Director, Design Engineering - DC Development (m/f/d) in London
Director, Design Engineering - DC Development (m/f/d)

Director, Design Engineering - DC Development (m/f/d) in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead design delivery for high-performance data centre projects and drive innovation.
  • Company: Join a leading firm shaping mission-critical infrastructure globally.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence major projects.
  • Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with significant autonomy and strategic influence.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge data centre designs and operations.
  • Qualifications: 10-15 years in mission-critical buildings with strong technical expertise.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.

We are looking for an experienced Design Director to lead the technical delivery of complex, high‑performance data center projects across our portfolio. This is a highly influential role at the intersection of design, engineering, construction, and operations—owning design decisions from project inception through commissioning and handover.

You will act as the single authority for all design matters, driving technical excellence, standardization, and innovation while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

Your Role

  • Lead project design set‑up and delivery, coordinating multi‑disciplinary CSA and MEPH consultant teams
  • Own the technical governance of projects, ensuring compliance with global and regional Design Engineering Guidelines (DEGs)
  • Manage consultant procurement, appointments, performance, and budgets
  • Act as the primary technical partner to Construction, Pre‑Construction, Portfolio, Sales, and Operations teams
  • Serve as the technical authority throughout construction, commissioning, IST, and handover
  • Engage directly with customers on Build‑to‑Suit developments as the senior design lead
  • Champion standardization, innovation, and continuous improvement, including BIM, DfMA, and emerging technologies
  • Represent design in discussions with authorities, utilities, insurers, vendors, and Tier 1 contractors

Your impact

  • Influence multi‑million‑euro projects from concept to live operations
  • Shape and evolve regional and global design standards
  • Ensure design decisions balance performance, cost, risk, sustainability, and schedule
  • Play a visible role with senior internal stakeholders and key customers

What you bring

  • 10–15+ years delivering mission‑critical or highly serviced buildings (data centers strongly preferred)
  • Strong technical background in CSA and/or MEPH (consultancy, commissioning, or owner‑operator experience ideal)
  • Proven experience managing complex stakeholder environments and external consultants
  • Confidence operating at Director level, defending design decisions and influencing senior leaders
  • Deep understanding of full project lifecycle: planning, design, permitting, construction, commissioning & IST
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Architecture (Master’s / Chartered status preferred)

Director, Design Engineering - DC Development (m/f/d) in London employer: Digital Realty, Inc.

Digital Realty is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation and technical excellence are at the forefront of our mission-critical infrastructure projects. We prioritise employee growth through continuous learning opportunities and foster a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives, ensuring that every team member can make a meaningful impact on high-performance data centre developments. With competitive benefits and a commitment to sustainability, we empower our employees to thrive both professionally and personally.
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Contact Detail:

Digital Realty, Inc. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Director, Design Engineering - DC Development (m/f/d) in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their design philosophy and recent developments. We want you to walk in with confidence, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can contribute to their mission-critical infrastructure.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your expertise! Bring a portfolio of your past projects to interviews. We believe that visual evidence of your work can speak volumes about your capabilities and help you stand out from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you on board!

We think you need these skills to ace Director, Design Engineering - DC Development (m/f/d) in London

Design Engineering
Project Management
Technical Governance
Stakeholder Management
BIM (Building Information Modelling)
DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly)
Construction Management
Commissioning
Data Centre Design
Multi-disciplinary Coordination
Budget Management
Regulatory Compliance
Risk Management
Innovation in Design
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Design Director role. Highlight your experience in managing complex projects and working with multi-disciplinary teams, as this is key for us.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for design engineering and how your background in mission-critical infrastructure can contribute to our projects.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate how you've influenced project outcomes and driven innovation in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and shows us you're serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Digital Realty, Inc.

✨Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've worked on, especially those related to data centres. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Design Director, you'll need to lead teams and influence stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams and navigated complex stakeholder environments. Highlight your ability to drive technical excellence and innovation in your previous roles.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Standards

Brush up on global and regional Design Engineering Guidelines (DEGs) relevant to data centre projects. Being able to discuss these standards and how you've applied them in past projects will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also committed to compliance and quality.

✨Engage with the Interviewers

Don't just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their projects and challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.

Director, Design Engineering - DC Development (m/f/d) in London
Digital Realty, Inc.
Location: London

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