Unlocking Project Success in Mexico’s Data Hubs
At Soben, part of Accenture, our success in delivering complex capital projects is built on the expertise of our people. In Mexico, one of those leaders is Luis Guadarrama, Lead Contracts Manager, whose career reflects both technical precision and a deep understanding of the local market.
Luis first started his career in supply chain operations, but it was the strategic impact of procurement and contracting that captured his attention. The challenge of aligning vendors, managing compliance, and balancing tight timelines became his passion. “Well-managed contracts unlock project success and build stakeholder trust,” he explains. That focus has guided him across some of the region’s most significant projects, including Queretaro’s data centres and substation developments. In those roles, his ability to coordinate specialized equipment deliveries and close contracts under pressure proved essential.
Not every project runs smoothly, and Luis has faced his share of curveballs. On one occasion, a power factor issue threatened to disrupt operations at a major data centre. Luis led a coordinated response involving multiple vendors, capacitor bank rentals, and OFCI equipment reconfiguration. The experience reinforced his belief in agility, collaboration, and clear leadership when challenges arise.
Looking ahead, Luis sees procurement and contracting in LATAM entering a new era shaped by digital transformation. He predicts AI-driven procurement, predictive analytics, and sustainability-linked contracts will soon define the industry. He is already preparing for that future by integrating sustainability clauses into agreements and keeping close to vendor and AI developments. For him, leadership in this evolving landscape means staying adaptable and decisive, while being transparent with teams navigating change.
When it comes to leading people, Luis is both structured and collaborative. He manages contract managers, procurement analysts, and project coordinators of varying seniority, setting clear goals but also encouraging ownership and input. He values integrity, initiative, and attention to detail, describing his team as resilient, precise, and committed. One highlight was their success in closing out OFCI LLE packages for Queretaro’s data centres ahead of schedule, despite complex clearance and invoicing challenges.
For those joining his team, Luis looks beyond resumes. He seeks curiosity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, encouraging candidates to understand how their role fits into the bigger business picture. New hires can expect structured onboarding, early exposure to projects, and clear expectations. “Clarity beats complexity. The best leaders simplify the path forward,” he says; a lesson he carries into every role.
Outside of work, Luis enjoys grilling meat, which he jokes isn’t so different from contract management: balancing the right elements to get the perfect result. His day starts with a strong Americano, and after intense projects he recharges outdoors, reflecting on lessons learned before moving forward.
Luis’ story is a powerful reminder of how local expertise, strong leadership, and structured processes come together to deliver certainty in capital projects. For Soben, part of Accenture, his journey reflects exactly how we combine global reach with local knowledge to meet the growing demands of Mexico’s data centre market.
Inspired by Luis’s journey? Why not join his team and be part of some of the most exciting Data Centre developments across LATAM. Check out our open roles at www.sobencc.com/careers. To find out more about Soben’s consultancy services in LATAM you can contact Luis on the details below: