Job Details

Senior Vice President – Data Center Development

Location: Austin, TX | Some Travel Required

About Our Client

A funded startup building the next generation of digital infrastructure—starting in Austin. Our mission is to deliver leaner, faster, smarter data centers that meet the evolving needs of hyperscalers, AI companies, and enterprise clients. Backed by significant capital and multiple 500MW+ opportunities in the pipeline, we're assembling a world-class team to reshape how mission-critical facilities are developed and operated.

Job Summary

As SVP of Operations, you'll oversee the end-to-end operational strategy and execution of our data center developments—from pre-construction through delivery, commissioning, and operational handover.

You'll build and lead a high-performing operations team, drive process excellence, and serve as a key member of the executive leadership team. This is a hands-on, high-impact role for someone who can balance strategic vision with tactical execution in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Execution

• Define and implement operational strategies across all data center projects to meet performance, cost, and schedule goals.
• Lead site development, construction, and commissioning activities in Austin and future markets.
• Serve as the primary operational leader interfacing with executive leadership, investors, and strategic partners.
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and innovation across project teams.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee project budgets, schedules, risk management, and project controls.
• Drive value engineering, procurement strategies, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Ensure best-in-class QA/QC processes and integration of modern construction technologies.
• Develop and maintain high-level and detailed project schedules (Primavera, MS Project).

Team & Partner Development

• Build and mentor a multidisciplinary operations team, including project managers, engineers, and field staff.
• Establish and maintain relationships with contractors, design consultants, utilities, permitting authorities, and local stakeholders.
• Lead contractor selection processes and ensure alignment with corporate standards and project goals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with finance, design, sales, and executive leadership to ensure alignment and timely delivery.
• Communicate operational performance, risks, and mitigation plans to the board and investment partners.

Experience

• 15+ years in construction operations, program management, or large-scale data center delivery, including leadership roles.
• Proven record of delivering complex projects ($250MM+) on time and within budget.
• Experience in high-growth, entrepreneurial environments, ideally in infrastructure or mission-critical sectors.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
• Deep knowledge of project controls, cost reporting, and scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Familiarity with Austin's permitting and development landscape is a plus.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Shape the operational backbone of a next-gen data center platform.
• Leadership: Direct involvement in strategy and decision-making as part of the executive team.
• Growth: Help scale the business across new markets over the next 12–24 months.
• Equity Potential: Competitive compensation and meaningful ownership stake.

We're looking for a hands-on operator, a strategic thinker, and a builder who isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves to turn vision into reality.

If this sounds like you, let's build the future together.