At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global investment analysis for cutting-edge AI data centre projects.
- Company: Join Submer, a leader in innovative AI infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance incentives, and equity participation.
- Other info: Dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with opportunities for significant ownership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI growth with impactful investment strategies.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in infrastructure investing and 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) in London employer: Submer - Datacenters That Make Sense
Submer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment in London that fosters innovation and growth. As a leader in AI data centre infrastructure, employees benefit from direct involvement in high-value projects, competitive compensation, and opportunities for long-term equity participation. The company prioritises diversity and inclusion, ensuring a supportive culture where every team member can thrive and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable technology.
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) in London
✨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 land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to show that you’re genuinely interested in Submer and its innovative approach to AI data centre infrastructure. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when discussing your experience in investment analysis and underwriting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. We want to keep your name fresh in their minds and show that you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity at Submer.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Underwriting & Investment Analysis - Design, Build & Operate (Global) in London
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 that aligns with what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in investment analysis and how they relate to our DBO model.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:We want to see your expertise in financial modelling and investment underwriting. Include details about complex projects you've worked on and the impact of your decisions on capital deployment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity 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 showcase 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. Be prepared to explain your approach to scenario analysis and stress testing.
✨Understand the DBO Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the Design, Build & Operate model. Be ready to discuss how you can ensure commercial discipline throughout the lifecycle of projects. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully managed cross-functional teams to deliver on capital-intensive projects.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
You'll be interfacing with various stakeholders, so practice translating complex financial concepts into clear narratives. Think of examples where you've presented investment materials to leadership or investors, and how you tailored your communication style to suit different audiences.
✨Stay Updated on Market Dynamics
Research current trends in data centre infrastructure and energy markets. Be prepared to discuss how these dynamics could impact Submer's investment strategy. Showing that you’re informed about market benchmarks and competitive intelligence will demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
