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- Tasks: Lead pre-development for major data centre projects across Europe, managing a high-performing team.
- Company: Join a market leader in the data centre industry focused on innovative, large-scale developments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and long-term incentives with flexible travel options.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team during an exciting period of data centre expansion in Europe.
- Qualifications: Experience in data centre development, strong leadership skills, and a collaborative mindset are essential.
- Other info: This role involves significant travel (~50%) and offers autonomy in managing your schedule.
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.
Senior Director, Pre-Development (Real Estate) employer: DataX Connect
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
Demonstrate your leadership style by sharing examples of how you've successfully mentored teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and adaptability, which are key traits for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with budgeting and long-term investment decisions in detail. Be ready to provide insights on how you've contributed to strategic project execution in past roles, particularly in high-stakes environments.
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: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the data centre industry and your vision for the role. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage large-scale projects.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as budgeting, forecasting, and stakeholder engagement. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated permitting and planning processes in previous roles.
Showcase Cultural Fit: Demonstrate your service-oriented leadership style and adaptability in your application. Share experiences that reflect your ability to empower teams and foster collaboration across different cultures.
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 the past, 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.
