At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project controls and cost management for large-scale data centre developments across Europe.
- Company: Join nLighten, a fast-growing European platform revolutionising digital infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for real impact.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key; all backgrounds encouraged to apply.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI and cloud technology while collaborating with top executives.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in project controls and experience with large-scale data centre projects required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
n Lighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, designed to meet the growing demand for AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud deployments.
As a rapidly expanding provider, we offer scalable colocation hubs and best-in-class energy solutions across Europe.
Our innovative and sustainable approach to digital infrastructure ensures reliability, efficiency, and future-ready solutions for our clients. n Lighten’s current footprint is 34 data centers in 7 European countries, with the ambition to grow to 100 sites during the next 3-4 years.
About the Role
We are seeking a
Head of Global Estimation (m/w/d) to lead the development and execution of project controls, cost management, and capital governance across our large-scale data centre development portfolio.
This is a senior leadership role bridging Finance, Construction, and Technology.
You will work closely with the Construction team, the Chief Technology Officer, and external delivery partners to ensure robust cost control, reliable forecasting, transparent reporting, and effective management of project capital expenditure.
The successful candidate will bring extensive experience across data centre construction, major infrastructure, or large-scale capital projects, together with a deep understanding of the operating model required to manage both in-house and outsourced project controls resources.
Leading and challenging third party cost management consultancies is central to the role, as is a willingness to be hands on, dig into the numbers, and protect the integrity of the data.
- This role reports directly to the
- CFO and is based in the
UK or Europe with a European scope.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and lead the project controls function across a portfolio of capital projects
- Develop and maintain best-in-class project controls frameworks, methodologies, governance, and reporting standards
- Provide independent oversight of project costs, budgets, forecasts, risks, and contingency management
- Ensure project controls information supports strategic decision-making by the Executive Leadership Team and Board
- Drive consistency of cost and schedule reporting across all projects and delivery partners
- Translate fluently between the contract sum analyses and works packages of the construction team and the accounting and investment metrics of the finance team
- Cost Management & Capital Governance
- Hold overall responsibility for project cost control, budget management, and capital expenditure tracking
- Challenge and validate project forecasts, commitments, accruals, and change requests
- Oversee financial performance against approved business cases and investment approvals
- Lead project cost reviews and provide early identification of commercial and financial risks
- Embed robust capital governance processes throughout the project lifecycle
- Support the CFO in financial planning, cash flow forecasting, and capital allocation decisions
- Provide subject matter expertise across data centre construction and commissioning environments
- Bring a clear understanding of the cost drivers associated with civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and technology infrastructure delivery
- Oversee cost control through design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational readiness
- Benchmark project performance against industry standards and market trends
- Management of External Partners
- Lead relationships with external cost management, project controls, and quantity surveying consultancies
- Establish clear performance expectations, KPIs, and governance mechanisms for third party advisors
- Challenge external consultants constructively to ensure accuracy, accountability, and value for money
- Review and approve methodologies, estimates, forecasts, and reporting produced by external partners
- Ensure alignment between internal objectives and outsourced delivery teams
- Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Lead and develop a small team of project controls professionals, including quantity surveying, cost management, and capital cost specialists
- Define the appropriate balance between insourced and outsourced project controls activity, building internal capability while optimising the use of external specialists
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on accuracy, accountability, and collaboration
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CFO, CTO, and Construction leadership team
- Work collaboratively across Finance, Construction, Procurement, and Technology
- Communicate project performance, risks, and opportunities to senior executives and investment stakeholders, and support Board-level reporting and governance forums
- What We’re Looking For
- 15+ years of experience in project controls, cost management, quantity surveying, commercial management, or capital programme leadership
- Significant experience delivering large-scale data centre projects, or major construction and infrastructure programmes
- Proven experience leading project controls functions within owner, developer, contractor, or consultancy environments
- Demonstrated success managing external project controls, cost management, and quantity surveying consultancies
- Strong understanding of capital project governance, forecasting, earned value management, and cost reporting
- Experience working closely with Finance leadership, including CFO-level stakeholders
- Proven ability to manage both internal teams and outsourced service providers within a complex delivery environment
- Advanced cost control and forecasting expertise, with strong commercial acumen and analytical capability
- Executive presence, with the ability to influence and challenge credibly at senior and Board level
- High attention to detail and governance discipline, alongside excellent communication and reporting skills
- Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, Finance, or a related discipline
- Professional accreditation such as MRICS, ACost E, APM, PMI, or equivalent recognised qualification
- Fluent in English; additional European languages are advantageous
- Willingness to travel across European locations as required
Why Join Us?
- Join a fast-growing company shaping the future of digital infrastructure in Europe
- Build the project controls capability for a rapidly scaling European data centre portfolio
- Partner directly with the CFO and CTO with high visibility and executive exposure
- Work in a dynamic environment with real ownership, impact, and autonomy
- Be part of a collaborative team focused on innovation, performance, and sustainable growth
If you have the right experience and are excited about contributing to the next evolution of edge data centers, we'd love to hear from you.
All selected candidates will undergo a background check to ensure a safe workplace, protect company assets, and comply with regulations.
Diversity & Inclusion Statement n Lighten is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Even if you do not meet every requirement listed, we welcome your application.
We particularly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.
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Head of Global Estimation employer: nLighten
nLighten is an exceptional employer that thrives in a high-growth environment, offering employees the chance to grow both laterally and vertically within a rapidly expanding team. With a strong commitment to operational excellence and a focus on diversity and inclusion, employees can expect a supportive work culture that values their contributions and encourages innovative thinking. Joining nLighten means being part of a forward-thinking company dedicated to creating a sustainable digital future while providing meaningful and rewarding employment opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Global Estimation
✨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 nLighten, 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 Head of Global Estimation at nLighten.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Global Estimation
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 nLighten
✨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!
