Mission Critical Project Executive

Position Summary

This is a unique opportunity to lead cutting-edge, large-scale data center projects as our organization expands into a Prime Contractor role. You will help define how we deliver mission-critical projects at scale - combining MEP expertise with full-scope GC leadership - while working on some of the most complex and high-impact builds in the industry.

We are seeking a Project Executive with deep General Contractor (GC) experience and a proven track record delivering large-scale, mission-critical data center projects. This role will lead projects where our MEP organization is serving as the Prime Contractor, taking full accountability for end-to-end project delivery across all trades.

This individual must bring a builder-first mindset, strong technical fluency in MEP systems, and the ability to lead highly complex, fast-paced projects with zero tolerance for downtime, quality issues, or schedule slip.

Position Details

Full-Scope Project Leadership (Prime/GC Role)

Serve as the shared point of accountability for project delivery (safety, schedule, cost, quality)

Lead execution of hyperscale / mission critical data center projects ($100M–$1B+)

Oversee all scopes including MEP trades

Drive alignment across design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and turnover

Mission Critical Execution

Ensure successful delivery of high-availability systems (power, cooling, redundancy, commissioning)

Lead teams in achieving strict uptime, redundancy (N/N+1/2N), and commissioning standards

Integrate phased turnovers, early energization, and critical path systems startup

Partner with commissioning teams to ensure seamless Level 1–5 commissioning processes

Preconstruction & Strategic Planning

Lead front-end planning including logistics, phasing, procurement strategy, and long-lead equipment alignment (switchgear, generators, chillers, etc.)

Drive constructability reviews and value engineering specific to mission critical environments

Build and manage aggressive, milestone-driven schedules with a focus on speed-to-market

Contract & Commercial Management

Own the prime contract and all subcontractor/vendor agreements

Manage large-scale project financials including forecasting, cost control, and margin protection

Lead change management in a high-volume, fast-paced environment

Proactively manage risk, claims, and dispute resolution

Client Leadership (Hyperscale/Enterprise Clients)

Serve as primary interface with sophisticated data center clients (hyperscalers, colocation providers)

Lead executive-level reporting, schedule reviews, and risk discussions

Build trust through transparency, urgency, and consistent delivery

Field & Team Leadership

Lead and align large, matrixed teams (Project Managers, Superintendents, Engineers, external trade partners)

Drive coordination between field operations and technical MEP teams

Develop and mentor next-generation leaders within the organization

Safety & Quality

Champion a zero-incident safety culture

Enforce strict QA/QC standards aligned with mission critical expectations

Qualifications

Required

7-10+ years of construction experience with significant tenure in a General Contractor role

Proven success delivering large-scale mission critical/data center projects ($100M+; hyperscale preferred)

Experience leading projects with responsibility for all trades as the Prime/GC

Deep understanding of MEP systems in mission critical environments (power distribution, backup systems, cooling infrastructure)

Strong expertise in CPM scheduling, cost control, contracts, and risk management

Demonstrated ability to operate in fast-track, high-pressure environments

Candidates must be willing and able to travel up to 50% of the time. Travel requirements will typically range from 40%-50%, depending on business needs.

Preferred

Experience with hyperscale clients (e.g., large cloud providers) or major colocation developers

Background in MEP contracting with transition into GC/Prime leadership

Familiarity with commissioning processes (Level 1–5) and integrated systems testing

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

PMP, CCM, or similar certification

Benefits

As a 100% employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family:

401(k) plan with 50% company match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting

Medical, dental, and vision insurance (100% paid for employee)

Annual bonus program based upon performance, achievement, and company profitability

Term life, AD&D insurance, and voluntary life insurance

Disability income protection insurance

Pre-tax flexible spending plans (health and dependent care)

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays, vacation, and personal time

Training/professional development opportunities and company-paid memberships for professional associations and licenses

Wellness benefits

About Southland Industries

To learn more about careers at Southland, explore our career opportunities, follow us on social media, and check out our website.

Contingent Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks, and professional reference checks. Roles that include driving as an essential job duty will be required to have a successful Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

External Agency Announcement: Its Southland Industries' policy not to accept candidate submissions from recruiting agencies without an active and authorized work order. Candidate ownership can only be established after a bona fide work order is issued by a member of the Southland Industries Talent Acquisition team and the candidate is appropriately submitted through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS).