At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical execution of cutting-edge data centre projects across EMEA.
- Company: Join CloudHQ, a leader in global digital infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of technology.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and travel across Europe.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on advanced hyperscale data centres and drive innovation.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in data centre construction and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Full-time Description Job Title: Technical Director, Construction – EMEA Location: Frankfurt, London, or Paris Department: Development & Construction Reports to: VP Construction, EMEA
About CloudHQ: CloudHQ is a leading developer and operator of large-scale, resilient data center campuses serving the world’s most demanding hyperscale and enterprise customers. Founded by a pioneer of the data center REIT sector, CloudHQ develops purpose-built, high-availability facilities across key global markets including Ashburn, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Osaka, and São Paulo.
As CloudHQ continues its rapid expansion across EMEA, we are seeking an experienced Technical Director, Construction to lead the technical execution of our data center developments from pre-construction through commissioning and handover.
Role Overview: The Technical Director, Construction – EMEA is a senior owner's side leadership role responsible for ensuring the technical integrity, constructability, quality, and performance of CloudHQ’s hyperscale data center projects. Acting as CloudHQ’s technical authority during construction, this role bridges design, engineering, construction, commissioning, and operations, ensuring that facilities are delivered in full compliance with CloudHQ’s Basis of Design (BoD), performance requirements, safety standards, and regional regulatory obligations. The role oversees multiple concurrent projects across EMEA and works closely with internal development teams, external consultants, general contractors, and commissioning agents to deliver mission-critical infrastructure to the highest standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Owner’s Technical Leadership – Construction: Act as CloudHQ’s technical authority during construction, ensuring projects are delivered in accordance with the approved Basis of Design, technical specifications, and contractual requirements. Lead technical reviews of construction-stage design deliverables, shop drawings, RFIs, and material submittals. Provide constructability input during pre-construction, including sequencing, logistics, temporary works, and interface management. Support development and design teams during early phases to de-risk construction and commissioning outcomes.
- Quality Assurance, QA/QC & Risk Management: Establish and oversee robust QA/QC frameworks covering civil, structural, architectural, MEP, and controls systems. Ensure construction quality aligns with Sequence of Operations (SoO), commissioning plans, and operational readiness requirements. Identify technical risks early and drive mitigation strategies across design, procurement, and construction activities. Lead technical issue resolution and root cause analysis for non-conformances and performance deviations.
- MEP & Mission-Critical Systems Oversight: Provide deep technical oversight of power, cooling, life safety, controls, and BMS systems within hyperscale data center environments. Ensure integration between electrical, mechanical, and controls systems to achieve required resiliency, redundancy, and efficiency targets. Coordinate closely with commissioning agents to ensure systems are tested, validated, and handed over in line with CloudHQ standards.
- Stakeholder & Contractor Management: Act as the primary technical interface between CloudHQ and external parties including designers, general contractors, trade contractors, vendors, and authorities having jurisdiction. Support project directors and construction managers in technical decision-making and escalation management. Influence contractor performance through technical leadership, clarity of requirements, and accountability.
- Commissioning, Handover & Operational Readiness: Ensure technical readiness for Level 1–5 commissioning, IST, and final client acceptance. Verify that as-built documentation, O&M manuals, and asset data meet CloudHQ operational requirements. Support smooth handover to operations teams, ensuring long-term reliability and maintainability.
- Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Drive standardization and continuous improvement across CloudHQ’s EMEA construction portfolio. Support value engineering initiatives that improve cost, schedule, sustainability, and operational performance without compromising quality or resiliency. Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, and emerging technologies relevant to hyperscale data centers.
Required Experience & Skills:
- Technical & Industry Expertise: Minimum 10+ years’ experience in data center, mission-critical, or large-scale infrastructure construction. Proven experience in an owner’s, developer’s, or EPC technical leadership role. Strong understanding of hyperscale data center design, construction methodologies, and commissioning processes. In-depth knowledge of EMEA building codes, electrical and mechanical standards, and health & safety regulations.
- Leadership & Delivery: Experience managing multiple complex projects across different geographies. Strong ability to lead and influence multidisciplinary teams without direct line management. Commercially and technically astute, with strong decision-making and problem-solving capability.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to clearly articulate complex technical issues to senior leadership, project teams, and contractors. Additional European language skills are advantageous.
- Mobility: Willingness to travel regularly across EMEA to support active construction sites.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Professional certifications such as CEng, PMP, MRICS, LEED AP, or equivalent.
- Prior experience delivering projects for hyperscale cloud providers or major colocation operators.
Disclaimer: To be eligible, you’ll need to be based in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, or Luxembourg. The role will also involve regular travel across our sites in EMEA.
Why CloudHQ: At CloudHQ, you will work at the forefront of global digital infrastructure development, delivering some of the most advanced hyperscale data centers in the world. This role offers the opportunity to shape technical standards, influence major capital projects, and play a key leadership role in CloudHQ’s continued growth across EMEA.
Technical Director in London employer: CloudHQ International
CloudHQ is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic work environment at the cutting edge of digital infrastructure development. With a strong focus on employee growth and innovation, team members are encouraged to lead and influence major projects while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative culture. Located in key European cities, employees benefit from diverse opportunities and the chance to work on high-impact projects that shape the future of data centers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Director in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like CloudHQ International, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Technical Director at CloudHQ International.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at CloudHQ International
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
