Global Head of DE&C Project Operations

Your role

The role of the Global Head of Project Operations is essential in driving operational excellence across global construction projects, focusing on risk management, digital tooling, process optimization, workflow efficiency, reporting, automation, schedule governance, and collaborative planning. The ideal candidate will implement strategies to improve project performance while promoting innovation and efficiency. The Design, Engineering & Construction Groups driver is to deliver a quality service and product that complies with our internal standards as well as customer expectations by working with our professional teams to apply our systems, procedures and culture.

What you'll do

• Risk Management: Design and implement comprehensive risk management frameworks to proactively identify, evaluate, and mitigate construction project risks, ensuring alignment across global projects.
• Digital Tooling and Automation: Lead the adoption and integration of digital tools and technologies to enhance operational efficiency, streamline reporting, scheduling, and workflows, and reduce manual effort.
• Process Optimization and Workflow Management: Analyze and optimize workflows and processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and standardize practices across regions to ensure alignment with global best practices.
• Reporting and Data Insights: Develop and maintain centralized reporting systems to provide visibility into project performance, leveraging advanced analytics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Schedule Governance: Establish and oversee a global schedule governance framework to ensure consistency and adherence to project milestones, supporting on-time project delivery.
• Collaborative Planning: Foster a culture of collaboration by facilitating workshops, planning sessions, and aligning teams across functions to ensure cohesive project execution.
• Risk Awareness Culture: Promote a risk-aware culture through training, tools, and organizational practices, ensuring proactive risk management across all projects.
• Contract Management: Collaborate with Legal & Risk Management to standardize contracting methods, ensuring schedule and cost obligations are adhered to by consultants, vendors, and contractors.
• Automation Strategy Implementation: Implement data-driven automation strategies to streamline project management and reporting, driving efficiency and accuracy.
• KPI Development and Continuous Improvement: Establish KPIs and feedback mechanisms to monitor processes and continuously improve operational performance across projects.

What you'll need

• Minimum 10 years of experience in data center design, with 7-10 years of progressive management experience, ideally within large-scale construction or development projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Architectural, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
• Extensive experience in construction project management, including digital transformation, risk management, and operational optimization.
• Proficiency in construction-related digital tools and reporting platforms (e.g., Primavera, Power BI, Tableau, or similar), with an understanding of automation and data visualization technologies.
• Strong understanding of schedule governance and change control within an Owner-Operator development organization, with a focus on delivering on time and within budget.
• Proven expertise in risk management and the ability to integrate commissioning and schedule coordination effectively across various technical disciplines (CSA, mech, elec, ICT).
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to inspire and align diverse teams and communicate complex technical challenges to both technical and non-technical audiences in a multi-geography environment.
• Experience in full project life cycle management, from planning and design to permitting, construction, commissioning, and IST (Integrated Systems Testing).
• Demonstrated ability to promote teamwork and foster collaboration across multiple teams, navigating conflicts and ensuring efficient problem resolution.
• Analytical mindset and strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex issues into manageable components and provide effective solutions.
• Adept at managing multiple initiatives concurrently while maintaining effective time management skills and operating in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.
• Experience in process optimization and workflow management, with the ability to standardize processes across regions and implement new systems to enhance operational efficiency.

A bit about us

Digital Realty supports the world's leading enterprises and service providers by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, our global data center platform, gives customers a reliable foundation for scaling their digital business and efficiently managing data gravity challenges. The size and scale of our business puts us in a unique position to offer customers access to 300+ facilities in 50+ metros across 25+ countries and six continents.

A bit about our Digital team Operations

Our Operations team keeps our customers infrastructure running safely and securely. We get plenty of opportunities to take on a variety of tasks and develop our technical skills. From overseeing electrical power to cooling and fire suppression systems, our team plays a vital role in making sure everything in our data centers operates as it should.

What we can offer you

Our rapidly evolving business sector offers the opportunity to be part of a courageous and passionate team who work together to understand and meet the changing needs of our global customers. Join us and you'll be part of a supportive and inclusive environment where you can bring your whole self to work. As part of our team, you'll get to work with people from different business areas, challenge the way we do things and put your ideas into action. We'll also give you plenty of development opportunities so you can build a rewarding and successful career with us.

Our Compensation Philosophy

Digital Realty offers its employees a highly competitive compensation package, excellent benefits, and an environment that recognizes and rewards your contributions. Central to our compensation philosophy is rewarding our employees for achieving the values and objectives aligned to the company's overall goals and values. This is an exciting time to join our business so apply now and make your mark on our future.