Critical Infrastructure Director

Critical Infrastructure Director

Company Description Forever On! From the start in 2008, T5 has been focused on supporting enterprise and hyperscale customers with customized data center solutions. Today, we remain dedicated to an unrivaled level of quality that extends across the lifecycle of the core data center ranging from customized turnkey development, facilities management and data center operations to customized construction needs worldwide! The worlds biggest companies trust T5 with their data center operations. At T5, our success is fueled by our team. With over 400 engineers, technicians and professional staff, were proud to foster an inclusive culture of excellence and progression thats dedicated to serving our customers
-Commitment to Diversity & Military Veterans-Battle-Tested Leadership Experience-100% Data Center Focused-Owner-Operator Mindset
The Critical Infrastructure Director is responsible for the strategy, procurement, technical oversight, and lifecycle management of all major mechanical and electrical infrastructure assets across T5 projects. This role serves as the single point of accountability for critical equipment from design and sourcing through manufacturing, delivery, commissioning, and operational turnover. The Director partners with Development, Engineering, Construction, Operations, Procurement, Legal, OEMs, and executive leadership to ensure critical infrastructure systems are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with T5 standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Leadership & Infrastructure Planning
• Develop and execute enterprise-wide strategies for critical infrastructure procurement, standardization, and lifecycle management.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for all critical mechanical and electrical infrastructure systems.
• Establish and maintain equipment standards, specifications, and Basis of Design (BOD) requirements across the T5 portfolio.
• Identify opportunities to improve reliability, scalability, constructability, and cost efficiency through equipment standardization.
• Provide executive leadership with strategic recommendations regarding equipment technologies, sourcing strategies, and supply chain risks.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, market innovations, and industry best practices.
• Market Intelligence & Vendor Management
• Develop and maintain executive-level relationships with OEMs, manufacturers, distributors, integrators, and service providers.
• Monitor market conditions, manufacturing capacity, supply chain disruptions, equipment availability, pricing trends, and lead times.
• Establish vendor scorecards and performance metrics to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Conduct factory visits and supplier assessments to evaluate manufacturing capabilities, production readiness, and quality standards.
• Lead vendor performance reviews and escalation management.
• Collaborate with contractors and subcontractors to identify industry best practices and procurement efficiencies.
• Procurement Strategy & Commercial Leadership
• Lead procurement for all major MEP infrastructure equipment across T5 projects, regardless of purchasing channel.
• Collaborate with the Legal team to establish and maintain Master Service Agreements (MSAs), warranty programs, attic stock strategies, and service agreements.
• Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, delivery schedules, warranties, performance guarantees, and procurement contracts.
• Develop market pricing, cost benchmarks, forecasting models, and total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses.
• Lead bid solicitation, RFQ development, scope evaluation, bid leveling, and vendor selection processes.
• Support project budgets, capital planning, cash-flow forecasting, and long-range procurement strategies.
• Manage procurement-related risk, cancellation exposure, change orders, and commercial disputes.
• Design Coordination & Technical Compliance
• Ensure equipment selections align with project requirements, design intent, operational objectives, and T5 standards.
• Review equipment submittals, technical specifications, compliance statements, and design changes.
• Validate equipment sizing, application suitability, and manufacturer capabilities.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Development, and Construction teams to ensure seamless integration of critical infrastructure systems.
• Maintain consistency between design documents, procurement packages, and construction requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, codes, regulatory requirements, and operational performance criteria.
• Manufacturing Oversight & Logistics Management
• Oversee equipment manufacturing progress from purchase order issuance through final delivery.
• Monitor production schedules and ensure alignment with project milestones.
• Lead recurring manufacturing and delivery reviews with vendors and project teams.
• Manage submittal workflows, procurement tracking, RFIs, and vendor deliverables.
• Review and approve factory witness test (FWT) plans, scripts, and reports.
• Coordinate manufacturing inspections and witness testing activities.
• Track shipment schedules, logistics plans, required-on-site dates, and delivery milestones.
• Oversee transportation, permitting, packaging, handling, staging, and storage requirements for critical equipment.
• Resolve manufacturing, shipping, and delivery issues that may impact project execution.
• Commissioning & Operational Readiness
• Ensure equipment is properly tested, documented, and prepared prior to shipment.
• Collaborate with commissioning agents, contractors, OEMs, and operations teams to maintain commissioning schedules.
• Review factory testing documentation, startup procedures, and commissioning requirements.
• Oversee vendor participation in commissioning activities, integrated systems testing (IST), and functional performance validation.
• Support NETA testing, deficiency tracking, resolution planning, and closeout activities.
• Ensure successful completion of Levels 2 through 5 commissioning and system readiness requirements.
• Verify equipment performance against design criteria and operational objectives prior to turnover.
• Operations, Turnover & Warranty Management
• Ensure complete delivery of O&M manuals, testing documentation, commissioning reports, and turnover packages.
• Coordinate owner training programs and operational readiness activities.
• Verify attic stock, spare parts, maintenance materials, and warranty deliverables are provided as required.
• Support development of long-term maintenance programs and service agreements.
• Maintain centralized records including equipment inventories, serial numbers, warranty terms, commissioning status, and service history.
• Lead equipment-related issue resolution during warranty periods.
• Capture lessons learned and incorporate continuous improvement initiatives into future projects.
• Risk Management & Executive Reporting
• Identify and mitigate equipment-related schedule, cost, quality, and operational risks.
• Maintain equipment risk registers and contingency plans for critical project milestones.
• Provide executive-level reporting on procurement status, supply chain conditions, manufacturing progress, delivery readiness, commissioning milestones, and warranty risks.
• Escalate critical issues and drive resolution strategies with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment between infrastructure readiness and overall project delivery objectives.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in mission-critical infrastructure, construction, engineering, procurement, or equipment program management.
• Significant experience managing major MEP infrastructure systems, including power generation, electrical distribution, UPS systems, cooling infrastructure, and associated controls.
• Experience in data center, mission-critical, industrial, utility, healthcare, or other large-scale infrastructure environments preferred.
• Demonstrated success negotiating complex equipment purchases, commercial agreements, and strategic supplier partnerships.
• Experience managing OEMs, manufacturers, contractors, consultants, and commissioning teams throughout the equipment lifecycle.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND COMPETENCIES

• Proficiency in cost-control and project management software (e.g., Procore, Sage, Yardi) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Visio, PDF)
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple vendors and cross-functional teams
• Knowledge of MEP systems, technical specifications, and commissioning processes
• Ability to travel frequently to project sites as required
• Handle confidential information in a sensitive and professional manner.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational, quantitative and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to approach problems both logically and creatively.
• A drive to exceed expectations and be part of a dynamic growing organization.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, time-management, and planning skills.

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