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- Tasks: Lead site identification, land acquisition, and pre-construction strategies for data centres.
- Company: Join a well-funded start-up revolutionising the digital infrastructure landscape in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and impactful projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-growth company focused on shaping the future of energy and data.
- Qualifications: Commercially astute with technical capabilities; experience in development or M&A is a plus.
- Other info: This role is ideal for those passionate about innovation in the data centre industry.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
An exciting, well-funded start-up in the data centre and infrastructure development space is seeking a commercially astute and technically capable Development Manager to lead the identification, assessment, and delivery of colocation and hyperscale data centre opportunities across the UK, with a strategic focus on Scotland.
This role sits at the intersection of pre-construction development and commercial strategy, responsible for shaping the business’s data centre pipeline and driving value through land acquisition, infrastructure assessment, and M&A-aligned opportunity appraisal. You will develop compelling business cases, lead negotiations with landowners, coordinate grid connection feasibility, and work cross-functionally to deliver Ready-To-Build (RTB) sites for in-house development or strategic exit.
Key Responsibilities- Site Identification & Assessment: Identify and evaluate development sites in collaboration with technical and commercial teams. Conduct mapping, initiate contact with landowners, and lead early-stage engagement with key stakeholders.
- Land Acquisition & Legal Strategy: Negotiate and conclude Heads of Terms and Option Agreements with landowners or their representatives. Support the legal process to secure land rights and optimise site control through flexible structuring.
- Pre-Construction Technical Alignment: Work with the Technical Office and grid providers (e.g., DNOs, National Grid) to assess power availability and secure suitable connections. Evaluate site feasibility, including environmental, planning, and infrastructure constraints.
- Commercial & M&A Strategy: Develop data-driven business cases including financial modelling, site valuation, and market positioning. Support or lead on due diligence for acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures in line with corporate investment objectives. Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to align development activities with M&A strategy and capital deployment goals.
- Planning & Stakeholder Engagement: Oversee the planning process to secure permissions, working closely with planning consultants and statutory bodies. Build and maintain effective relationships with local authorities, regulatory stakeholders, and industry partners.
- Project Oversight & Risk Management: Monitor and report on project progress, risks, and key deliverables to senior leadership. Manage budgets, track milestones, and ensure accurate internal reporting.
This is a rare opportunity to join an ambitious start-up at the leading edge of digital infrastructure development. With strong financial backing and a high-growth trajectory, the company is building a team of forward-thinking professionals who want to shape the future of the UK’s data and energy landscape. You’ll be empowered to make a real impact from day one, with the resources and support to grow your career in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
Development Manager employer: Spencer Ogden
Contact Detail:
Spencer Ogden Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the data centre and infrastructure development sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups in Scotland to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders who can provide insights and possibly refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in data centre development. Understanding current market demands and innovations will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the company's goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company’s existing projects and their strategic focus areas. Being knowledgeable about their current initiatives will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your skills align with their objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with land acquisition and stakeholder engagement. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex negotiations or managed relationships with local authorities, as these are crucial for the Development Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in data centre development, commercial strategy, and M&A. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to identify and assess development sites, negotiate land agreements, and manage projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience in pre-construction development and stakeholder engagement.
Showcase Technical Knowledge: Emphasise your understanding of technical aspects related to data centres, such as power availability assessments and environmental constraints. Mention any relevant qualifications or certifications that support your technical capabilities.
Highlight Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate your commercial awareness by discussing previous experiences where you developed business cases or conducted financial modelling. Highlight your ability to drive value through strategic decision-making in land acquisition and project oversight.
How to prepare for a job interview at Spencer Ogden
✨Understand the Industry Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in data centre development, especially in Scotland. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the sector will demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, particularly those involving land acquisition or stakeholder engagement. Highlighting your ability to navigate complex discussions will be crucial for this position.
✨Demonstrate Technical Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with pre-construction processes and technical assessments. Understanding how to evaluate site feasibility and work with grid providers will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about potential challenges in site identification or project oversight and how you would address them effectively.
