Director of Data Centers

Director of Data Centers

Compensation

Base Salary: $220,000 - $300,000+

Position Summary

Kodiak LS is seeking a Director of Data Centers to lead the execution and growth of large-scale hyperscale, AI, and mission-critical data center projects across North America.

This executive leadership role will oversee project delivery, client relationships, operations, staffing, safety, financial performance, and business growth. The ideal candidate will have a strong electrical construction and project management background, with recent experience leading large-scale data center projects involving high-voltage power infrastructure and mission-critical systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multiple data center projects from preconstruction through commissioning and turnover.
• Develop and maintain executive-level client relationships.
• Oversee Project Managers, Construction Managers, Superintendents, and Project Controls teams.
• Ensure projects meet safety, quality, schedule, budget, and profitability goals.
• Drive staffing, operational performance, project recovery plans, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support business development, proposal strategy, and market expansion efforts.
• Manage project financial performance, forecasting, risk mitigation, and contract strategy.

Technical Expertise

Candidates must have experience leading projects involving:

High-Voltage & Utility Infrastructure

• Utility interconnections at 138kV, 230kV, or 345kV
• Utility substations and switchyards
• Power transformers stepping down to:
  • 34.5kV
  • 13.8kV
  • 12.47kV
• Medium-voltage campus distribution systems

Mission-Critical Power Systems

• Backup generator plants
• UPS systems
• Medium-voltage switchgear
• ATS/STS systems
• Power monitoring systems
• Grounding and protection systems

Data Center Infrastructure

• Switchgear lineups
• Unit substations
• PDUs and RPPs
• Busway systems
• Data hall power distribution
• Commissioning and startup activities

Commissioning

• FAT, SAT, IST
• Level 1-5 commissioning
• Utility energization
• Generator and UPS testing
• Operational readiness and turnover

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferred in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 15+ years of construction, industrial, EPC, or mission-critical project experience.
• Minimum 5 years of data center experience within the last five years.
• Strong electrical construction and project management background.
• Experience leading projects valued at $250M+.
• Proven leadership of large multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong client-facing, operational, and financial management skills.

Preferred Certifications

• PE
• PMP
• OSHA 30
• NFPA 70E
• Uptime Institute or Data Center Commissioning certifications