Data Lead for Performance

As a Pre-Construction Lead, you will play a critical role in the planning and preparation phase of construction projects. You will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing all pre-construction activities, including project analysis, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation. Your expertise and attention to detail will ensure the successful execution of construction projects by setting the groundwork for a smooth transition from planning to execution.
The role reports into the Director of Pre-Construction and is responsible for day-to-day Pre-Construction activities of the assigned new data centres projects. The main aim of the role is to manage the new data centre project from conception to hand over to the Construction Management team making sure we follow global standards on process, procurement, reporting and design as much as is possible so that we deliver the right product for the defined intended customer mix at the right time whilst optimising the cost of our new data centres.
The Pre-Construction Lead role is a vital role responsible for the definition, and execution of pre-construction projects in EMEA (Gates AG1 – G2), within the approved processes and governance of the business, co-ordinating and communicating with all key stakeholders, to ensure the successful delivery within approved cost, programme and technical design constraints.
This role will require extensive stakeholder management across many senior roles within the organisation including but not limited to Sales, Portfolio Management Group, Country MD’s, Local Operations, Legal, Engineering and Design & Construction. This should lead to consistent, efficient, predictable, timely and high-quality execution of our construction projects.
Project Analysis:

Conduct thorough analysis of project requirements, including architectural plans, engineering specifications, and client expectations.
Collaborate with the project team to identify potential challenges, risks, and opportunities during the pre-construction phase.
Evaluate feasibility and constructability of proposed designs, providing input to optimize construction processes.
Develop accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for materials, resource, equipment, and other resources required for the project.
Collaborate with subcontractors, and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing and ensure cost-effectiveness.
Continuously monitor and update project budgets to reflect changes throughout the pre-construction phase.
Scheduling and Planning:

Create and manage project schedules, ensuring all activities are properly sequenced and coordinated.
Identify critical path activities and potential schedule risks, proposing mitigation strategies as needed.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to align project timelines and ensure timely delivery of required inputs.
Permitting and Regulatory Compliance:

Work closely with regulatory authorities to obtain necessary permits and approvals for the construction project.
Ensure compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and other relevant legal requirements.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to address any design modifications required to meet regulatory standards.
Identify and allocate resources, including labour, equipment, and materials, to meet project requirements.
Collaborate with procurement teams to source and secure necessary resources within project budget and timelines.
Maintain accurate records of resource allocation, tracking utilisation and costs throughout the pre-construction phase.
Serve as a liaison between the pre-construction team and other project stakeholders, such as PMG, Sales, Design, Procurement as well as architects, engineers, clients, vendors and subcontractors.
Foster effective communication and collaboration among team members to ensure alignment on project objectives, timelines, and deliverables.

Assist with applying a standardised approach to designs as much as possible to enable Digital Realty to reduce costs, improve time-to-market, leverage buying volume and reduce operational cost.
Manage a governance, communication and reporting structure involving senior stakeholders as well as individual country stakeholders to maintain constant synchronisation in order to help efficient and effective project execution
Direct and monitor project budgets, providing regular cost reporting and forecasting against approved project budgets. Monitor and support the creation of initial ROM budgets (Gate 1-1) through to presentation of a BTT1-5 at Gate G1 to the establishment of BTT2-3 and 2-6 to support a Gate G2 approval and forming the baseline for the agreement of a BTT5-3 Final Account.
Ensure a full pre-construction project quality assurance process is introduced and maintained establishing quality standards through bench marking, sampling and regular inspections.
Provide timely and accurate project reporting to sector leads (Design, Construction & Procurement)
Develop procurement strategies for each project in conjunction with Project Controls Team
Co-ordinate the development and approval of the Project Execution Plan for the project(s)
Develop and maintain detailed risk and opportunity management procedures and exercises
Assist in negotiating contracts with consultants and General Contractors as necessary.
Responsible for delivery and handover of Project(s) to Construction Management in accordance with Series 2 of the Gating Governance
Lead and chair Partner performance reviews setting KPI’s and cadence for reviews
Develop performance KPI’s across the DE&C portfolio Co-ordinate and maintain design & construction standards, in line with business demands, practices and standard to ensure the most cost effective and technically innovative facilities.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously as required and prioritise the demands of these projects.
10-15 years’ experience working construction project management, preferably in data centres.
~ Strong background in Project Management methodologies
~ Experience in managing a multi country project structure
~ Experience in data centres or a similar mission critical environment is considered a significant advantage though not essential this will be a key consideration should multiple candidates be assessed for suitability.
~ Good understanding of the role of Pre-Construction
~ Reasonable understanding of Contract Models
~ Proven experience in pre-construction or construction project management.
Strong knowledge of construction processes, techniques, and best practices.
Proficient in project management software and tools for scheduling, budgeting, and cost estimation.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess project feasibility and constructability.
Solid understanding of building codes, regulations, and permit processes.
Strong background in Project Management methodologies
Experience in managing a multi country project structure.
Experience in data centres or a similar mission critical environment is considered a significant advantage though not essential this will be a key consideration should multiple candidates be assessed for suitability This Position Summary has been created to be used as a guideline for the position and it is not intended to be a complete description of the duties, responsibilities or qualifications required of this position. Work collaboratively with Global, EMEA and country management and other departments
Have a responsibility for development projects (Pre-Construction) in any one of the EMEA countries including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, France Italy, Greece, Croatia, UK, Ireland, Israel and Africa (currently Kenya, Mozambique, Ghana and Nigeria) and possibly other countries as the company develops its business
Bachelor's degree (Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management or similar) and project management experience of technically complex projects required.
Equivalent work experience may be considered with demonstrated core competencies in a similar role with experience
Project management skills
People Management and influencing skills
Flexible & mobile
Languages:
English needs to be excellent, both oral and written
Another European language much preferred
Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected data communities that matter to them with a global data center footprint of 300+ facilities in 50+ metros across 25+ countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
We’ll also give you plenty of development opportunities so you can build a rewarding and successful career with us.