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