At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead power strategy for AI-focused data centres and drive innovative energy solutions.
- Company: Join Kao Data, a leader in AI data centre development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and team events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the evolving energy landscape of data centres.
- Qualifications: Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; experience in power strategy essential.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Join Kao Data as a Strategic Power and Energy Director - Drive Excellence in AI-Focused Data Centres!
Kao Data leads the industry, pioneering the development and operation of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing.
With a hyperscale-inspired and industrial scale platform, we provide our customers with a secure, scalable, and sustainable home for their compute.
About the Role
We are seeking a commercially astute, strategically minded and technically credible Strategic Power & Energy Director to lead Kao Data’s power strategy across development, customer growth and operational energy management.
In this strategic leadership role, you will identify, assess and drive the delivery of scalable power solutions for new and existing data centre campuses.
Your remit will span a broad and evolving energy landscape, including grid connections, non-firm and firming strategies, private wire, onsite generation, energy-from-waste, battery storage, fuel cells and other transitional and low-carbon power solutions.
This is not a narrow technical delivery role.
The successful candidate will act as the company’s senior power strategist, translating complex grid, regulatory, commercial and ESG issues into clear development decisions, customer propositions, Board recommendations and executable delivery plans.
The role will work closely with Development, Customer Solutions, Commercial, Finance, Operations, ESG and external stakeholders including DNOs, IDNOs, NESO, Ofgem, utilities, landowners, power generators, consultants, customers and investors.
Key Responsibilities
- Power Strategy & Development Pipeline
- Lead Kao Data’s UK-first power strategy across existing campuses, expansion opportunities and new site acquisitions.
- Act as the power lead in site screening, acquisition due diligence and development prioritisation.
- Assess whether power availability, timing, firmness, cost and scalability support the commercial case for each site.
- Grid Connections, Non-Firm Power & Delivery
- Lead strategy and engagement for DNO, IDNO, NESO and National Grid connection processes.
- Manage grid connection applications, modifications, queue management, delivery risk and dependency tracking.
- Partner with Engineering and Construction on substation, cable route, energisation and connection delivery.
- Alternative Power, Onsite Generation & Energy Innovation
- Evaluate alternative and transitional power solutions including private wire, renewables, energy-from-waste, fuel cells, gas-to-power, biomethane, hydrogen-readiness, batteries, SMRs and other emerging solutions.
- Develop options appraisals covering cost, deliverability, ESG impact, permitting, planning, DNO implications, customer appetite and reputational risk.
- Create decision frameworks for when Kao Data should treat alternative power as bridging, permanent, supplementary or non-viable.
- Regulatory, Policy & Industry Engagement
- Lead Kao Data’s power-related response to Ofgem, NESO, DNO and wider policy consultations.
- Represent Kao Data in relevant industry working groups, including data centre, grid reform and energy infrastructure forums.
- Maintain senior-level relationships with power market participants, consultants, utilities and policy stakeholders.
- Operational Energy Procurement, Billing & Assurance
- Own strategic oversight of energy procurement arrangements, customer pass-through mechanisms and energy cost recovery.
- Review energy billing processes, metering data flows, customer contract interpretation and loss recovery.
- Work with Finance, Operations and Customer teams to improve accuracy, governance and commercial assurance of energy billing.
- Sales, Financial & Investment Support
- Develop power-related business cases, financial inputs and risk-adjusted options for development and customer opportunities.
- Support Board and investment papers with clear analysis of power timing, cost, risk, dependencies and value impact.
- Assist Sales and Development teams in structuring transactions where power availability is a key value driver.
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Communication
- Act as the central interface between Development, Design & Construction, Customer Solutions, Sales, Finance, Operations, ESG and Marketing on energy matters.
- Convert complex technical issues into concise executive summaries, decision papers and stakeholder briefings.
- Provide senior-level challenge and assurance before key customer, Board, shareholder or regulatory commitments are made.
What We’re Looking For
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, or related field; advanced qualifications desirable.
- Proven experience delivering power strategy, grid connections and energy infrastructure projects in data centres, utilities or major infrastructure developments.
- Deep knowledge of UK electricity markets, grid connection processes, regulatory frameworks and connection reform.
- Strong track record evaluating and delivering firm and non-firm connections, alternative power solutions and major power infrastructure investments.
- Experience supporting site acquisition, due diligence, investment decisions and development projects where power is a critical value driver.
- Strong commercial and stakeholder management experience across utilities, regulators, consultants and strategic partners.
- Strategic, commercially minded and able to balance technical, financial and delivery considerations.
- Strong organisational, analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex issues into clear Board and executive recommendations.
- Highly effective stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to convert power constraints into competitive advantage and development opportunities.
Why Kao Data?
- Be part of an innovative and rapidly growing AI data centre leader.
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
- Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- Engaging team events that strengthen workplace culture and connections
- Private Medical – private health insurance including dental and optical cover.
- Holiday – 25 days annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays
- Pension – Salary Sacrifice Pension
- Parental Leave – Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave
- Life Assurance & Income Protection
- Mental health support - 24/7 access to mental health support via our employee assistance programme, and a trained team of Mental Health First Aiders
- Giving back – 2 Charity volunteering days a year.
- Electric Vehicle - Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Optical Benefit
- Access to Unum’s Help@Hand
Strategic Power & Energy Director in London employer: KD Servco Limited
Kao Data is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the data centre industry. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to enhance their skills through various training opportunities while working on cutting-edge projects in a dynamic environment. Located in a thriving tech hub, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a network of industry leaders, ensuring a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Power & Energy Director in London
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughKD Servco Limited's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through KD Servco Limited's website for the full-time Strategic Power & Energy Director role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Power & Energy Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at KD Servco Limited. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at KD Servco Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of KD Servco Limited.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to KD Servco Limited.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
