Director of Data Centre Construction

Job Title: Director of Data Centre Construction

Location: London, UK

Client:
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.

The 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.

The Role
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.
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.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the construction delivery strategy for hyperscale and colocation data centres across multiple regions.
• Provide executive oversight of multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and client requirements.
• Build and manage high-performing construction and project delivery teams.

Project Delivery & EPC Management

• Lead and oversee contractors, EPC partners, and specialist subcontractors (MEP, civil, structural).
• Ensure adherence to Uptime Institute Tier Standards, ISO, and health & safety regulations.
• Manage cost planning, scheduling, and risk management for projects ranging from tens to hundreds of MW IT load.
• Monitor progress through KPIs and ensure quality, safety, and compliance across all projects.

Stakeholder & Client Management

• Act as the senior interface with hyperscale clients, investors, regulators, and supply chain partners.
• Negotiate and manage key supplier/vendor agreements.
• Provide clear reporting and executive updates to C-suite and stakeholders.

Innovation & Sustainability

• Drive adoption of modular, prefabricated, and offsite construction methods to accelerate delivery.
• Champion sustainability initiatives (net-zero, embodied carbon reduction, renewable integration).
• Support ESG reporting and regulatory compliance across construction projects.

Skills & Qualifications
Essential:

• 15+ years of experience in large-scale construction project delivery, with at least 5+ years in data centres, hyperscale, or mission-critical facilities.
• Proven track record managing EPC contractors and multi-million-pound projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of MEP systems, structural engineering, modular builds, and commissioning.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects across different geographies.

Desirable:

• Chartered Engineer or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Project management certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, MSP).
• Experience working with hyperscale cloud providers and colocation operators.
• Deep knowledge of Tier III / Tier IV design & operational standards.