About the Role:
As the Finance Sr. Director for Direct Line Global, you will serve as the embedded finance leader for a high-growth, project-driven data center services business operating at scale across global markets. Direct Line is a critical component of CBRE's Data Center Services platform, delivering white space installation, IT infrastructure deployment, and commissioning services to hyperscale clients including Meta, Microsoft, and Google. This role is the primary financial steward for a business where revenue flows through general contractors and hyperscale relationships simultaneously, creating complexity in revenue recognition, cost management, and margin visibility that demands strong financial leadership.
What You'll Do:
Lead, develop, and manage the Direct Line finance team, including performance management, hiring, and capability building as the function scales.
Plan, approve, and execute budgeting, forecasting, strategic planning, and management reporting cycles - including monthly close, QBR preparation, and integration-related reporting for the CIS leadership team.
Build and own the financial operating model for a project-based business, including revenue recognition across direct hyperscale and general contractor-routed contract structures, labor cost management, and project margin tracking.
Partner with the Direct Line COO and VP of Finance for DCS to establish financial governance, reporting cadence, and KPI frameworks in a business that is actively integrating into the broader CBRE platform.
Assist executive management with setting strategic direction for the business.
Identify and drive CBRE synergy capture opportunities, including vendor consolidation onto CBRE procurement platforms and leveraging CBRE's global scale to improve cost structures.
Establish departmental priorities, develop financial policies and procedures, and serve as the primary finance point of contact for Direct Line operations leadership.
Review and approve capex projects under company approval guidelines.
Apply deep knowledge of project economics, revenue recognition (particularly percentage-of-completion and milestone-based structures), and multi-entity reporting across a globally distributed services business.
Operate credibly with senior leadership across CBRE DCS and CIS, and navigate cross-functional priorities between Direct Line, the broader data center platform, and CBRE corporate.
Drive financial integration workstreams, including system alignment, chart of accounts standardization, and reporting normalization as Direct Line moves onto CBRE platforms.
Direct resolution of complex business problems, including those involving revenue mix shifts, general contractor-vs-direct client profitability differences, and cost structure optimization in a high-velocity project environment.
What You'll Need:
To perform this job successfully, an individual will need to perform each crucial duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Bachelor's degree preferred with 12 to 15 years of relevant experience; combination of education and experience considered.
Background in project-based or services businesses strongly preferred; experience in data center, construction, technology services, or field services environments is a plus.
Demonstrated ability to build financial infrastructure from the ground up, including reporting frameworks, governance cadence, and controls, in a business undergoing integration or significant change.
Experience in staffing, development, coaching, and performance management of finance teams.
Ability to exchange sensitive and complex financial information with senior leaders and operating partners; comfortable presenting to executive audiences without a well-established playbook.
Leadership skills to motivate teams and drive operational accountability in a decentralized, field-driven business.
Experience navigating revenue recognition complexity across contract @types (fixed-price, T&M, milestone-based) and customer structures (direct vs. general contractor-routed).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP and project accounting systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, or equivalent) preferred.
Expert analytical and quantitative skills; ability to translate operational data into financial insight and executive-ready narrative.
Why CBRE
When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values - respect, integrity, service and excellence - and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.
Our Values in Hiring
At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.
Disclaimers
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Applicant AI Use Disclosure
We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.
About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage serving, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.
Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We have a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company's success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at recruitingaccommodations@cbre.com or via telephone at +1 866 225 3099 (U.S.) and +1 866 388 4346 (Canada).
CBRE, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer (Women/Minorities/Persons with Disabilities/US Veterans)
