Head of Data Centre Design
We're looking for a senior, hands-on technical leader to own the end-to-end design governance of our data centre projects. Over the next 6-9 months, you'll be the technical authority coordinating design work across external engineering teams, working closely with our site sourcing team on project briefs and delivery.Once established, you'll build and lead a team to optimize our reference architecture as we scale globally.
This isn't a typical data centre role you'll be working at the intersection of HPC infrastructure, energy systems, and thermal network integration.
* Own and develop our data centre reference architecture and technical standards
* Lead technical review, challenge, and sign-off of all externally produced designs
* Provide hands-on oversight across M&E disciplines—power architecture, high-density cooling, heat recovery interfaces
* Manage day-to-day relationships with architects, MEP consultants, and design-build contractors
* Support construction and commissioning teams with rapid technical decision-making
* Translate technical strategy into clear Employer's Requirements and design briefs
* Ensure designs meet HPC performance requirements, resilience targets, and heat-reuse objectives
Essential:
* 8-12+ years in data centre or mission-critical facility design with strong M&E background
* Proven experience as technical authority over third-party designs
* Track record delivering complex engineering projects from concept through commissioning
* Experience with HPC environments, high-density cooling, and resilient power systems
* Practical, hands-on mindset—comfortable diving into detailed design when needed
* Strong understanding of D&B delivery models
* Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services Engineering
* Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
* Comfortable in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments
Highly Desirable:
* Experience in energy or electrical infrastructure sectors
* Exposure to heat reuse, district heating, or thermal networks
* Broader system design experience beyond pure data centre work
* Large infrastructure construction and operations background
* Chartered Engineer status
* Salary up to £120k + competitive package
* Hybrid working (office-based with flexibility)
* The chance to work at the cutting edge of sustainable infrastructure
* Mission-aligned, sharp team tackling a real climate challenge
* Opportunity to shape technical strategy as we scale globally