Deputy Project CEO (Data Centres)
NEOM, Saudi Arabia
Permanent opportunity European Nationals
Leading a landmark initiative within one of the world's most ambitious emerging technology ecosystems, it forms a core part of NEOM's vision to develop globally significant digital and advanced infrastructure.
The project benefits from exceptional international connectivity and has been designed with sustainability, efficiency, and long-term scalability at its core.
At maturity, the development will support a broad range of advanced computing and digital applications, serving both regional and global stakeholders across industry, research, and government.
This role offers a rare opportunity to join a high impact programme at an early stage, contributing to a transformative platform that will play a key role in shaping the future of digital infrastructure in the Kingdom and beyond.
Role Overview
The Deputy PCGM supports the Head of PCGM in the delivery and governance of complex, large-scale infrastructure assets. The role holds day-to-day responsibility for end-to-end project management across multiple facilities, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in full compliance with governance, technical, and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
End-to-End Project Delivery
- Lead the full project lifecycle for multiple facilities, including Data Centres, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), hydrogen-fired generation assets, GIS substations, seawater cooling systems, offsite cabling, grid substation modifications, and hydrogen handling infrastructure.
- Coordinate interdependencies across utilities, power, cooling, and digital infrastructure packages.
Project Financial Management
- Lead project financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control activities.
- Ensure financial alignment across all project phases, identifying and mitigating cost and funding risks proactively.
Stakeholder & Board Engagement
- Maintain proactive engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, government authorities, regulators, and JV partners.
- Provide clear, accurate reporting on project progress, risks, and key milestones.
- Support and contribute to formal Board reporting and governance processes.
Project Leadership & Governance
- Lead pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases, including EPC tendering, selection, onboarding, and mobilisation.
- Own and maintain integrated project plans, schedules, budgets, and execution strategies.
EPC & Delivery Management
- Oversee EPC contractor performance, ensuring delivery of construction, commissioning, and system integration activities.
- Enforce HSE requirements and quality standards throughout the project lifecycle.
Budget & Cost Control
- Monitor expenditures and cash flow to ensure projects remain within approved budgets.
- Identify, manage, and mitigate financial risks during execution phases, including Gate 3 and delivery stages.
Risk & Change Management
- Identify project, technical, commercial, and execution risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Ensure contingency and change management processes are in place to address unforeseen issues.
Handover & Close-Out
- Lead handover and commissioning activities, ensuring all facilities are fully operational and meet contractual and technical requirements.
- Oversee final inspections, documentation, and formal project close-out processes.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
- Minimum of 20 years experience in project management, with significant experience delivering large-scale data centre and critical infrastructure projects.
- Strong understanding of project finance, SPV structures, and capital project governance.
- Proven experience delivering complex infrastructure projects in the KSA.
- Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities.
