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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global datacentre design and construction projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join a leading AI infrastructure company revolutionising the datacentre industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a global impact in a fast-paced tech sector with a visionary team.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in datacentre design, with strong leadership and technical expertise required.
- Other info: This is a unique opportunity for top industry talent to shine.
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 industry professionals who have experience in data centre design and construction. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and leaders in the field, as personal recommendations can significantly boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects in the past. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in data centre infrastructure. Being knowledgeable about cutting-edge cooling systems, power distribution, and sustainability practices will set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your understanding of global standards such as Tier I-IV and ASHRAE during interviews. Demonstrating your expertise in these areas will reassure the hiring team that you can ensure compliance and maintain high-quality standards across projects.
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: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the industry. Discuss how your strategic thinking and technical expertise align with the company's mission and the responsibilities of the Head of Planning & Design position.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include specific examples of large-scale projects you've successfully delivered. Highlight your experience with compliance standards and your ability to manage cross-functional teams effectively.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with the company’s values, recent projects, and industry standing. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and prepare for potential interviews, demonstrating your genuine interest in the role.
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 electrical, mechanical, and cooling systems. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented innovative solutions and how they align with Tier I-IV standards.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires exceptional leadership skills. Share examples of how you've led teams through complex projects, influenced C-level decisions, and managed high-stakes situations. Emphasise your ability to collaborate cross-functionally with various stakeholders.
✨Discuss Strategic Vision
Articulate your vision for the future of datacentre design and construction. Discuss how you would approach developing robust strategies for new builds and expansions, and how you plan to drive continuous improvement in efficiency and performance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making process. Think about past challenges you've faced in project management or compliance, and be ready to explain how you navigated those situations effectively.
