Data Centre Program Manager (Damascus)

About the role

The Data Centre Program Manager will lead the end‑to‑end delivery of a new data centre in Damascus, overseeing land acquisition, permitting, design, construction, commissioning and transition to steady‑state operations. The role ensures the facility is built safely, on schedule, within budget and ready for 24/7 resilient service.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct land due diligence, acquisition support, zoning review and feasibility analysis.
• Define an integrated master program covering business case, schedule, budget, procurement, risk register and governance.
• Manage design development for electrical distribution, power equipment, cooling, fire protection, ELV, structured cabling, security and building management systems.
• Coordinate utilities, authorities and permitting bodies to secure all necessary approvals.
• Lead RFP/RFQ processes, evaluate bids, award contracts and manage commercial alignment with consultants, EPC contractors and specialist vendors.
• Monitor contractor performance against safety, quality, schedule, cost and technical compliance, escalating issues as needed.
• Control program baselines, manage change requests, validate invoices and report to executives.
• Oversee site mobilisation, civil works, MEP installation and integration of owner‑furnished and contractor‑furnished equipment.
• Develop and execute testing and commissioning plans, including FAT, SAT, integrated systems testing and operational acceptance.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing large‑scale data centre or industrial construction programmes.
• Strong knowledge of electrical, mechanical, cooling and fire protection systems.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams across real estate, legal, design, construction, utilities, IT, security, HSE, procurement and finance.
• Excellent risk management, change control and stakeholder communication skills.

Required skills

• HV/MV/LV electrical distribution
• Transformers, generators, UPS and battery systems
• Grounding systems
• Precision cooling, chilled water or DX cooling
• Fire alarm and fire suppression systems
• ELV and structured cabling
• Access control and CCTV
• BMS, EPMS and DCIM platforms