Data Centre Project Manager

Role Purpose

The Data Centre Construction Project Manager will lead the end-to-end delivery of a new-build university data centre, from concept design through construction, commissioning, and operational handover. This role sits at the intersection of estates, engineering, and IT, ensuring the facility is designed and built to meet the university’s current and future needs for research, teaching, and digital services.

The post holder will ensure the data centre is delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in line with regulatory, sustainability, and operational requirements, while coordinating a wide range of internal stakeholders and external contractors.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the full lifecycle of the data centre build: feasibility, design development, planning approvals, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover.
• Develop and manage detailed project programmes, budgets, and resource plans.
• Establish governance structures, reporting frameworks, and project controls.
• Ensure delivery aligns with university capital investment strategy and long-term digital infrastructure plans.

Design & Technical Coordination

• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams (architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, and IT specialists).
• Ensure integration of critical data centre systems including:
• Electrical infrastructure (HV/LV supply, UPS, generators)
• Mechanical systems (cooling, HVAC, containment)
• Fire suppression and life safety systems
• Structured cabling and network infrastructure
• Oversee design to meet required standards (e.g., Tier classification, resilience, redundancy).
• Ensure scalability and future capacity for research computing and high-performance workloads.

Construction Management

• Oversee main contractors and subcontractors throughout the build phase.
• Monitor site progress, quality, health & safety compliance, and risk management.
• Chair site meetings and ensure effective coordination across trades.
• Manage change control processes and resolve construction issues.

Procurement & Contract Management

• Lead procurement activities in line with public sector regulations.
• Prepare tender documentation, evaluate bids, and appoint contractors and suppliers.
• Administer contracts (e.g., NEC, JCT), ensuring compliance with terms, cost control, and performance standards.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Estates, IT Services, research groups, and senior leadership.
• Translate technical and construction issues into clear updates for non-specialist stakeholders.
• Engage with external bodies (planning authorities, utility providers, regulators).

Compliance & Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with UK building regulations, CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations, and university policies.
• Act as a key point of responsibility for health & safety throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, audit trails, and risk registers.

Commissioning & Handover

• Oversee testing and commissioning of all building and data centre systems.
• Ensure operational readiness, including documentation, training, and maintenance plans.
• Manage transition to live service in collaboration with IT operations teams.

Sustainability & Energy Efficiency

• Embed sustainable design principles, including energy-efficient cooling, renewable energy integration, and low-carbon construction methods.
• Support the university’s net-zero and environmental targets.
• Monitor and report on energy usage effectiveness (e.g., PUE targets).

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience delivering large-scale construction projects, ideally involving mission-critical facilities (e.g., data centres, laboratories, hospitals).
• Strong understanding of construction project management, including design, procurement, and site delivery.
• Knowledge of MEP systems and critical infrastructure environments.
• Experience managing contractors, consultants, and complex stakeholder environments.
• Familiarity with UK construction contracts (e.g., NEC, JCT) and regulatory frameworks (including CDM).
• Excellent budgeting, scheduling, and risk management skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to bridge technical and non-technical audiences.

Desirable

• Experience delivering data centre facilities specifically (Tier-certified or equivalent).
• Knowledge of IT infrastructure requirements (power density, redundancy, cooling strategies).
• Experience in higher education or public sector capital projects.
• Familiarity with sustainability standards (e.g., BREEAM) and green building practices.
• Professional certifications (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP, RICS, CIOB).

Qualifications

• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Building Services, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Relevant professional accreditation (desirable).