Director, Data Center Construction

About our Company:

Based in Denver, Colorado, Cologix is North America's leading network-neutral interconnection and hyperscale edge data center company. Our platform gives customers access to 45+ digital edge and ScalelogixSM hyperscale edge data centers in 12 markets across the United States and Canada along with a carrier-dense ecosystem of 710+ networks, 360+ cloud providers, 30+ onramps and seven Internet exchanges.  We provide our nearly 2,000 customers with direct access to our local operations teams, resulting in strong partnerships enabled by exceptional operational support and unparalleled customer service. Backed by one of the largest North American infrastructure funds, Cologix's experienced leadership team, certified staff and commitment to ESG initiatives help form a culture that values our people, our environment and our clients.

About the Position:

We are looking for a motivated and experienced Director of Construction, based in the Columbus, Ohio market, to be responsible for overseeing all our construction operations in our Columbus region.  The construction director will lead and manage construction teams whether supporting development work, supply chain management, project accounting, or for the direct execution of construction projects.

The ideal candidate will be adept in managing complex construction projects, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving project success from inception to completion. This role demands strategic planning skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders to maintain schedules, budgets, and quality standards.

• Lead the day-to-day management of construction activities across multiple data center projects, ensuring they are completed within schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
• Manage and mentor a team of external construction project managers and internal resources, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture across multiple projects.
• Support teams to coordinate internal resources to interface with supply chain management for owner-furnished equipment and resources, ensuring timely procurement and delivery.
• Advocate safety as the top priority on the jobsites, enforcing compliance with company and jobsite safety plans, policies, and all safety-related regulations.
• Support all projects efforts to secure entitlements, including building permits and local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) approvals. Experience within the Columbus area market is strongly desired.
• Oversee and support collaboration with design and construction teams to develop and maintain schedules that achieve critical project milestones. Individual must be able to balance the importance of multiple project drivers and be able to make appropriate decisions on behalf of the Company.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, vendors, and stakeholders to enhance Cologix’s position as an industry leader.
• Work with internal and external teams to improve processes and protocols, incorporating innovative solutions for data center construction.
• Demonstrate strong leadership as a team player, fostering collaboration within internal and external project environments and stakeholders.
• Utilize advanced planning skills to lead through influence, proactively partnering with stakeholders to drive project’s success. Must be able to stay current with all projects within their purview to anticipate potential risks and provide mitigation.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of multiple construction and development estimates, project budgets, and unit cost reports, ensuring financial accuracy and alignment with company goals. Maintain consistent knowledge of all projects status.
• Organize and lead pre-award and pre-construction meetings, ensuring thorough project planning and alignment with stakeholders.
• Participate in value engineering, negotiate project scopes of work and contracts, and ensure cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
• Ensure on all projects that the onsite management teams are monitoring contractor material and equipment procurement, buyout, and submittals, ensuring alignment with budgets and schedules.
• Negotiate change orders, manage budget impacts, and review/approve monthly pay requests with the onsite project management teams.
• Ensure project teams are collaborating closely with the commissioning teams to ensure seamless coordination of vendors and contractors for successful customer turnover.
• Ensure each project’s final closeout procedures, including as-built drawings, closeout documentation, and letters of substantial completion is coordinated and completed.
• Continuously track project costs, allowances, and contingencies using financial software, providing data-driven action plans for executive decision-making.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in construction project management, with at least 5 years in the mission-critical or data center industry.
• Proven leadership in managing complex, large-scale construction projects, with a focus on data centers or similar facilities.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to engage with clients, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience mentoring and developing project teams.
• Proficiency in project management software, Microsoft Office Suite, cloud-based commissioning platforms, and financial management tools.
• Deep understanding of building codes, zoning regulations, and construction practices, particularly in the Columbus market.
• Willingness to travel domestically and within Canada to support project and team needs.
• Valid driver’s license.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Cologix is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.  If you need assistance in applying for any of our open positions, please contact us at [email protected] or call 720-940-2551. 

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Cologix’ data centers are ISO 27001:2022 certified. ISO 27001:2022 certification and the Cologix portfolio of information security, information privacy and other industry recognized certifications represents our dedication to insuring the Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability of company and customer information systems and assets. At Cologix, information security is everyone’s responsibility. Cologix employees are responsible for:

 Understanding and following Cologix' information security, cybersecurity and privacy policies, procedures, and standards.

Ensuring conformance to all information security, cybersecurity and privacy policies, procedures, and standards.

Remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity or possible vulnerabilities, weaknesses, threats, or breaches in Cologix information security to company information security and privacy officers.

Actively participating in Cologix’ efforts to maintain and improve information security