Project Delivery Director (Japan), APAC

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Position Overview

Vantage is looking for a driven Project Delivery Director (Japan), APAC to provide overall leadership for our growing project delivery team and key internal stakeholders as we expand within Japan.

This position will oversee the requisite entitlement/permitting processes in Japan and all aspects of construction across projects in Osaka and the broader Kansai region.

As a leader, you will be responsible for managing multiple projects and teams as well as ensuring all projects are in alignment with strategic corporate objectives. Collaboration and integration in the sales lifecycle process including client interface is integral to the role. Coordination and translation of requirements from Vantage’s internal subject matter experts ensures long-term operational sustainability is preserved while driving optimized construction delivery. The role is based in Osaka.

Essential Job Functions

Development, standardization, and management of the overall Japan construction program to ensure that projects are delivered consistently while adapting to local regulatory and construction practices (drive for standardization that reduces cycle time and cost)

Assist in the development of project tools, processes, and procedures that ensure the “perfect project” is launched every time within the Japan market (execute, refine, repeat)

Assist the Delivery function to define and develop key business engagement processes that enable leadership to make efficient and informed decisions

Develop comprehensive QA/QC programs that prevent problems from occurring and identify risks early in the project life cycle

Actively engage with peer-level team members including Operations, Operations Engineering, Procurement, Engineering, Finance, and Executive leadership to develop and partner on the initiatives above

Lead, through delegation to the team, all aspects of construction including pre-construction, design, permitting, entitlements, competitive bidding, team selection, construction, commissioning, and project closeout in accordance with Japanese codes and regulatory requirements

Hold the project team accountable to create and manage project budgets and establish monthly forecasts including variances

Lead by example to ensure the project team drives coordination and integration of internal stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle

Duties

• Manage campus-wide execution of development projects in Japan from concept through commissioning and prepare various reports on a monthly and/or quarterly basis
• Own resource allocation and project workflow for direct reports and third-party workforce
• Drive day-to-day construction decisions to resolution
• QA/QC work products of direct reports and confirm accuracy. Manage inputs and delivery of work products from internal team members to ensure that new data center spaces comply with all applicable requirements (BOD, specifications, Japanese building codes, fire regulations, lease requirements, etc.)
• RFP creation and management for capital projects and customer builds
• Establish project budgets and submit approval packages to executive leadership
• Support Sales in customer engagement and fulfillment of requirements as tied to leases and manage delivery in accordance with lease obligations
• Partner with Senior Director of Construction Cost and Finance to produce monthly project forecasts including variance analyses as well as execution of master service agreements (MSA) and project authorizations for new and existing contractors and vendors
• Vendor/Contractor management including qualification and relationship building/maintenance within the Japan construction ecosystem
• Review monthly billing with direct reports, confirm substantiation, and audit against budget
• Ensure lessons learned are conducted and integrated into feedback loops to drive continuous improvement
• Ensure project team complies with VDC project turnover documentation requirements to Operations
• Work closely with Operations to coordinate design criteria and construction with ongoing maintenance and operation of existing facilities

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or similar field, or equivalent experience
• 7–10 years of experience in a management role required, 10 to 15 years preferred
• Data center or mission-critical facility experience is required
• Experience in CSA (civil, structural, architectural) and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) construction management is required
• Strong understanding of Japanese permitting, entitlement, and regulatory processes
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and project management tools such as MS Project or Primavera P6
• Business-level Japanese and English language proficiency required
• Travel required is expected to be approximately 10–20% within Japan but may increase over time as the business evolves

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.