Data Center Owner’s Representative - Mission Critical

About the role

The Data Center Owners Representative (Owners Rep) serves as the Owners' trusted partner and project steward, representing the Owners' interests across the entire lifecycle of mission-critical data center projects. This role ensures that projects are delivered on time, within budget, at the highest standards of quality, and with full alignment to enterprise operational readiness goals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact and advocate for the Owner throughout design, construction, commissioning, and turnover.
• Lead Owner-side project meetings, steering committees, and milestone reviews; provide clear communication and direction across all project participants.
• Align project execution with Owners business objectives, operational standards, and risk management policies.
• Participate in site selection, feasibility studies, and early due diligence.
• Review design development documents to ensure alignment with Owners standards, resiliency goals, and scalability requirements.
• Coverage with A&E firms to validate constructability, operational maintainability, and compliance with code/industry standards.
• Provide input on procurement strategy, contract structure, and bid evaluations.
• Oversee the general contractors' execution of scope, budget, schedule, and QAQC requirements.
• Review and approve contractor submittals, RFIs, and change orders on behalf of the Owner.
• Track schedule milestones, cost exposures, and contingency usage; escalate issues to the Owners leadership with actionable recommendations.
• Monitor safety performance and enforce strict adherence to site-specific safety and environmental protocols.
• Provide technical expertise in evaluating equipment submittals, installation practices, and integration of MEP systems.
• Participate in factory witness testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities at Levels 15.
• Ensure deficiencies are tracked, reported, and resolved through a structured QAQC and issue-management system.
• Support integrated systems testing to validate redundancy, failover, and sequence of operations.
• Monitor contractor invoices, pay applications, and progress reports to ensure financial transparency and accuracy.
• Provide detailed reporting to Owner executives on budget performance, change management, and forecast-to-complete.
• Enforce Owners contractual rights, warranty protections, and performance guarantees.
• Ensure delivery of as-builts, O&M manuals, commissioning reports, warranty binders, and training sessions for operations staff.
• Support the smooth transition of the facility from construction to operations, ensuring readiness for day-one occupancy and long-term reliability.
• Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement of Owners data center delivery standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline (PE, PMP, CxA, LEED AP, or equivalent certifications strongly preferred).
• 7+ years of progressive experience managing large-scale construction projects, with at least 5 years in mission-critical/data center environments.
• Direct experience overseeing projects $100M+ in value, with fast-track delivery schedules.
• Proven record of interfacing with Owners, A&E firms, general contractors, trade contractors, and commissioning providers.
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, as well as civil/structural design and site development.
• Familiarity with industry codes and standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, ASHRAE, ANSI/NETA ATS, SMACNA, IBC, ADA, OSHA).
• Understanding of commissioning processes, testing protocols, and L1L5 commissioning phases.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to resolve conflicts, manage competing priorities, and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to travel regionally/nationally to project sites as required.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with proficiency in project management and reporting tools (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, MS Project, Primavera P6).
• Ability to navigate active construction sites safely.
• Ability to stand, walk, and climb stairs or ladders as needed.
• Capability to manage field-based responsibilities across varying environments.

Qualifications

• Ability to stand, walk, and climb stairs or ladders as needed.
• Capability to manage field-based responsibilities across varying environments.

Skills

• Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, as well as civil/structural design and site development.
• Familiarity with industry codes and standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, ASHRAE, ANSI/NETA ATS, SMACNA, IBC, ADA, OSHA).
• Understanding of commissioning processes, testing protocols, and L1L5 commissioning phases.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to resolve conflicts, manage competing priorities, and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, accident, and disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness initiatives
• Paid company holidays, floating holidays, and flexible time off
• Training, professional growth, and advancement opportunities