At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investment analysis for global data centre projects and shape capital deployment strategies.
- Company: Join Submer, a pioneer in AI data centre infrastructure with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance incentives, and equity participation in a fast-growing company.
- Other info: Dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with opportunities for international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on AI growth through innovative infrastructure solutions.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in infrastructure investing with strong financial modelling skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Location: London, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Start: ASAP
Contract: Full-Time / Permanent
Travel: International (as required)
About Submer
Submer designs and delivers end-to-end AI data center infrastructure built around industry-leading liquid cooling. Through our Design, Build & Operate (DBO) model, we provide fully integrated infrastructure solutions—from site origination and development through to delivery and ongoing operations—enabling customers to scale AI with speed, efficiency, and sustainability.
What Impact You Will Have
The Director, Underwriting & Investment Analysis – DBO is a critical commercial leadership role responsible for evaluating, structuring, and underwriting Submer’s global data center investments. You will sit at the center of capital deployment decisions, ensuring that every project—land acquisition, power strategy, design, construction, and operations—meets rigorous financial, strategic, and risk criteria. This role enables Submer to scale with discipline, balancing speed-to-market with return on capital, risk management, and long‑term platform value creation.
What You’ll Do
- Investment Underwriting & Deal Evaluation
- Lead underwriting of DBO projects across global markets
- Build and own detailed financial models for:
- Greenfield developments
- Build-to-suit projects
- Modular deployments
- Strategic partnerships / JVs
- Evaluate returns (IRR, NPV), capital efficiency, and risk‑adjusted performance
- Assess sensitivity to key drivers (power costs, utilization, build cost, financing assumptions)
- Support go/no‑go investment decisions with clear, data‑driven recommendations
- Capital Allocation & Investment Strategy
- Partner with executive leadership to define capital deployment priorities across markets and projects
- Establish underwriting standards, return thresholds, and investment frameworks
- Ensure alignment between investment decisions and Submer’s broader DBO growth strategy
- Support portfolio construction across geographies and customer segments
- Cross‑Functional Commercial Leadership
- Work closely with Land Acquisition & Energy (site and power inputs)
- Engineering & Design (cost and technical assumptions)
- Construction & Delivery (capex, timelines, risk)
- Operations (opex, lifecycle performance)
- Translate technical and operational inputs into robust financial assumptions
- Ensure commercial discipline is embedded throughout the full DBO lifecycle
- Financial Modeling & Analysis
- Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models incorporating:
- Capex and phasing
- Power pricing and escalation
- Revenue structures (colocation, wholesale, AI infrastructure services)
- Operating costs and lifecycle maintenance
- Conduct scenario analysis, stress testing, and downside case modeling
- Standardize modeling approaches across projects and regions
- Investment Committee & Stakeholder Management
- Prepare and present investment materials to internal leadership and investors
- Support engagement with financial partners, lenders, and strategic investors
- Translate complex financial concepts into clear narratives for executive decision‑making
- Act as a key interface with Finance, Strategy, and external advisors
- Market & Competitive Intelligence
- Monitor data center, AI infrastructure, and energy market dynamics
- Benchmark build costs, power pricing and return expectations across regions
- Provide insights to inform market entry, pricing strategy, and investment timing
What You’ll Need
- 10+ years of experience in infrastructure investing, project finance, private equity, or corporate development
- Strong background in financial modeling and investment underwriting for capital‑intensive projects
- Experience in one or more of the following: data center infrastructure, energy / power infrastructure, real assets / industrials / logistics, digital infrastructure (cloud, fiber, edge, AI)
- Deep understanding of project finance structures, capex‑heavy investment cycles, and risk allocation across development, construction, and operations
- Proven ability to operate in a cross‑functional, technically complex environment
- Strong commercial judgment and ability to influence senior stakeholders
- Experience working internationally and across multiple jurisdictions preferred
What We Offer
- A central role in shaping Submer’s global investment strategy and capital deployment
- Direct exposure to high‑value infrastructure projects at the forefront of AI growth
- Opportunity to work across the full lifecycle of assets—from origination through operations
- A fast‑scaling, entrepreneurial environment with significant ownership
- Competitive compensation, performance incentives, and long‑term equity participation
Our inclusive responsibility
Submer is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.
Director, Underwriting & Investment Analysis - Design, Build & Operate (Global) employer: Submer - Datacenters That Make Sense
Submer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to shape global investment strategies while working on cutting-edge AI infrastructure projects. Our inclusive culture, competitive compensation, and focus on sustainability make Submer a rewarding place to advance your career.
Contact Details:
Submer - Datacenters That Make Sense Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Underwriting & Investment Analysis - Design, Build & Operate (Global)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so come armed with questions that show your interest in Submer's innovative approach to AI data centre infrastructure.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. We’re looking for someone who can translate complex financial concepts into simple terms, so make sure you can do that too!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Underwriting & Investment Analysis - Design, Build & Operate (Global)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director, Underwriting & Investment Analysis role. Highlight relevant experience in infrastructure investing and financial modelling, and don’t forget to showcase your cross-functional leadership skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Submer. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with our DBO model and how you can contribute to our growth strategy.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:Since this role involves a lot of financial analysis, make sure to highlight your expertise in investment underwriting and financial modelling. Include examples of how you've successfully evaluated and structured investments in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Submer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Submer - Datacenters That Make Sense
✨Know Your Financial Models
As a Director in Underwriting & Investment Analysis, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial modelling. Brush up on your skills and be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained complex financial models in previous roles, especially for capital-intensive projects.
✨Understand the DBO Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the Design, Build & Operate model. Be prepared to explain how you can contribute to each phase of the lifecycle, from site origination to ongoing operations, and how your experience aligns with Submer's approach to AI data centre infrastructure.
✨Showcase Cross-Functional Leadership
This role requires collaboration across various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully worked with engineering, construction, and operations teams to achieve investment goals. Highlight your ability to translate technical inputs into financial assumptions.
✨Prepare for Market Insights
Stay updated on the latest trends in data centre and AI infrastructure markets. Be ready to discuss how market dynamics influence investment decisions and how you can provide valuable insights to inform Submer's capital deployment strategy.
