • Oversee delivery of critical infrastructure systems including • HV/MV/LV Electrical Systems • Utility Substations • Transformers and Switchgear • Diesel Generator Plants • UPS Systems and Battery Systems • Chilled Water Systems • Cooling Plants and HVAC Infrastructure • CRAH and CRAC Units • Fuel Storage and Distribution Systems • Fire Protection Systems • BMS and EPMS Platforms • Structured Cabling and ICT Networks • Security and ELV Systems • Ensure compliance with Tier III and Tier IV reliability, availability, redundancy, resilience, and performance requirements. • Support best-practice implementation for hyperscale, cloud, and mission-critical facility delivery.Commercial & Contract Management • Oversee administration of contracts in accordance with FIDIC and project-specific contractual frameworks. • Review and manage contractor claims, variations, extensions of time, and contractual disputes. • Monitor project financial performance and support commercial decision-making. • Identify and manage project risks and opportunities to protect project objectives. • Support negotiation and resolution of commercial and contractual issues. Testing, Commissioning & Handover • Oversee testing, commissioning, integrated systems testing (IST), operational readiness, and handover activities. • Ensure critical infrastructure systems are commissioned and validated in accordance with project requirements. • Support successful transition from construction to operations. • Ensure completion of all handover documentation, certifications, warranties, operation and maintenance manuals, and as-built records. Health, Safety, Quality & Environmental Management • Champion Jacobs' Zero Harm culture and promote best practices in health, safety, environmental, and quality management. • Ensure compliance with client requirements, local legislation, and international HSEQ standards. • Lead project safety reviews, quality audits, and performance improvement initiatives. • Promote a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement across all project teams. Here's what you'll need Qualifications & Experience Requirements • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline from an accredited institution. • Minimum 20+ years of overall experience in construction, engineering, project management, or construction supervision. • Minimum 10 years of direct experience in Hyperscale Data Centers, Tier III/Tier IV Data Centers, Cloud Campuses, Digital Infrastructure, or Mission-Critical Facilities. • Demonstrated experience managing large multidisciplinary project teams in complex construction environments. • Extensive experience in testing, commissioning, integrated systems testing (IST), operational readiness, and facility handover. • Strong understanding of FIDIC contracts, project controls, risk management, and commercial administration. From our inclusive employee networks to our positive mental health champions &#x

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related discipline from an accredited institution. Minimum 20+ years of overall experience in construction, engineering, project management, or construction supervision. Minimum 10 years of direct experience in Hyperscale Data Centers, Tier III/Tier IV Data Centers, Cloud Campuses, Digital Infrastructure, or Mission-Critical Facilities. Demonstrated experience managing large multidisciplinary project teams in complex construction environments. Extensive experience in testing, commissioning, integrated systems testing (IST), operational readiness, and facility handover. Strong understanding of FIDIC contracts, project controls, risk management, and commercial administration.

Lead the overall delivery of construction supervision services for hyperscale data center projects across the Middle East. Provide leadership and direction to multidisciplinary teams. Establish project governance structures, reporting procedures, communication protocols, and performance management frameworks. Ensure delivery in accordance with contractual requirements, budgets, schedules, and client expectations. Monitor performance and implement corrective actions. Identify and mitigate risks. Drive continuous improvement. Serve as primary client interface; build and maintain relationships with executive-level client representatives and project partners. Lead project steering committees and stakeholder engagement sessions. Oversee construction supervision activities; ensure works align with designs, codes, and regulatory requirements. Coordinate architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, ICT, and specialist contractor activities. Resolve design, construction, and delivery challenges. Ensure QA/QC procedures are maintained. Provide executive oversight of data center infrastructure delivery (electrical systems, substations, transformers, generators, UPS, cooling, ICT networks, ELV systems). Manage contracts per FIDIC; review claims, variations, EOTs, and disputes. Monitor financial performance; support commercial decisions. Oversee testing, commissioning, IST, operational readiness, and handover; ensure documentation and warranties are complete. Champion HSEQ and Zero Harm culture; lead safety reviews and quality audits.