Project Director (Data Centres)
At Hickory, we don’t believe in standing still, for over three decades we have continually invested in researching and developing systems and products to improve the way we build. Our philosophy is ‘MADE for LIFE’ – it’s a commitment we honour, each day. Everything we do and everything we build is ‘MADE for LIFE.’ Whether it’s refining our patented, prefabricated building products, developing more efficient and sustainable construction practices, or bringing expertise inhouse to supply critical components, we always believe there is a better way. As a result, Hickory have become one of the most diverse property companies in Australia.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Project Director plays a critical role in leading successful project delivery while driving business development and growth initiatives. With extensive experience delivering complex data centre projects and deep expertise in construction processes and design requirements, they provide strategic oversight from early planning through to completion, ensuring outcomes align with client expectations and broader commercial objectives.
WHAT HICKORY CAN OFFER
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a balanced work-life schedule with a standard 5-day work week.
- Family-Friendly Policies: Receive paid parental leave to support your family needs.
- Novated Leases: Take advantage of novated leasing options to maximize your salary and enjoy tax savings on vehicle expenses.
- H-Perks Employee Rewards: Access exclusive discounts, cashback and everyday savings through our internal benefits platform.
- Employee Wellbeing: Access our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for valuable support and resources.
- Expert In-House Team: Collaborate with our dedicated structures and facades team.
- Diverse Opportunities: Gain exposure to a wide range of roles and industry leaders in our leading market company.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define clear project success metrics around speed to market, Tier certification, cost efficiency, and quality of delivery.
- Lead the implementation of robust project governance, systems, and reporting tailored for mission-critical infrastructure.
- Review and influence architectural, structural, services, and MEP designs with a focus on high-availability, concurrent maintainability, and efficient coordination across trades.
- Drive early coordination between stakeholders (client, design consultants, trade partners) to de-risk programme impacts and resolve design conflicts early.
- Lead and support procurement strategies for key data centre packages, including ECI input, trade interviews, value engineering, and commercial negotiations.
- Oversee the approvals and building permit process, ensuring alignment with authority requirements and programme milestones.
- Identify delivery and commercial risks specific to data centres (power infrastructure, services integration, lead times), and maintain an active risk register with clear mitigation strategies.
- Endorse and drive adherence to Management Plans across safety, QA/QC, programme, energisation, integrated systems testing (IST), and final handover.
- Monitor and influence the master construction schedule to preserve commissioning windows and go-live readiness.
- Conduct frequent design and construction coordination meetings to align teams and maintain momentum.
- Ensure rigorous QA/QC processes are followed, particularly around containment, power distribution, cooling systems, and white space delivery.
- Lead regular site walks and inspections, focusing on risk, safety, quality, and operational impact.
- Directly manage or supervise Commissioning Manager responsibilities, including FATs, SATs, ISTs, and handover documentation.
- Assist with and review scope change presentations, particularly those impacting programme or services delivery.
- Support business development by attending client briefings, contributing to proposals, and helping convert early-stage opportunities into secured projects.
TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE ROLE
- Extensive experience delivering data centre projects
- Bachelor of Construction Management, Project Management, or equivalent
- 10+ years’ experience the in commercial construction sector
- Effective client relationship management and stakeholder communication skills
- Leadership skills with experience coaching, mentoring, and developing project teams
- Financial management expertise, including budgeting, reporting, forecasting, and cost-control initiatives
- Strong project planning and scheduling skills, with the ability to manage scope, budget, and timelines effectively
- Proven capability in resource allocation and management across labour, materials, equipment, and subcontractors