Project Director

Role: Lead Owner Representative (PM)

Employment Type: Full-time

Project Location: Kouvola, Finland

Rotation: 10 – 4 from Country of Residence to Kouvola, Finland

Company Overview:

GagaMuller is a Project Management Consultancy with specific divisions focused on Project Management, Project Controls, Cost Management, Data Analytics and Digital Transformation.
GagaMuller aims to consistently lead the industry through a proactive, innovative, data-driven approach that enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of project delivery.
GagaMuller empowers people and organisations to build with data.
We are continuously hiring Project Managers, Planners & Quantity Surveyors across numerous large scale Data Center projects in Ireland, UK and across multiple locations in Europe. So please email your cv to info@gagamuller.com if you are interested in some of our other open roles.

Role Description:

We are seeking an experienced Lead Owner Representative to oversee the execution of a hyperscale €500 million, 50MW+ data centre project. You will act as the key representative for the client, providing leadership across the CSA and MEP disciplines, ensuring seamless coordination between project teams.
This role offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing team, engage in strategic decision-making, and manage risk across the project's entire lifecycle—from design through to handover. You will be responsible for ensuring the project meets financial, schedule, quality, and compliance targets, acting as the primary decision-maker for critical on-site matters.
The ideal candidate will have strong commercial acumen, technical expertise across multiple disciplines, and a proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments. This is a fast-paced, client-facing role suited to someone who thrives on strategic oversight and effective execution.
With a market-leading client base and the opportunity to take the lead on strategic commissions and high-profile projects, this is an exciting time to join the business unit and grow a career with GagaMuller.

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal leadership role, providing an opportunity to play a key role in the client's team while overseeing an expert project management function. The individual will be responsible for aligning contractor performance, cost control, and technical execution to deliver the project successfully.

ResponsibilitiesAs the Lead Owner Representative, you will:Project Leadership & Delivery
Take full ownership of project delivery, ensuring all aspects align with client objectives and contractual agreements.Provide strategic oversight across CSA, MEP, and commercial teams to maintain a cohesive and integrated project approach.Drive overall project progress, proactively identifying risks and opportunities to mitigate delays and cost overruns.Ensure design, procurement, construction, and commissioning processes adhere to the highest industry standards while staying within budget and schedule constraints.Maintain a deep understanding of commercial contracts, identifying potential claims, variations, and cost impacts before they escalate.Serve as the primary liaison between the client and project stakeholders, ensuring all teams are aligned and working towards shared project goals.

Technical & Operational Oversight
Review and approve design deliverables and installation methodologies, ensuring buildability, safety, and compliance with industry standards.Oversee CSA and MEP construction execution, ensuring that installations meet regulatory requirements, operational standards, and sustainability goals.Chair key progress meetings with contractors, designers, and client representatives, ensuring clear communication and accountability.Lead commissioning and handover processes, ensuring operational readiness and performance validation of all installed systems.Ensure seamless integration of structural, envelope, and MEP systems into the overall facility lifecycle.

Commercial & Contractual Management
Oversee project budgets, working with cost management teams to ensure financial transparency and control.Manage contractor performance and commercial negotiations, ensuring efficient resolution of disputes or claims.Evaluate and approve value engineering proposals, change orders, and alternative solutions to maintain cost and schedule integrity.Ensure contractors adhere to contractual obligations, mitigating risk exposure for the client.

Stakeholder & Team Management
Lead a team of Owner Representatives across multiple disciplines, ensuring clarity on roles and responsibilities.Act as a mentor, ensuring continuous knowledge sharing and upskilling of the project team.Provide high-level reports to senior leadership, ensuring that key risks, constraints, and opportunities are clearly communicated.Foster a collaborative and solutions-focused project environment, working closely with consultants, engineers, and commercial managers.

In Country Requirements
On-Site Requirement: Candidates are required to be on-site full-time; however, they are not expected to reside in the country full-time.Rotation Cycle: The project operates on a 10-4 rotation cycle over a two-week period. Alternatively, a 5-2 workweek rotation may be considered if the candidate can be on-site by 12:00 on Monday and remain until 15:00 on Friday.Travel Allowance: A monthly flight allowance is provided.Accommodation: Suitable accommodation located within 45 minutes of the site will be arranged and covered by the company.Transportation: Employees with a valid driving licence will be eligible for the use of an in-country leased vehicle.Living Costs: The company will cover other associated in-country living expenses to ensure a smooth and focused project experience.

Qualifications
Minimum 12+ years experience in project delivery, ideally within mission-critical or large-scale commercial projects.Relevant qualifications in Project Management, Building Services Engineering or Quantity SurveyingProven expertise in project leadership, with a track record of successfully managing contracts, risk, and multidisciplinary teams.Extensive experience in budget management, cost control, and commercial governance of large construction projects.Strong working knowledge of MEP systems, with an ability to integrate these into a broader project strategy.Proven ability to navigate complex contractual landscapes, proactively identifying financial and legal risks.Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, and conflict-resolution skills.Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements within the European data centre or commercial construction market.

What Experience We Are Looking For
A strong background in CSA, MEP, or commercial leadership with expertise in complex project coordination.A track record of overseeing entire project lifecycles, from design inception to operational handover.Experience leading contractor negotiations, change management, and claims resolution in high-value projects.Deep understanding of cost planning, commercial forecasting, and contract execution.The ability to effectively lead teams of technical experts while maintaining a strategic project focus.A history of client-side engagement, acting as the key interface between stakeholders, designers, and construction teams.

Benefits:
Comprehensive healthcare coverage.Generous company pension contribution.Competitive annual leave allowance and work-life balance benefits.State-of-the-art technology and hardware.Social and fitness initiatives for employee well-being.Collaborative office environment that values teamwork and open communication.Mentoring and professional development opportunities.

Join GagaMuller and be part of a dynamic team that values your growth, well-being, and professional development. Apply now and contribute to our exciting projects that drive digital innovation and transformation.