At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical excellence in data centre projects across EMEA, ensuring high standards and client satisfaction.
- Company: Join JLL, a global leader in real estate and investment management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a diverse, inclusive workplace.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentoring and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data centres with innovative technology and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in data centre design or project delivery; engineering degree preferred.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.
Role Overview
The Technical Director, EMEA Data Centers is the senior technical authority for data center project delivery across the region, responsible for ensuring that every hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data center engagement is delivered to a consistently high technical standard, on programme, and in line with client and regulatory requirements. The role provides hands-on technical leadership across live projects while building the technical capability, standards, and governance that underpin PDS's data center practice in EMEA.
- Technical Leadership & Standards
- Own and continuously develop PDS's EMEA data center technical delivery framework, covering design review, commissioning, and handover standards.
- Act as the senior technical escalation point for complex engineering, MEP, and construction issues across the regional project portfolio.
- Set and enforce minimum technical governance standards for all data center projects, including design stage gates and quality assurance protocols.
- Represent PDS in technical forums, industry bodies, and standards groups relevant to hyperscale and colocation infrastructure.
- Project Delivery Excellence
- Provide direct technical oversight on the region's most complex or highest-value data center projects, from feasibility through to commissioning and energization.
- Partner with Project Directors to identify and resolve programme, cost, and technical risk before it impacts delivery.
- Drive consistent application of project controls, risk registers, and technical documentation across all markets.
- Support recovery planning and remediation on any project falling outside agreed technical or programme tolerances.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain trusted technical relationships with client engineering, construction, and operations leadership at key hyperscale and colocation accounts.
- Support the EMEA Head of Data Centers in technical input to pursuits, proposals, and framework negotiations.
- Lead technical due diligence and lessons-learned reviews with clients following project completion.
- Sector & Technical Expertise
- Maintain deep, current expertise in hyperscale and colocation data center design, construction, and commissioning methodologies.
- Track emerging technical requirements driven by AI infrastructure, high-density cooling, and power availability constraints across EMEA markets.
- Provide guidance on jurisdiction-specific regulatory, planning, and grid-connection considerations across core EMEA markets.
- Innovation & Digital Delivery
- Champion adoption of the Ingenious platform and other digital delivery tools across data center projects to improve programme visibility and reporting.
- Identify and pilot new technologies, methods, or delivery models that improve speed-to-energization or reduce delivery risk.
- Partner with clients on innovation initiatives that create measurable technical or commercial value.
- Risk, Compliance & HSSE
- Ensure all data center projects meet JLL and client HSSE requirements, with zero tolerance for critical safety non-compliance.
- Own technical risk reporting into regional governance forums, flagging material issues to the EMEA Head of Data Centers and EMEA Head of Operations.
- Ensure commissioning and handover documentation meets both client and regulatory audit requirements.
- Team Development & Capability Building
- Build technical capability across country delivery teams through mentoring, training, and structured knowledge-sharing.
- Support recruitment and development of senior technical talent for the EMEA data center practice.
- Establish and lead a data center technical community of practice across EMEA markets.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree-qualified in engineering, construction management, or a related technical discipline; chartered status (e.g. MRICS, CEng) preferred.
- 15+ years' experience in data center design, construction, or project delivery, including significant hyperscale or colocation experience.
- Proven track record leading complex, multi-disciplinary technical delivery across multiple EMEA jurisdictions.
- Strong working knowledge of MEP systems, commissioning processes, and data center operational requirements.
- Experience engaging directly with hyperscale or colocation client technical and engineering leadership.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to influence both client and internal senior leadership.
- Fluent English; additional European language capability an advantage.
- Willingness to travel extensively across EMEA markets.
JLL Behaviours
- Be humble — Create a compelling vision for JLL's Data Center technical excellence that motivates teams and attracts top talent.
- Win Together — Drive successful outcomes through effective collaboration across country teams by deepening client relationships.
- Simplify — Streamline complex technical delivery processes to improve client experience and operational efficiency.
- Be Decisive — Apply strategic focus to the highest-risk, highest-value technical challenges across the regional portfolio as a trusted team member.
- Be Curious — Anticipate emerging technical requirements (AI infrastructure, high-density cooling, power availability) and position JLL ahead of market shifts leading with agility.
JLL is committed to hiring and developing the most talented people, reflecting the diversity of the communities in which we operate.
Technical Director, EMEA Data Centers in London employer: JLL
At JLL, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters innovation and collaboration in the dynamic field of workplace management. Our inclusive work culture encourages professional growth through diverse projects and networking opportunities, making it an ideal environment for those looking to advance their careers while contributing to impactful initiatives. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys not only competitive benefits but also the chance to be part of transformative projects with leading businesses worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Director, EMEA Data Centers in London
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Technical Director, EMEA Data Centers role you’re after at JLL.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at JLL.
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We think you need these skills to ace Technical Director, EMEA Data Centers in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Technical Director, EMEA Data Centers, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at JLL a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to JLL specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at JLL
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with JLL, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like JLL want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
