Director of Data Centre Construction

Job Description

Job Title: Director of Data Centre Construction\n\nLocation: London, UK\n\nClient: \n Our client is a global leader in digital infrastructure, operating one of the world’s most extensive networks of interconnected data centres. With a rapidly expanding portfolio across the UK and Europe, they provide the foundation for cloud, AI, and enterprise ecosystems by delivering resilient, secure, and sustainable facilities.\n\nThe organisation has a strong focus on hyperscale growth and xScale developments, partnering with the world’s largest cloud and technology companies to deliver multi-megawatt campuses. They are also deeply committed to sustainability, with ambitious targets for 100% renewable energy and net-zero operations, and a proven track record of innovation in energy efficiency, modular construction, and heat reuse initiatives.\n\nThe Role \n We are seeking a Director of Data Centre Construction to lead the delivery of large-scale, mission-critical data centre projects across the UK and Europe.

This is a senior leadership role overseeing the end-to-end construction lifecycle from design and planning, through procurement and EPC management, to commissioning and handover. \n The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to world-class technical standards, while driving innovation in sustainability, modular build techniques, and hyperscale delivery.\n\nKey Responsibilities \n Strategic Leadership\n\nDevelop and implement the construction delivery strategy for hyperscale and colocation data centres across multiple regions.\nProvide executive oversight of multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and client requirements.\nBuild and manage high-performing construction and project delivery teams.\n Project Delivery & EPC Management\n\nLead and oversee contractors, EPC partners, and specialist subcontractors (MEP, civil, structural).\nEnsure adherence to Uptime Institute Tier Standards, ISO, and health & safety regulations.\nManage cost planning, scheduling, and risk management for projects ranging from tens to hundreds of MW IT load.\nMonitor progress through KPIs and ensure quality, safety, and compliance across all projects.\n Stakeholder & Client Management\n\nAct as the senior interface with hyperscale clients, investors, regulators, and supply chain partners.\nNegotiate and manage key supplier/vendor agreements.\nProvide clear reporting and executive updates to C-suite and stakeholders.\n Innovation & Sustainability\n\nDrive adoption of modular, prefabricated, and offsite construction methods to accelerate delivery.\nChampion sustainability initiatives (net-zero, embodied carbon reduction, renewable integration).\nSupport ESG reporting and regulatory compliance across construction projects.\n\nSkills & Qualifications \n Essential:\n\n15+ years of experience in large-scale construction project delivery, with at least 5+ years in data centres, hyperscale, or mission-critical facilities.\nProven track record managing EPC contractors and multi-million-pound projects.\nStrong technical knowledge of MEP systems, structural engineering, modular builds, and commissioning.\nExceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.\nAbility to manage multiple concurrent projects across different geographies.\n Desirable:\n\nChartered Engineer or equivalent professional accreditation.\nProject management certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, MSP).\nExperience working with hyperscale cloud providers and colocation operators.\nDeep knowledge of Tier III / Tier IV design & operational standards