At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-construction strategies for data centres across EMEA and APAC, turning ideas into reality.
- Company: Join Iron Mountain, a global leader in storage and information management.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, competitive pay, health plans, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive culture that values your unique contributions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data centres while making a positive impact on the planet.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in data centre pre-construction and a relevant degree required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
At Iron Mountain we know that work, when done well, makes a positive impact for our customers, our employees, and our planet. That’s why we need smart, committed people to join us. Whether you’re looking to start your career or make a change, talk to us and see how you can elevate the power of your work at Iron Mountain. We provide expert, sustainable solutions in records and information management, digital transformation services, data centers, asset lifecycle management, and fine art storage, handling, and logistics.
Iron Mountain is seeking a strategic Director, Pre-Construction to join our Facilities and Construction Project Management team. In this executive leadership role, you will shape the early-stage trajectory of our data center portfolio across EMEA and APAC, turning complex site opportunities into build-ready realities. You will guide specialized pre‑construction pods through technical due diligence, utility roadmaps, and stage‑gate approvals so every new facility breaks ground on a rock‑solid foundation.
What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)
- Govern Regional Stage‑Gate Strategy: Own the pre‑construction intake operating model across EMEA and APAC, guiding candidate site feasibility, test fits, cost benchmarks, and utility roadmaps through Stage 0 and Stage 1 approvals before seamless handovers to Construction leads.
- Lead and Deploy Pre‑Construction Pods: Manage, coach, and allocate P2 and P3 Pre‑Construction Managers across multidisciplinary pods—aligning Design, Cost Management, Scheduling, and Utilities to match pipeline demand.
- Drive Technical Innovation and Methodology: Standardize due diligence playbooks and elevate early site underwriting by embedding Whole‑Life Costing (WLC), total cost of ownership (TCO), and embodied carbon benchmarks into the Ascent toolkit.
- Mitigate Risk and Align Executive Stakeholders: Maintain the regional pre‑construction Risk Register, oversee third‑party technical due diligence (TDD) consultants, and partner with Procurement on long‑lead Owner‑Furnished Equipment (OFE) to protect Ready for Service (RFS) timelines.
- Represent Construction in External and Executive Forums: Lead monthly pipeline reviews for senior leadership and engage directly with utility authorities, municipalities, and hyperscale customer technical leads on early‑stage site viability.
What You’ll Bring (Skills & Qualifications)
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in data centre pre‑construction, site development, feasibility, or early‑stage capital project execution, backed by a university degree in Construction Management, Civil/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical discipline.
- Strong knowledge of hyperscale data centre site layouts, power and water utility roadmaps, MEP infrastructure, environmental due diligence, and investment underwriting metrics such as CapEx per MW, Yield on Cost, and IRR.
- Proven experience building scalable pre‑construction operating models, site intake playbooks, WLC models, and matrixes project pod frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability to line‑manage and mentor international technical teams while negotiating effectively with utility executives, local authorities, and internal executive peers.
- Flexibility to work remotely in the UK with 30–40% travel across candidate project sites, utility offices, and regional hubs.
What We Offer (Benefits)
- Full‑time permanent contract working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
- Remote working arrangement based in England, UK.
- Competitive compensation and benefits aligned with experience.
- Paid time off and statutory holidays.
- Flexible work options to support work–life balance.
- Comprehensive health, wellness, and retirement plans.
- Opportunities for continuous learning and executive career growth.
Director, Pre Construction EMEA & APAC employer: Iron Mountain Inc.
Iron Mountain Inc. is committed to making a positive impact for its customers, employees, and the planet. The company offers sustainable solutions in records and information management, digital transformation services, and asset lifecycle management, providing opportunities for professional growth in a supportive work culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Pre Construction EMEA & APAC
✨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 Iron Mountain Inc., 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 Director, Pre Construction EMEA & APAC at Iron Mountain Inc..
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Pre Construction EMEA & APAC
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 Iron Mountain Inc.
✨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!
