Job Summary
The Senior Project Manager is responsible for the end‑to‑end delivery of data centre construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring each one is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and safety standards.
Acting as a key leader within the Projects function, you will provide expert guidance, remove blockers, and maintain oversight across multiple concurrent project streams. You will report regularly to the Project Director and Programme Controller, ensuring compliance with VIRTUS project governance, demand processes, and escalation pathways.
You will act as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders throughout the full project lifecycle, ensuring smooth transition into Operations at completion. A commitment to excellent health and safety practices, continual improvement, and our core values is essential.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the successful delivery of construction and infrastructure works across the VIRTUS project portfolio.
* Provide line management to Technical Operations Project Managers across VIRTUS UK Operations
* Ensure project scope is fully defined, documented, and controlled, avoiding scope creep and cost overruns.
* Oversee coordination of works with contractors, consultants, construction teams, FM teams, and third-party suppliers.
* Manage and track all required change controls, ensuring impacts are captured and approved.
* Mentor and support project teams across the portfolio, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
* Deputise for the Project Director during periods of absence as required.
* Champion outstanding health & safety performance across all project sites.
* Oversee commissioning activities with support from internal/external specialists prior to operational handover.
* Produce and manage snagging lists to ensure comprehensive project closeout.
* Apply robust risk, issue, and change management practices, escalating early where necessary.
Stakeholder & Financial Management
* Provide clear, concise weekly reporting to the Project Director.
* Engage directly with VIRTUS customers, providing progress updates and professional representation of the business.
* Manage external consultants and supply partners, ensuring accountability and performance against agreed deliverables.
* Maintain accurate financial tracking aligned with approved business cases.
Operational Excellence
* Deliver structured handover packages to VIRTUS Operations, ensuring readiness for final acceptance.
* Support works across other VIRTUS sites where required.
* Lead lessons‑learned activities and champion best practices across the Project Management function.
* Prepare purchase requisitions and obtain third‑party quotations.
Success Indicators (First 12 Months)
* 80% of projects delivered on time and on budget (excluding justified external factors).
* 100% of projects achieve ≥85% on Principal Designer audits.
* 100% of projects receive fortnightly HS audits during construction.
* 100% of projects have supplier reviews completed before RFS.
* Zero Red/Amber projects without a demonstrable back‑to‑Green plan.
* All projects have baselines loaded into ServiceNow within one week of assignment.
* Customer feedback captured and published for all projects.
* Lessons learned captured and disseminated for every project in the portfolio.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
* Extensive experience delivering data centre or mission‑critical infrastructure projects.
* Demonstrable experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
* Strong project planning, scheduling, and programme management capability.
* Proven ability to manage budgets, project financials, and commercial processes.
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
* Strong risk, issue, and change management experience.
* High proficiency with MS Office and MS Project.
* Strong understanding of construction, M&E, and commissioning processes.
* PRINCE2, APM, PMI or similar project management certification.
* Technical background or trade qualification in engineering (critical environments advantageous).
* Experience leading or coaching project teams.
* Experience working within a matrix organisation.
* Highly organised, calm under pressure, and methodical in delivery.
* Confident leader capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
* Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and decision‑making skills.
* High integrity, approachable, and collaborative.
* Proactive, solutions‑focused mindset with strong accountability.
* Promotes a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Additional Recommended Skills & Criteria to Consider Adding
Below are optional enhancements that reflect modern best practice in senior project management within mission‑critical environments:
Technical & Industry‑Specific
* Experience with Tier III/Tier IV design principles
* Understanding of power systems, cooling, and critical M&E infrastructure
* Familiarity with CDM regulations and Principal Contractor responsibilities
* Knowledge of sustainability considerations (BREEAM, energy efficiency, embodied carbon)
Project Controls & Governance
* Experience with digital project management tools (ServiceNow, Power BI dashboards, Primavera P6)
* Experience establishing KPIs and reporting frameworks
* Experience running gateway reviews and project assurance processes
Leadership & People Development
* Ability to shape and drive a high‑performance project delivery culture
* Strong coaching and mentoring capability
* Experience with procurement strategy and contract negotiation
* Ability to develop cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality
* Proven track record presenting to senior executives or external clients
* Ability to manage complex customer requirements in a live operational environment
* Experience applying Lean, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methods
* Ability to identify process inefficiencies and implement improvements
* Commitment to developing project management standards and playbooks
Additional Information
In line with VIRTUS’ Vetting Policy, the successful applicant must be willing to undergo a BS7858 screening process. VIRTUS is an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment. We reserve the right to close this post for applications should sufficient applications be received.
Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully
VIRTUS Data Centres does not accept unsolicited support from search firms for employment openings. CVs/resumes submitted by search firms to any VIRTUS employee without an active, written search agreement for a specified role will become the property of VIRTUS. No fees will be paid for candidates hired from agency submissions made without such an agreement. Existing agency partnerships must adhere to position-specific terms outlined in their agreements. Please refrain from calling or emailing regarding this matter.
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