Director, Project Controls, Project & Development Services (Data Centers) — Ashburn, VA

Job Title

Director, Project Controls, Project & Development Services (Data Centers)

Job Description Summary

This Director-level role will serve as the strategic lead and primary client interface for all planning and scheduling functions across large-scale capital programs, with a strong focus on data center delivery. The individual will operate as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders, shaping program strategy through the development of high-level integrated schedules, resource plans, and delivery frameworks from early planning through execution and closeout.

The Director will lead the establishment of best-in-class scheduling standards, governance, and reporting while building and mentoring high-performing teams. This role requires a balance of strategic insight and technical expertise, with the ability to influence outcomes, drive alignment across complex stakeholder groups, and ensure successful program delivery.Job Description

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of enterprise-level schedule management frameworks across major capital programs, including tools, processes, governance, and reporting standards.
• Serve as the primary planning and scheduling advisor to client leadership, providing strategic guidance on program phasing, sequencing, and delivery risks.
• Develop and oversee integrated master schedules aligning design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations across complex programs.
• Drive alignment across internal teams, contractors, designers, and third parties to ensure integration into a single source of truth schedule.
• Establish program-level reporting structures, KPIs, and executive dashboards to communicate schedule performance, risks, and trends.
• Lead scenario planning, what-if analysis, and quantitative risk assessments to support key program decisions.
• Identify and communicate critical path impacts, schedule risks, and mitigation strategies at both project and program levels.
• Oversee schedule quality, data integrity, and consistency across all projects within the program.
• Partner with cost, commercial, and project management leads to align schedule with financial and operational objectives.
• Build, lead, and mentor a team of schedulers and planners, establishing a culture of accountability, development, and continuous improvement.
• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposals, client presentations, and thought leadership related to project controls and scheduling.
• Act as a visible leader within both the client organization and internal teams, reinforcing best practices and driving delivery excellence.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field.
• 12–15+ years of experience in planning and scheduling for large-scale capital programs, including design and construction phases.
• Demonstrated experience operating at a program or portfolio level, ideally in a client-facing leadership capacity.
• Strong experience in advanced tech, mission critical and/or data center projects required, with an understanding of delivery, fast-track schedules, and commissioning requirements.
• Expertise in Primavera P6 (required); experience with additional planning tools and data visualization platforms preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams within complex, matrixed environments and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to connect schedule performance to cost, risk, and business outcomes.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present to executive audiences and translate complex data into clear insights.

The compensation for the position is: $ 161,500.00 - $190,000.00

INCO: “Cushman & Wakefield”