Senior Development Manager in London

Senior Development Manager in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
S-AI

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead site appraisals and manage development activities for cutting-edge AI data centres.
  • Company: Sovereign AI, a pioneering UK-based AI infrastructure provider.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to work internationally and engage with diverse stakeholders.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-driven team shaping the future of AI infrastructure across EMEA.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; experience in infrastructure projects preferred.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Sovereign AI is a UK-based AI infrastructure and solutions provider building the next generation of sovereign‑grade AI data centres across EMEA.

Designed for resilience, security, and scale, Sovereign AI enables commercial and government customers to deploy advanced AI with confidence in environments where performance, reliability, and compliance are non‑negotiable.

Focused on regulated and mission‑critical sectors including Government, Defence, Healthcare, and Financial Services, Sovereign AI is creating the trusted foundations for AI adoption at scale, combining robust infrastructure with disciplined governance to support long‑term innovation and national‑level capability.

  • Key Accountabilities
  • Site appraisal: Lead appraisal of prospective sites against Sovereign AI’s technical, commercial and infrastructure requirements, working closely with the VP of Development & Origination.
  • Land and energy partnerships: Work with landowners, asset owners and energy partners to agree suitable land and power arrangements in support of site origination.
  • New market development: Support the identification and assessment of new sites in target countries as part of Sovereign AI’s wider market expansion.
  • Project management: Provide project management of development‑phase activities across a portfolio of sites, tracking progress, risks and dependencies.
  • Stakeholder relationships: Build and maintain relationships with potential partners able to support Sovereign AI with land and energy access in target markets.
  • Site development activities: Coordinate site development workstreams including GIS mapping, test fitting and ensuring design parameters are met, working with external consultants and internal teams.
  • Concept design: Progress concept design activities for sites, supporting the transition from early‑stage appraisal to a deliverable project.
  • Power and infrastructure confirmation: Lead early‑stage work to confirm power and wider infrastructure availability at site, assessing existing power options against data centre requirements and project schedule.
  • Cross‑functional alignment: Work with colleagues across Power, Data Centre Development, Commercial and Planning to ensure sites meet requirements, and align with Software Development, Business Development and other functions as needed.
  • Due diligence oversight: Oversee and co‑ordinate the work of consultants undertaking due diligence on prospective sites, ensuring outputs are robust and delivered to schedule.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Engineering or a related technical/development discipline.
  • Relevant professional certification, or clear evidence of progression toward professional accreditation, strongly preferred.
  • Highly experienced in a development, infrastructure or related project role.

Experience and Skills

  • Experience in the development of power, energy or complex infrastructure projects requiring suitable site conditions and infrastructure connectivity.
  • Significant experience working/engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners, including facility operators/landowners, energy partners and government bodies.
  • Proven ability to operate effectively in fast‑paced, high‑growth or start‑up environments, working autonomously and managing ambiguity.
  • Ability to operate independently, exercising sound judgement and prioritising competing activities across multiple sites and markets.
  • Understanding of and sensitivity to different cultures, gained through working across international markets.
  • Experience in data centre development is preferred but not essential.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to build and maintain relationships with partners, government bodies and consultants.
  • Experience overseeing GIS mapping and site design work, including test fitting or concept design.
  • Experience within the power transmission/distribution sector is advantageous.
  • Experience across the lifecycle of major energy infrastructure development projects, with strength in the front‑end and origination phases.
  • Strong understanding of how developers progress early‑stage projects into tangible, bankable opportunities.
  • Ability to work effectively with consultants and suppliers, ensuring delivery against project requirements and timelines.
  • Sound understanding of relevant legal and governance requirements, and the ability to work within them.
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S-AI

Contact Details:

S-AI Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Development Manager 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 Senior Development Manager role you’re after at S-AI.

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Manager in London

Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Site Appraisal
Power and Infrastructure Assessment
GIS Mapping
Concept Design
Due Diligence Oversight

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Development Manager, 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 S-AI 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 S-AI 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 S-AI

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

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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 S-AI 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

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