Transformational Area Leader – Data Centers

Overview

CDM Smith is seeking a Transformational Growth Area (TGA) Leader to spearhead our national strategy in the rapidly expanding data center market. This high‑impact role requires a visionary with a proven record of strategic leadership, business development, and technical delivery for data center clients. The ideal candidate may come from a background in project delivery or business development and will have demonstrated success guiding data center clients through all project phases—including consulting, engineering, design‑build, and EPC projects for power delivery, water systems, and civil/site works.

• Develop and implement TGA strategies and annual priorities to achieve ambitious growth objectives.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for consulting, engineering, design‑build, and EPC projects in the data center market.
• Align goals across marketing, sales, and delivery teams, collaborating with unit presidents and finance directors during budget planning to ensure investments support strategic goals.
• Communicate priorities and strategic direction changes to the Executive Leadership Team.
• Lead business development, client engagement, and strategic marketing for major data center clients in the U.S., focusing on expanding market share and building high‑value relationships.
• Oversee target markets, messaging, and key campaigns to reach new and existing clients.
• Monitor sales pipelines and partner with sales and marketing teams to optimize resources and investments.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to create and maintain TGA‑specific campaigns for brand awareness and lead generation, including content and promotional strategies.
• Provide input on messaging, storytelling, project selection, and thought leadership to strengthen market presence.
• Identify strategic hiring needs and support recruitment of key talent in partnership with unit leaders.
• Foster professional growth by coordinating training, conference participation, and involvement in professional societies.
• Hold regular meetings to align teams on priorities and progress, ensuring shared outcomes and accountability across units.
• Champion innovation and technical excellence by collaborating with our technology group to leverage advanced tools and approaches that enhance project delivery.
• Implement short‑ and long‑term strategies that contribute to the growth and profitability of CDM Smith in the data center sector.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 15 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering, construction, business, or a related field (MBA/MS/MA with applicable experience).
• Proven experience in strategic leadership, business development, and technical delivery for data center clients.
• Demonstrated success identifying and selling consulting, engineering, design‑build, and EPC projects for data centers, including power delivery, water systems, and civil/site works.
• Ability to align cross‑functional teams and drive collaborative outcomes.
• Experience developing and executing marketing campaigns, growth strategies, and EPC business development for industrial markets.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, and inspire high‑performing teams.
• Experience helping data center clients implement planning and capital projects, meet water management objectives, and address power requirements.
• Domestic travel may be required up to 30%, depending on workload and project demands.

CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth, and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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Minimum: $134,264 | Maximum: $248,394 (All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.)

United States – Nationwide