Construction Project Executive - Data Centers at Michael Willey

Project Executive – Data Center Construction

Overview
The Project Executive provides senior-level leadership and strategic direction for large-scale data center construction projects, overseeing every phase from concept through commissioning. This position requires deep technical expertise in mission-critical environments, including hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data centers.

The Project Executive is accountable for project performance, client satisfaction, and financial success — ensuring all work meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational uptime.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Lead multiple, large-scale data center and mission-critical builds, including greenfield, expansion, and retrofit projects.

• Oversee full project lifecycle — design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and turnover.

• Manage project budgets exceeding $50M+, ensuring adherence to cost, schedule, and performance goals.

• Coordinate and integrate all disciplines, including structural, MEP, electrical, controls, and security systems.

• Champion zero-defect delivery and safety excellence across all field operations.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary client contact, representing the organization with hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise clients.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, design teams, commissioning agents, and trade partners.

• Lead client meetings and project reviews, ensuring alignment between owner requirements and construction execution.

• Manage owner expectations regarding scope, risk, schedule, and financial performance.

Preconstruction & Business Development

• Drive preconstruction activities, including conceptual budgeting, logistics, and risk analysis.

• Oversee procurement of long-lead items (e.g., switchgear, generators, UPS systems, chillers).

• Collaborate with estimating teams to establish accurate budgets, GMPs, and contingency plans.

• Support business development by engaging in proposal preparation, presentations, and client strategy sessions.

• Identify growth opportunities within the mission-critical market and cultivate long-term client relationships.

Operational Oversight

• Supervise all project management and field staff to ensure precise execution of technical scopes.

• Enforce QA/QC and commissioning protocols specific to mission-critical systems (electrical redundancy, cooling, and controls).

• Implement Lean construction practices to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.

• Monitor progress, risk indicators, and change management through data-driven reporting.

• Conduct site visits to assess construction safety, quality, and team performance.

Team Leadership & Development

• Hire, develop, and mentor Project Managers, Superintendents, and Engineers within the data center division.

• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Provide training and guidance on mission-critical construction methods and system commissioning.

• Lead cross-functional coordination between construction, commissioning, and operations teams.

Post-Construction

• Manage the closeout and turnover process, ensuring all punch lists, documentation, and as-builts are complete.

• Oversee integrated systems testing and client handover, ensuring operational readiness.

• Facilitate lessons-learned reviews to inform future project delivery improvements.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

• 15+ years of commercial or industrial construction experience, with 10+ years in mission-critical or data center environments

• Proven record managing multiple concurrent projects exceeding $50M each

• Strong understanding of electrical distribution, mechanical systems, chilled water, UPS, generators, and BMS controls

• Expertise in managing design-build and fast-track project delivery methods

• Proficiency with Procore, Primavera P6, Bluebeam, Revit, and Microsoft Office Suite

• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills

Preferred:

• Experience with hyperscale and colocation data center clients

• Familiarity with Tier III/Tier IV design standards (Uptime Institute)

• Knowledge of commissioning protocols (Level 1–5 testing)

• PMP or CCM certification

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic leader with strong financial and operational acumen

• Advanced knowledge of mission-critical systems and redundancy strategies (N, N+1, 2N)

• Collaborative communicator skilled in cross-functional coordination

• Adept at problem-solving, conflict resolution, and high-pressure decision-making

• Passionate about innovation, safety, and quality excellence

Work Environment & Travel

• Projects are located across the Southeastern US, with frequent regional travel required.

• Regular visits to live data center construction sites, often under high-security and compliance environments.

• Role involves coordination with national teams and partners across multiple time zones.