📍 Job Overview

Job Title: PROJECT DIRECTOR - DATA CENTER
Company: AtkinsRéalis
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job Type: On-site, Full-time
Category: Project Management, Data Center Infrastructure
Date Posted: June 13, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead the full lifecycle delivery of data centers, managing project execution from design coordination through to commissioning and handover.
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, overseeing project controls, and ensuring adherence to technical standards and quality requirements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT, facilities, and vendors, to ensure project success.
Foster a collaborative and productive team environment, driving strategic input into resource planning, procurement strategies, and delivery models.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of data center best practices and industry standards, such as those defined by the Uptime Institute. Familiarity with data center design, construction, and operation is essential for success in this position.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Project Delivery: Lead the full lifecycle delivery of data centers, managing project execution from design coordination through to commissioning and handover.
Stakeholder Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
Project Controls: Oversee project execution, including cost management, scheduling, and risk mitigation, to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Technical Standards & Quality: Ensure strict adherence to technical standards, health & safety, and quality requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
Team Leadership: Foster a collaborative and productive team environment, driving strategic input into resource planning, procurement strategies, and delivery models.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including IT, facilities, and vendors, to ensure project success and alignment with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to effectively manage stakeholders, drive project delivery, and ensure team cohesion. Experience in a PMC or client-representative role managing large-scale capital projects is highly desirable.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related discipline (Master's preferred).

Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in a Project Management capacity, including substantial delivery experience in mission-critical facilities (data centers, high-tech industrial, etc.).

Required Skills:

Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and ICT systems typical of data center environments.
Excellent stakeholder management, reporting, and leadership skills.
Prior UAE experience is highly desirable.
PMP, RICS, or similar professional accreditation is preferred.
Excellent leadership and team management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of data center best practices and industry standards (i.e., Uptime Institute).
Familiarity with data center design, construction, and operation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with a strong background in project management, data center infrastructure, and stakeholder management will be well-suited to this role. Experience in a similar role within the UAE is highly desirable, as it will enable the candidate to hit the ground running and navigate the local market dynamics more effectively.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate successful data center project delivery, including design coordination, construction, commissioning, and handover.
Showcase experience in managing project execution, including cost management, scheduling, and risk mitigation.
Highlight proficiency in stakeholder management, with examples of effective communication and collaboration with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
Provide evidence of adherence to technical standards, health & safety, and quality requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Technical Documentation:

Prepare and lead project reporting, governance meetings, and senior stakeholder updates.
Document project execution, including design coordination, construction, commissioning, and handover processes.
Maintain project records, including cost management, scheduling, and risk mitigation strategies.
Ensure project documentation aligns with data center best practices and industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating successful data center project delivery, excellent stakeholder management, and adherence to technical standards will be crucial for candidates to secure this role. Familiarity with data center design, construction, and operation will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive salary package, with tax-free salary and comprehensive medical insurance coverage.

Benefits:

Life insurance coverage
Paid annual leave
Company gratuity scheme
Discretionary bonus program
Annual flight contribution
Relocation assistance
Transportation & housing allowances
Employee Wellbeing Program: 24/7 access to specialists in finance, legal matters, family care, as well as personal health, fitness, and nutrition consulting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this role is competitive and aligned with industry standards for experienced project management professionals in the UAE data center sector. The comprehensive benefits package reflects the company's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering services, nuclear, and capital projects, with a focus on data center infrastructure and mission-critical facilities.

Company Size: Large, multinational organization with a strong presence in the Middle East and Africa.

Founded: 1911, with a rich history of long-standing organizations integrated to form AtkinsRéalis.

Team Structure:

Large, multidisciplinary project management teams, including specialists in data center design, construction, and operation.
Collaborative, cross-functional teams working closely with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
Strategic focus on delivering complex capital projects, with a commitment to quality, health & safety, and technical excellence.

Development Methodology:

AtkinsRéalis employs a structured project management approach, with a focus on delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
The company adheres to industry best practices and standards, such as those defined by the Uptime Institute for data center design, construction, and operation.
AtkinsRéalis fosters a culture of continuous improvement, with a commitment to learning and development opportunities for employees.

Company Website: www.atkinsrealis.com

📝 Enhancement Note: AtkinsRéalis is a well-established organization with a strong reputation in the engineering services, nuclear, and capital projects sectors. The company's commitment to quality, health & safety, and technical excellence makes it an attractive employer for experienced project management professionals seeking to advance their careers in the data center infrastructure sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Project Management role, responsible for leading the full lifecycle delivery of data center projects and managing cross-functional teams.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Project Management leadership team and has matrixed reporting lines to other functional areas, such as IT, facilities, and vendors.

Technical Impact: The Project Director - Data Center is responsible for ensuring that data center projects are delivered to the required technical standards, with a focus on quality, performance, and reliability. This role has a significant impact on the success of data center projects and the overall business performance of the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

Career Progression: With experience and demonstrated success in this role, candidates may progress to more senior project management roles, such as Project Executive or Program Director, with increased responsibility for multiple projects and strategic decision-making.
Technical Skill Development: This role offers opportunities to develop expertise in data center design, construction, and operation, with exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry best practices.
Leadership Development: The Project Director - Data Center role provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, with responsibility for managing cross-functional teams and driving strategic input into resource planning, procurement strategies, and delivery models.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for experienced project management professionals seeking to advance their careers in the data center infrastructure sector. With a strong focus on technical excellence, quality, and performance, the Project Director - Data Center role is well-suited to candidates with a proven track record of success in delivering complex capital projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office environment with state-of-the-art facilities and technology.

Office Location(s): Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with opportunities for site-based work on data center projects.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: AtkinsRéalis fosters a collaborative work environment, with open-plan offices and dedicated team spaces for project teams to work together effectively.
Technology & Tools: The company provides access to industry-leading software, tools, and technologies to support project delivery and team collaboration.
Work-Life Balance: AtkinsRéalis is committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance, with flexible working arrangements and a focus on employee well-being.

Work Schedule: Standard office hours, with flexibility for project delivery and stakeholder management requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: AtkinsRéalis offers a modern, collaborative work environment with state-of-the-art facilities and technology. The company's commitment to promoting a healthy work-life balance makes it an attractive employer for experienced project management professionals seeking to advance their careers in the data center infrastructure sector.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A brief telephone or video call to assess the candidate's suitability for the role and discuss their relevant experience and qualifications.
Technical Assessment: A comprehensive technical assessment, including a review of the candidate's portfolio, project case studies, and a discussion of their relevant experience and expertise in data center design, construction, and operation.
Stakeholder Management: A role-play scenario or case study to assess the candidate's ability to manage stakeholders, including clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
Final Interview: A final interview with the Project Management leadership team to discuss the candidate's fit for the role, career aspirations, and alignment with the company's values and culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight successful data center project delivery, with a focus on design coordination, construction, commissioning, and handover.
Demonstrate experience in managing project execution, including cost management, scheduling, and risk mitigation.
Showcase proficiency in stakeholder management, with examples of effective communication and collaboration with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
Provide evidence of adherence to technical standards, health & safety, and quality requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on data center best practices and industry standards, such as those defined by the Uptime Institute.
Review relevant project case studies and prepare a structured approach to discussing your experience and expertise in data center design, construction, and operation.
Practice stakeholder management scenarios and role-play exercises to hone your communication and collaboration skills.

ATS Keywords: Data Center, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Technical Standards, Quality Assurance, Construction, Commissioning, Handover, Cost Management, Scheduling, Risk Mitigation, Leadership, Team Management, UAE Experience, Data Center Infrastructure, Mission-Critical Facilities, Uptime Institute, PMP, RICS, Professional Accreditation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Project Director - Data Center role is designed to assess the candidate's technical expertise, stakeholder management skills, and cultural fit with the organization. A strong portfolio demonstrating successful data center project delivery, excellent stakeholder management, and adherence to technical standards will be crucial for candidates to secure this role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: Not applicable, as this role focuses on data center project delivery rather than web development.

Backend & Server Technologies:

Data center infrastructure design and construction software, such as Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks.
Project management software, such as Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, and Oracle Primavera.
Data center infrastructure management software, such as Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure and Siemens' MindSphere.

Development & DevOps Tools:

Collaboration and communication tools, such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Google Workspace.
Version control systems, such as Git and Subversion.
Project documentation and reporting tools, such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for the Project Director - Data Center role is focused on data center infrastructure design, construction, and operation. Familiarity with industry-leading software, tools, and technologies is essential for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Quality: A commitment to delivering data center projects to the required technical standards, with a focus on quality, performance, and reliability.
Collaboration: A culture of collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on driving strategic input into resource planning, procurement strategies, and delivery models.
Expertise: A commitment to continuous learning and development, with a focus on staying up-to-date with data center best practices and industry standards.
Innovation: A culture of innovation and creativity, with a focus on driving improvements in data center design, construction, and operation.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: AtkinsRéalis fosters a collaborative work environment, with a focus on driving strategic input into resource planning, procurement strategies, and delivery models.
Code Review Culture: Not applicable, as this role focuses on data center project delivery rather than web development.
Knowledge Sharing: AtkinsRéalis encourages knowledge sharing and learning opportunities, with a focus on driving continuous improvement in data center design, construction, and operation.

📝 Enhancement Note: AtkinsRéalis fosters a collaborative work environment, with a focus on driving strategic input into resource planning, procurement strategies, and delivery models. The company's commitment to quality, collaboration, expertise, and innovation makes it an attractive employer for experienced project management professionals seeking to advance their careers in the data center infrastructure sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Data Center Design: Staying up-to-date with data center best practices and industry standards, such as those defined by the Uptime Institute.
Construction Challenges: Managing the complexities of data center construction, including mechanical, electrical, and ICT systems, as well as health & safety and quality requirements.
Stakeholder Management: Effectively managing stakeholders, including clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders, to ensure project success.
Performance Optimization: Ensuring data center projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards, with a focus on performance optimization and continuous improvement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: This role offers opportunities to develop expertise in data center design, construction, and operation, with exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry best practices.
Leadership Development: The Project Director - Data Center role provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, with responsibility for managing cross-functional teams and driving strategic input into resource planning, procurement strategies, and delivery models.
Career Progression: With experience and demonstrated success in this role, candidates may progress to more senior project management roles, such as Project Executive or Program Director, with increased responsibility for multiple projects and strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Project Director - Data Center role offers significant technical challenges and growth opportunities for experienced project management professionals seeking to advance their careers in the data center infrastructure sector. With a strong focus on technical excellence, quality, and performance, this role is well-suited to candidates with a proven track record of success in delivering complex capital projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Data Center Design: Can you describe your experience with data center design, including mechanical, electrical, and ICT systems? How do you stay up-to-date with data center best practices and industry standards?
Construction Challenges: Can you discuss your experience managing the complexities of data center construction, including health & safety and quality requirements? How do you ensure project delivery on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards?
Stakeholder Management: Can you provide examples of effective stakeholder management, including communication and collaboration with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders? How do you manage conflicting priorities and expectations?
Performance Optimization: How do you approach performance optimization and continuous improvement in data center design, construction, and operation? Can you provide examples of successful initiatives you have led in this area?

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: How do you align with AtkinsRéalis' values and culture, particularly in relation to quality, collaboration, expertise, and innovation? Can you provide examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your previous roles?
Data Center Expertise: How do you stay up-to-date with data center best practices and industry standards, such as those defined by the Uptime Institute? Can you discuss any relevant certifications or accreditations you hold in this area?
Leadership Style: Can you describe your leadership style and how you have developed it over the course of your career? How do you motivate and inspire your team members to achieve success?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Project Case Studies: Prepare a structured approach to discussing your experience and expertise in data center design, construction, and operation, with a focus on successful project delivery and stakeholder management.
Technical Documentation: Ensure your portfolio includes comprehensive project documentation, including design coordination, construction, commissioning, and handover processes, as well as cost management, scheduling, and risk mitigation strategies.
Stakeholder Management: Prepare a structured approach to discussing your experience and expertise in stakeholder management, with a focus on effective communication and collaboration with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Project Director - Data Center role is designed to assess the candidate's technical expertise, stakeholder management skills, and cultural fit with the organization. A strong portfolio demonstrating successful data center project delivery, excellent stakeholder management, and adherence to technical standards will be crucial for candidates to secure this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Project Director - Data Center role:

Submit Your Application: Visit the AtkinsRéalis careers website and search for the role by its job title or reference number. Click on the job listing and follow the instructions to submit your application.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your experience and expertise in data center design, construction, and operation, with a focus on successful project delivery and stakeholder management. Ensure your portfolio includes comprehensive project documentation, including design coordination, construction, commissioning, and handover processes, as well as cost management, scheduling, and risk mitigation strategies.
Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications in data center project delivery, stakeholder management, and technical standards. Include any relevant certifications or accreditations, such as PMP or RICS, and ensure your resume is tailored to the specific requirements of the role.
Prepare for Technical Interview: Brush up on data center best practices and industry standards, such as those defined by the Uptime Institute. Review relevant project case studies and prepare a structured approach to discussing your experience and expertise in data center design, construction, and operation. Practice stakeholder management scenarios and role-play exercises to hone your communication and collaboration skills.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with AtkinsRéalis' values, culture, and commitment to quality, collaboration, expertise, and innovation. Understand the company's focus on data center infrastructure and mission-critical facilities, and be prepared to discuss how your experience and expertise align with the organization's goals and objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Web Technology-Specific Focus:

Tailor every section specifically to project management, data center infrastructure, and stakeholder management roles.
Include data center design, construction, and operation best practices, as well as industry standards and certifications relevant to the role.
Emphasize project delivery, stakeholder management, and technical standards, with a focus on quality, performance, and reliability.
Address the complexities of data center construction, including mechanical, electrical, and ICT systems, as well as health & safety and quality requirements.
Include data center-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance, with a focus on technical expertise, stakeholder management, and cultural fit.

Quality Standards:

Ensure no content overlap between sections - each section must contain unique information.
Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about technical responsibilities, with specific reasoning based on role level and data center industry practices.
Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text.
Strategically distribute data center and project management-related keywords throughout all sections naturally.
Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and data center project delivery expertise.

Industry Expertise:

Include specific data center design, construction, and operation best practices, as well as industry standards and certifications relevant to the role.
Address the complexities of data center construction, including mechanical, electrical, and ICT systems, as well as health & safety and quality requirements.
Provide tactical advice for data center project delivery, stakeholder management, and technical standards.
Include data center-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance, with a focus on technical expertise, stakeholder management, and cultural fit.
Emphasize the importance of data center best practices and industry standards, such as those defined by the Uptime Institute.

Professional Standards:

Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout.
Use data center and project management industry terminology appropriately and accurately.
Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to project management and data center infrastructure professionals.
Provide actionable insights that give project management and data center infrastructure candidates a competitive advantage.
Focus on data center project delivery, stakeholder management, and technical standards, with a focus on quality, performance, and reliability.

Technical Focus & Portfolio Emphasis:

Emphasize data center project delivery, stakeholder management, and technical standards, with a focus on quality, performance, and reliability.
Include specific portfolio requirements tailored to the project management and data center infrastructure discipline and role level.
Address the complexities of data center construction, including mechanical, electrical, and ICT systems, as well as health & safety and quality requirements.
Include data center-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance, with a focus on technical expertise, stakeholder management, and cultural fit.
Highlight the importance of data center best practices and industry standards, such as those defined by the Uptime Institute.

Avoid:

Generic business jargon not relevant to project management or data center infrastructure roles.
Placeholder text or incomplete sections.
Repetitive content across different sections.
Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific data center project delivery or stakeholder management context.
Marketing language unrelated to project management or data center infrastructure.

Generate comprehensive, data center-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for project management and data center infrastructure candidates evaluating career opportunities and preparing for technical interviews in the data center infrastructure industry.

PROJECT DIRECTOR - DATA CENTER