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- Tasks: Lead commissioning for hyperscale data centres across the UK and Europe, ensuring on-time delivery.
- Company: Join a Tier 1 contractor known for delivering mission-critical facilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £145,000 - £165,000 plus enhanced benefits package.
- Why this job: Shape the future of critical infrastructure with innovative commissioning strategies.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in mission-critical MEP delivery and leadership experience required.
- Other info: Flexible working with extensive travel opportunities and a focus on safety.
The predicted salary is between 125000 - 145000 £ per year.
Location: London (Flexible Working) – Extensive Travel across the UK & Europe
Salary: £145,000 - £165,000 Per Annum + Enhanced Benefits Package
Client: Our client is a Tier 1 main contractor delivering major mission-critical facilities across the UK and Europe. As demand for hyperscale data centres accelerates, they are expanding their leadership team and seeking a highly experienced Commissioning Director to shape, grow, and lead our commissioning capability across multiple regions. This is a senior leadership role suited to someone who combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision, commercial strength, and the ability to deliver world-class critical infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
- Hyperscale Commissioning Strategy
- Develop and implement a portfolio-wide commissioning strategy aligned to hyperscale delivery models
- Establish standardised commissioning methodologies, templates, and governance to support rapid, repeatable deployment
- Drive early commissioning involvement from concept design through construction and handover
- Align commissioning plans with:
- Hyperscale client technical standards
- Modular and phased delivery strategies
- Campus and multi-building programmes
- Provide executive leadership across multiple concurrent hyperscale projects or campuses
- Oversee commissioning sequencing to support:
- Early energisation
- Partial handovers
- Phased operational readiness
- Serve as the senior commissioning interface with hyperscale clients, including:
- Owner’s engineering teams
- Operations & reliability teams
- Independent Commissioning Authorities (ICA)
- Provide technical governance and assurance across all hyperscale-critical systems, including:
- Electrical
- Utility intake, HV/LV infrastructure
- Generators, paralleling systems, fuel systems
- UPS (static and rotary), batteries, and energy storage
- Mechanical
- Air-cooled and liquid-cooled systems
- Chillers, cooling towers, CRAH/CRAC
- Direct-to-chip and rear-door heat exchanger solutions
- Controls & Integration
- BMS, EPMS, SCADA, and DCIM interfaces
- Integrated Systems Testing (IST) and failure mode validation
- Life Safety & Compliance
- Fire detection and suppression systems
- Integrated life safety testing
- Regulatory and AHJ compliance
- Fault tolerance and redundancy
- Operational resilience
- Client-specific performance metrics
- Champion a zero-harm commissioning culture in live and energised environments
- Govern safe systems of work for:
- HV energisation
- Load testing
- Live failover testing
- Lead commissioning input during bid, preconstruction, and early works phases
- Define commissioning scope, resources, durations, and cost allowances
- Support commercial negotiations, variations, and risk reviews related to commissioning
- Drive continuous improvement based on lessons learned across hyperscale programmes
- Promote use of digital commissioning tools, data capture, and analytics
- Ensure commissioning data supports:
- Asset information models
- Client operational platforms
- Long-term reliability and maintenance strategies
Key Accountabilities
- On-time commissioning and phased handover across hyperscale campuses
- Consistent delivery aligned to hyperscale client standards
- Safe execution of all commissioning activities
- Successful client acceptance and operational readiness
- Development of scalable, repeatable commissioning capability
Required Experience
Essential
- 10+ years in mission-critical MEP delivery
- Proven leadership delivering hyperscale data centre projects (multiple buildings or campuses)
- Experience managing commissioning across parallel, high-velocity programmes
- Deep understanding of hyperscale delivery models and client-driven standards
- Extensive experience with:
- Integrated Systems Testing (IST)
- Live environment commissioning
- Phased handovers and early energisation
Desirable
- Direct experience working with major hyperscale clients
- International hyperscale programme experience
- Experience with modular and prefabricated data centre solutions
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Building Services Engineering, or similar
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent professional status
Desirable
- Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer (ATD)
- Data Centre Commissioning certifications
- Formal leadership or project management qualifications
Personal Attributes
- Executive-level presence and credibility with hyperscale clients
- Strong decision-making under programme pressure
- Highly structured, process-driven, and data-led mindset
- Collaborative leadership style with a focus on safety and quality
EMEA Performance Planning Lead in City of London employer: People Group
Contact Detail:
People Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EMEA Performance Planning Lead in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in hyperscale data centres. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace EMEA Performance Planning Lead in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in hyperscale data centres. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As this role is all about leading teams and projects, don’t forget to include examples of your leadership experience. We love to see how you've managed teams and driven successful outcomes in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at People Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to hyperscale data centres. Understand the key systems involved, like electrical and mechanical components, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed similar projects in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leadership, so prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing teams and projects. Think of specific instances where you’ve driven successful outcomes or navigated challenges in a high-pressure environment.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the company and its clients thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how you can align commissioning strategies with their technical standards and operational goals. Showing that you understand their business will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to safety, risk management, and client interactions. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios to demonstrate your strategic vision.