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- Tasks: Lead pre-development for data centres across Europe, managing a high-performing team.
- Company: Join a market leader in the data centre industry focused on innovative developments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and travel opportunities across Europe.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team during an exciting period of data centre expansion.
- Qualifications: Experience in data centre development and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: This role offers autonomy and the chance to influence major projects.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Location: London, United Kingdom (with travel across Europe ~50%)
Sector: Data Centre Development
Type: Permanent
Company Overview
Our client is a market leader in the data centre industry, delivering large-scale developments across Tier 1 European markets. With a strong pipeline of new builds and no plans to acquire legacy infrastructure, their focus is firmly on delivering high-specification, ground-up (Greenfield) Data Centres in typical European markets.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Senior Director, Pre-Development to join the European leadership team. Based in London, this individual will play a pivotal role in overseeing early-stage development across multiple countries. As the number two leader in the region for pre-development, this person will step in to lead the function as needed and manage a high-performing team of Pre-Development Directors with experience from top-tier data centre and tech businesses. This role involves extensive cross-functional collaboration across construction, investment, real estate, and executive leadership teams across both Europe and North America. The ideal candidate will be experienced in delivering major Data Centre Campuses, be highly adaptable, and motivated by a service-first leadership culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as second-in-command for European Pre-Development, stepping in to lead when required.
- Oversee due diligence, land planning, entitlement, and permitting activities across multiple new build sites.
- Directly manage and grow a team of Pre-Development Directors, providing mentorship and strategic leadership.
- Discover and acquire large-scale Greenfield sites across Tier 1 markets.
- Align with investment, construction, and real estate teams to ensure strategic project execution.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with regulators, government authorities, and infrastructure partners.
- Represent the business in senior-level discussions with internal and external stakeholders across Europe and the US.
- Ensure governance, documentation standards, and budget planning are adhered to throughout pre-development.
- Promote a culture of adaptability, collaboration, and forward-thinking development.
Experience & Skills Required
- Demonstrable experience in mission-critical Data Centre developments, ideally on Greenfield sites.
- Strong understanding of permitting, entitlement, planning, and due diligence processes.
- Significant experience in Tier 1 European markets.
- Proven ability to lead and mentor senior teams across multiple geographies.
- Track record of collaboration with internal functions such as construction and investment.
- Executive presence and the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders across different cultures.
- Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and supporting long-term investment decisions.
- Background with a Data Centre Operator or Hyperscaler is essential.
- High energy, flexible mindset, and a passion for innovation and growth.
Working Style & Cultural Fit
- This is a senior, autonomous role — you will manage your own travel and diary based on business needs.
- Frequent travel (~50%) across Europe is expected to support site assessments and team leadership.
- The ideal person will be ambitious, energetic, and able to lead with both humility and confidence.
- A collaborative, service-oriented leadership approach is essential — success is built around empowering those you work with and supporting broader company goals.
This is a rare opportunity for someone ready to step into a strategic leadership role in one of the most exciting periods of data centre expansion in Europe.
Remuneration
Competitive executive package, including base salary, performance bonus, and long-term incentives.
Contact Detail:
DataX Connect Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Pre-Development (Real Estate)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the data centre industry, especially those who have experience in pre-development roles. Attend industry conferences and events to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific regulatory environments and permitting processes in Tier 1 European markets. Understanding local nuances can set you apart as a candidate who is ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style by discussing your approach to mentoring and developing teams. Highlight any past experiences where you've successfully led cross-functional teams, particularly in high-pressure environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for data centre development during interviews. Be ready to articulate how you would align pre-development activities with broader company goals and foster collaboration across different teams.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Pre-Development (Real Estate)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in data centre development, particularly in Greenfield projects. Emphasise leadership roles and any cross-functional collaboration you've undertaken.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Discuss your experience in managing teams and delivering major projects, and how you align with their service-first leadership culture.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills that are crucial for this position, such as budgeting, forecasting, and stakeholder engagement. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully applied these skills in previous roles.
Showcase Cultural Fit: Demonstrate your adaptability and collaborative approach in your application. Mention experiences where you've empowered teams and contributed to broader company goals, aligning with the company's values.
How to prepare for a job interview at DataX Connect
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Senior Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor teams. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in previous roles, particularly in high-pressure environments like data centre development.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the data centre industry, especially in Tier 1 European markets. Being able to discuss these insights will show your depth of knowledge and strategic thinking.
✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires extensive collaboration across various teams. Be ready to discuss your experience working with construction, investment, and real estate teams, and how you’ve facilitated successful project execution through teamwork.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Adaptability
Given the international nature of the role, it's crucial to show that you can engage confidently with diverse stakeholders. Share experiences where you've successfully navigated different cultural contexts and built strong relationships.
