Project Executive (General Contractor – Mission Critical / Data Centers)

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. 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.

 

 

 

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 civil, structural, architectural, and 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 
• Ensure all installations meet design intent, commissioning requirements, and client standards 

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 

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

As one of the nation’s largest MEP companies, Southland Industries is built on the foundation of great people. Since 1949, we have put our people first, enabling growth, professional achievement, and innovation. If you want to join a fast-paced environment where you’re engaged, challenged, and valued, apply now to join our dynamic team.

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

 

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

 

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).

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