At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead BMS and controls strategy for cutting-edge data centre projects across EMEA.
- Company: Major data centre organisation with a focus on innovation and technical excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £170,000, bonus, and comprehensive package.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of building management systems in mission-critical environments.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in BMS and controls engineering, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
- Director of Controls & BMS - Data Centre
- Salary up to £170,000 + Bonus + Package
- United Kingdom
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced BMS & Controls leader to take ownership of controls strategy, technical standards and engineering delivery across a growing portfolio of data centre infrastructure throughout EMEA.
This is a high-impact leadership role within a major data centre organisation, offering the opportunity to shape how Building Management Systems are designed, standardised, integrated and commissioned across complex, mission-critical environments.
Combining strategic influence with hands‑on technical leadership, you will act as the regional authority for BMS, controls and automation, working closely with engineering, construction, commissioning and operations teams to deliver reliable, scalable and repeatable solutions across multiple European projects.
Responsibilities
- Lead BMS, controls and automation strategy across a portfolio of data centre projects throughout EMEA, acting as the regional technical authority.
- Develop and implement standardised BMS architectures, control philosophies, specifications and engineering standards to support scalable delivery.
- Provide technical oversight from concept and detailed design through construction, commissioning, Integrated Systems Testing (IST) and operational handover.
- Review and approve technical designs, drawings, specifications and submissions, ensuring effective integration with critical mechanical and electrical infrastructure.
- Establish standards for controls hardware, software, networks, communications, graphics, alarms, resilience and cybersecurity.
- Oversee commissioning strategies, functional testing and acceptance criteria, including failure scenario testing and validation of system performance.
- Provide technical guidance on complex BMS and controls challenges, particularly involving chilled water systems, chillers, pumps, valves and free cooling.
- Manage consultants, contractors and specialist suppliers, proactively identifying and mitigating technical, programme, integration and commissioning risks.
- Lead and develop a regional specialist team, coordinating resources and priorities across multiple projects and supporting future team growth.
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders across engineering, construction, commissioning, operations and commercial functions to drive technical excellence and successful project delivery.
- Desired Experience
- Extensive experience in BMS, controls engineering, building automation or industrial automation, supported by a strong technical and engineering background.
- Significant experience delivering hyperscale data centres or comparable mission-critical infrastructure projects.
- A strong understanding of the complete project lifecycle, including design, construction, commissioning, IST and operational handover.
- Proven experience developing BMS standards, control philosophies, system architectures and repeatable engineering solutions.
- Deep technical knowledge of PLCs, DDC controllers, SCADA, controls logic, sequences of operation and system integration.
- Strong understanding of data centre mechanical systems, particularly chilled water plant, chiller sequencing, pump controls and free cooling.
- Familiarity with BACnet, Modbus, OPC UA, controls networks, system resilience and cybersecurity principles.
- Experience overseeing functional testing, commissioning, failure scenarios, alarm management and operational performance optimisation.
- Demonstrable leadership experience, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, manage specialist teams and oversee contractors across multiple locations.
- A degree or equivalent practical experience in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics or a related discipline.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Director, Controls And Automation in Birmingham employer: Clear Engineering Recruitment LTD
Clear Engineering Recruitment Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the rapidly evolving data centre market. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to continuous professional development opportunities while working remotely from the UK, allowing for a flexible work-life balance. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering energy-efficient solutions and making a meaningful impact on carbon reduction.
Contact Details:
Clear Engineering Recruitment LTD Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Controls And Automation in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Clear Engineering Recruitment LTD!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Senior Director, Controls And Automation position at Clear Engineering Recruitment LTD, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Clear Engineering Recruitment LTD is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Senior Director, Controls And Automation role at Clear Engineering Recruitment LTD!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Controls And Automation in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Clear Engineering Recruitment LTD and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clear Engineering Recruitment LTD
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Clear Engineering Recruitment LTD.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Clear Engineering Recruitment LTD, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
