Director, Underwriting & Investment Analysis – Design, Build & Operate (Global)

Director, Underwriting & Investment Analysis – Design, Build & Operate (Global)

Full-Time 100000 - 150000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Submer

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 while working on high-value infrastructure projects.
  • 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, 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

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

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 center 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.

Submer

Contact Detail:

Submer Recruiting 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 people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. 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 Submer and understanding their DBO model. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in investment analysis and risk management. Show them you’re not just another candidate!

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your value and how you can contribute to Submer’s success. Keep it concise but impactful—think of it as your personal brand statement.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Submer team. Let’s get you that dream job!

We think you need these skills to ace Director, Underwriting & Investment Analysis – Design, Build & Operate (Global)

Investment Underwriting
Financial Modelling
Capital Allocation
Risk Management
Data Analysis
Cross-Functional Leadership
Market Intelligence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director, Underwriting & Investment Analysis role. Highlight your experience in infrastructure investing and financial modelling, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Showcase Your Financial Skills:Since this role involves a lot of financial analysis, don’t hold back on showcasing your skills in financial modelling and investment underwriting. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise. We love numbers, so make them shine!

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key points stand out without unnecessary fluff.

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 that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Submer!

How to prepare for a job interview at Submer

Know Your Numbers

As a Director in Underwriting & Investment Analysis, you'll need to be comfortable with financial metrics. Brush up on key concepts like IRR, NPV, and capital efficiency. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics in past projects to make informed investment decisions.

Understand the DBO Model

Familiarise yourself with Submer's Design, Build & Operate model. Be prepared to explain how you would evaluate and structure investments within this framework. Highlight any relevant experience you have in managing capital-intensive projects or working with cross-functional teams.

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

This role requires a strong commercial judgement. Think about examples where you've successfully influenced senior stakeholders or made strategic decisions that impacted project outcomes. Be ready to share these stories during your interview.

Stay Current on Market Trends

Keep an eye on the latest trends in data centre and AI infrastructure. Being able to discuss current market dynamics and how they might affect Submer’s investment strategy will show your enthusiasm and preparedness for the role.