Vice President, Data Center Markets

Company Overview

Upchurch is a rapidly growing, full-service building engineering company providing mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across the southeastern United States. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Horn Lake, MS, Upchurch has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, establishing a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and service excellence. We offer end-to-end solutions—from design and installation to ongoing maintenance and emergency support—helping clients maximize building performance, energy efficiency, and equipment lifespan.

About This Opportunity

Upchurch is looking for a visionary, results-oriented Vice President, Data Center Markets to lead our growth strategy in one of construction’s most dynamic sectors.

As a key executive, you will drive the identification, pursuit, and expansion of major mechanical construction opportunities across hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data center programs. This is a rare chance to help define Upchurch’s role in the mission-critical market, working closely with renowned owners, developers, and contractors.

This is not a typical sales role. We seek an industry leader, strategist, and builder who understands every phase of major data center projects—from pursuit through delivery and expansion. You will leverage your industry relationships, market foresight, and operational expertise to position Upchurch as the mechanical partner of choice on leading digital infrastructure projects globally.

You will partner with executive leadership, estimating, preconstruction, operations, VDC, prefabrication, project management, safety, and service teams, driving sustainable and profitable growth.

Why Join Upchurch?

• Shape and lead Upchurch’s strategy in the rapidly growing data center market

• Build executive-level relationships with hyperscale providers, colocation developers, enterprise owners, and general contractors

• Influence projects from initial strategy through award and execution

• Drive growth in an industry powered by AI, cloud, and digital transformation

• Collaborate with a skilled team recognized for technical excellence and innovation

• Build a lasting legacy and play a pivotal role in Upchurch’s next phase of growth

Key Responsibilities

Drive Market Growth & Strategy

• Develop and implement Upchurch’s data center growth strategy, business development plan, and revenue goals

• Identify emerging opportunities, geographic expansion areas, and target customers

• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified opportunities (6-24 months out)

• Track market trends including site selection, power availability, permitting, investments, and evolving technologies

Build Executive-Level Industry Relationships

• Cultivate strong relationships with hyperscale providers, data center developers, enterprise owners, and major GC/MEP partners

• Position Upchurch for early engagement and invited pursuits

• Expand our presence within key accounts and maintain strategic account status

• Serve as Upchurch’s ambassador in the mission-critical community

Lead Pursuit & Capture Strategy

• Direct go/no-go and pursuit decisions aligned to market opportunity

• Create winning capture strategies, account plans, and distinct competitive positioning

• Lead executive presentations, interviews, negotiations, and awards

• Expand opportunities for early engagement delivery models: design-build, prefabrication, and modularization

Collaborate Across the Business

• Work with Estimating and Preconstruction to craft competitive, executable solutions

• Align new opportunities with Operations and Project Leadership

• Support seamless transitions from business development through project execution

• Foster an environment of collaboration, accountability, and customer focus

Protect & Grow Strategic Accounts

• Serve as executive sponsor for major clients and programs

• Negotiate terms balancing client needs and sustainable business goals

• Drive repeat business, campus expansion, lifecycle services, and retention

• Maintain accurate forecasts and deliver actionable market intelligence

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or equivalent

• 15+ years’ experience in commercial or industrial mechanical construction

• At least 5 years senior leadership in business development, operations, preconstruction, or business unit roles

• 7+ years leading and winning major mechanical work in data centers/mission-critical markets

• Demonstrated success in securing large-scale construction projects

• Strong network with data center owners, developers, hyperscale operators, and general contractors

• Ability to travel up to 50%, including overnight to customer/project sites and events

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience on hyperscale and colocation data center programs

• Background with self-performing mechanical contractors, GCs, or owner-side teams

• Knowledge using prefabrication and modular construction as a competitive differentiator

• Experience in regional operations, business leadership, or P&L ownership

• Active participation in industry organizations (7x24 Exchange, AFCOM, ASHRAE, ABC, AGC)

Benefits:

• Competitive pay based on experience.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off and holiday pay.

• Opportunities for professional development and certification assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.