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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global datacentre design and construction, overseeing complex projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join a leading AI infrastructure company revolutionising the data centre industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a global impact in a fast-growing tech sector with a visionary leadership team.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in datacentre design, with strong technical expertise and leadership experience required.
- Other info: This is a unique opportunity for top industry talent to drive innovation and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Head of Planning & Design – Data Centres
Location: Europe (Flexible/Hybrid/Remote Considered)
Employment Type: Full-time | Senior Leadership
Reports To: SVP, Global Design & Construction
About the Role
We are working on behalf of a leading Data Centre AI Infrastructure company seeking a visionary Head of Planning & Design to lead their global Datacenter Design and Construction division . This is a mission-critical leadership position responsible for defining and executing best-in-class infrastructure strategies across their expanding datacenter portfolio. You will lead complex, multi-regional projects from inception to delivery, and act as the technical authority across electrical, mechanical, and cooling disciplines .
This is not a typical leadership role—we are looking for one of the best in the industry . If you\’re a technical heavyweight, a strategic thinker, and a proven leader who can navigate the complexity of global infrastructure at scale, we want to speak to you.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership : Own the global design and planning strategy for new builds, expansions, and retrofits.
- Design Management : Lead the development of robust electrical, mechanical, and cooling system designs, driving innovation, scalability, and efficiency.
- Technical Oversight : Provide hands-on guidance during design reviews, ensuring alignment with Tier I-IV standards, client needs, and internal objectives.
- Stakeholder Collaboration : Partner cross-functionally with operations, sustainability, procurement, and IT to align infrastructure with long-term business goals.
- Vendor and Contractor Management : Directly oversee external consultants, engineers, and contractors, ensuring all work meets quality, timeline, and budget targets.
- CAPEX & Budgeting : Own cost forecasting and capital planning, ensuring the financial viability of major design and construction programs.
- Compliance and Standards : Ensure adherence to local codes, global regulations, and internal standards throughout all projects.
- Continuous Improvement : Identify and implement best practices to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and drive performance across the full lifecycle of datacenter development.
What We’re Looking For
- Education : Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical, Mechanical, or a related Engineering discipline.
- Experience : 10+ years in datacenter design & construction, with 5+ years in senior leadership roles .
- Technical Depth : Expertise in mission-critical infrastructure: power distribution, UPS, generators, HVAC, and cutting-edge cooling systems.
- Project Track Record : Proven success delivering large-scale, complex builds across multiple geographies.
- Standards Expertise : Deep understanding of Tier I-IV, ASHRAE, Uptime, and other global frameworks.
- Leadership & Communication : Exceptional ability to lead teams, influence at C-level, and manage high-stakes decision-making.
Preferred Certifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng)
- Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer (ATD)
- PMP or equivalent project management qualification
Why Join?
- Shape the infrastructure of one of the fastest growing tech sectors in the world
- Work with a visionary leadership team and a highly technical group of peers
- Drive critical design decisions with global impact
- Be part of a high-performance, no-nonsense team that values excellence
Head of Planning & Design employer: DataX Connect
Contact Detail:
DataX Connect Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Planning & Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the data centre industry, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. Attend industry conferences and seminars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and technologies.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your technical expertise by engaging in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn or industry forums. Share insights on best practices in datacentre design and construction to establish yourself as a thought leader in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Research our company’s recent projects and initiatives. Understanding our approach to infrastructure strategies will help you align your vision with ours during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous project successes in detail, particularly those that involved complex builds across multiple regions. Highlight your leadership style and how it has contributed to successful outcomes in your past roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Planning & Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in datacentre design and construction. Focus on your leadership roles and any specific projects that demonstrate your technical depth and project track record.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic vision for planning and design in datacentres. Mention your understanding of global frameworks like Tier I-IV and how your expertise aligns with the company's goals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your 10+ years of experience in the industry, particularly your leadership roles. Include examples of complex builds you've successfully delivered across multiple geographies.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Demonstrate your ability to lead teams and influence decision-making at the C-level. Provide examples of how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams and managed high-stakes projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at DataX Connect
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a candidate for the Head of Planning & Design, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of mission-critical infrastructure. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented electrical, mechanical, and cooling systems, highlighting your technical depth and problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Leadership Experience
This role requires exceptional leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've led teams in high-stakes environments, influenced C-level decisions, and managed complex projects across multiple geographies. Highlight your experience in stakeholder collaboration and vendor management.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company’s mission and values, particularly their focus on innovation and efficiency in data centre design. During the interview, articulate how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals, especially in terms of continuous improvement and compliance with global standards.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to Tier I-IV standards, ASHRAE guidelines, and other relevant frameworks. Brush up on these topics and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past projects. This will showcase your readiness to take on the technical oversight responsibilities of the role.
