Principal Project Manager

Principal Project Manager

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we're delivering some of New Zealand's most complex and critical infrastructure projects. As a Principal Project Manager, you'll play a key role in strengthening our Project Management capability while leading the successful delivery of major data centre projects for global clients. This position offers the opportunity to influence both project outcomes and the continued growth of Jacobs' presence in the rapidly expanding mission-critical infrastructure market across New Zealand.

Working closely with clients, contractors and multidisciplinary teams, you'll provide leadership across the design and construction lifecycle, helping to deliver facilities that support the future of digital infrastructure. You'll also contribute to Jacobs' broader project delivery excellence by fostering collaboration, managing risk and building lasting client relationships.

Role Summary

We're seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead the delivery of major data centre projects from design development through to construction support. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who enjoys being deeply involved in project delivery, working collaboratively with clients, consultants and contractors to drive successful outcomes.

The successful candidate will manage complex stakeholder relationships, oversee project governance and commercial performance, and provide leadership throughout the project lifecycle. While data centre experience is essential, we're equally interested in candidates who have delivered large-scale, technically complex building or mission-critical projects and understand the challenges associated with design development, procurement, constructability and project execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of major data centre and mission-critical projects through design, procurement and construction phases.
• Act as the primary interface between clients, contractors, consultants and key project stakeholders.
• Drive project performance across scope, programme, budget, risk and quality objectives.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and support design development, constructability reviews and project execution activities.
• Provide commercial oversight and contribute to business growth through strong client engagement and opportunity development.
• Mentor and support project teams while fostering a collaborative, delivery-focused culture.

Here's what you'll need

• Demonstrated experience delivering data centre projects, ideally across design and construction phases.
• Strong background managing complex building, mission-critical or major infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to work directly with clients, contractors, vendors and multidisciplinary consultant teams.
• Experience navigating design development, procurement, constructability reviews and project delivery challenges.
• Degree qualification in Engineering, Construction, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with a practical, hands-on approach to project delivery.

Location: This role can be based anywhere in New Zealand. Candidates currently based overseas with relevant data centre experience are encouraged to apply, and relocation may be considered for exceptional candidates.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we've gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You'll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you'll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

Māori and Pasifika peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. Jacobs aims to provide cultural safety at our interviews. Māori and Pasifika people are invited to nominate a Whanau, family or cultural representative to participate on the interview panel; please let your recruiter know in your application.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.