Project Director

Project Director – Hyperscale Data Centre Location: Finland Sector: Data Centres / Mission Critical Infrastructure Employment Type: Permanent Position: Project Director Company Overview We are representing a rapidly expanding international data centre developer with a significant pipeline of hyperscale and AI infrastructure projects across Europe. As part of its continued expansion into the Nordic market, our client is seeking an experienced Project Director to lead the delivery of a major hyperscale data centre development in Finland. This is an opportunity to join a well-funded, ambitious organisation delivering next-generation digital infrastructure, with significant investment and long-term growth plans across the European market. Role Overview The Project Director will assume overall responsibility for the successful delivery of a large-scale data centre development, overseeing the full project lifecycle from pre-construction and design coordination through construction, commissioning and final handover. The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership across multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring the programme is delivered safely, on schedule, within budget and to the highest technical and quality standards. This position requires a commercially astute leader with extensive experience managing complex mission-critical construction projects, principal contractors and senior stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Project Leadership & Delivery Take full accountability for the end-to-end delivery of a major hyperscale data centre project. Establish and implement the overall project execution strategy, delivery programme and governance framework. Lead multidisciplinary teams across CSA, MEP, planning, commercial, quality, HSE and commissioning. Oversee the performance of principal contractors, subcontractors, design consultants and specialist delivery partners. Ensure alignment between design, procurement, construction, commissioning and operational handover. Programme & Commercial Management Maintain overall responsibility for project budgets, cost forecasting, commercial performance and financial reporting. Oversee master programme development, construction sequencing, critical path activities and key milestones. Identify and mitigate commercial, contractual, technical and programme risks. Manage change control, variations, contractor claims and procurement strategies. Ensure effective management of long-lead equipment and critical infrastructure procurement. Technical & Construction Oversight Provide senior oversight across civil, structural, architectural, mechanical and electrical construction packages. Ensure effective coordination between design, engineering and construction teams. Oversee delivery of critical infrastructure, including HV/MV electrical systems, cooling infrastructure, backup power and associated building services. Manage technical interfaces, design development, constructability reviews and engineering compliance. Ensure compliance with applicable Finnish regulations, industry standards and project specifications. Quality, HSE & Commissioning Champion a strong safety-first culture across the project. Ensure implementation of robust quality assurance, quality control and inspection processes. Oversee commissioning strategies, integrated systems testing and operational readiness. Manage phased completion, client acceptance and final project handover. Ensure delivery of all required certification, technical documentation and close-out requirements. Stakeholder & Team Management Act as the senior project representative, managing relationships with internal leadership, contractors, consultants and external stakeholders. Build, lead and develop high-performing multidisciplinary delivery teams. Provide accurate reporting on programme progress, financial performance, risks and project milestones. Coordinate with local authorities, utility providers and regulatory bodies where required. Drive accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement across the project organisation. Candidate Requirements Essential Extensive experience in senior project leadership positions, ideally as a Project Director, Construction Director or equivalent. Proven track record delivering large-scale hyperscale data centre or mission-critical infrastructure projects. Strong technical understanding of CSA, MEP, electrical infrastructure, cooling systems and commissioning. Experience managing complex construction programmes involving multiple contractors and delivery partners. Demonstrable responsibility for significant project budgets, commercial performance and programme delivery. Strong contractual, procurement and stakeholder management capabilities. Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills. Willingness to relocate to or be based in Finland. Desirable Previous experience working directly for a data centre developer, operator or hyperscale client. Experience delivering projects across the Nordic or wider European data centre market. Familiarity with Finnish construction regulations and local contractor management. Experience delivering phased hyperscale campuses and high-density AI infrastructure. Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline. Relevant professional qualifications such as PMP, Chartered Engineer or equivalent. The Opportunity This is a senior leadership opportunity to join an international developer with substantial investment in the European data centre market. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in delivering a major hyperscale development, with significant autonomy, direct exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to contribute to a growing portfolio of next-generation digital infrastructure projects. For further information or a confidential discussion, please contact dmatthews@vallumassociates.com