Director, Leasing – Design, Build & Operate (Global) in London
Director, Leasing – Design, Build & Operate (Global)

Director, Leasing – Design, Build & Operate (Global) in London

London Full-Time 120000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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Submer

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global leasing strategies and negotiate high-value agreements in AI infrastructure.
  • Company: Join Submer, a pioneering company in AI data centre solutions with a focus on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance incentives, equity participation, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of AI infrastructure while making impactful commercial decisions.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in commercial negotiations and experience with hyperscalers or large enterprises.

The predicted salary is between 120000 - 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, Leasing – DBO is a critical commercial leadership role responsible for originating, structuring, and negotiating customer agreements across Submer’s global data center platform. This role sits at the intersection of commercial strategy, legal structuring, and infrastructure delivery, leading complex, high-value leasing transactions with hyperscalers, AI companies, and enterprise customers. You will play a central role in converting Submer’s infrastructure investments into long‑term, revenue‑generating contracts—ensuring deals are structured to balance risk, return, scalability, and operational flexibility.

What You’ll Do

  • Leasing Strategy & Commercial Structuring
    • Define and execute leasing strategy across Submer’s DBO portfolio globally.
    • Structure complex commercial agreements, including:
    • Hyperscale / wholesale leases
    • Build‑to‑suit agreements
    • AI infrastructure capacity agreements
    • Hybrid or platform‑based commercial models
  • Align leasing strategy with investment underwriting, capacity planning, and market entry priorities.
  • Deal Origination & Negotiation
    • Lead end‑to‑end negotiation of leasing transactions with hyperscalers, AI companies, and enterprise clients.
    • Act as lead negotiator and commercial counterpart across all stages of the deal lifecycle.
    • Structure agreements that address:
    • Capacity commitments and ramp schedules
    • Pricing, escalation, and power pass‑through mechanisms
    • Service levels, uptime, and performance guarantees
    • Expansion rights, renewal options, and exit provisions
  • Balance customer requirements with Submer’s capital efficiency and operational model.
  • Cross‑Functional Deal Leadership
    • Partner closely with:
    • Investment & Underwriting (deal economics and return thresholds)
    • Land & Power (site‑specific constraints and opportunities)
    • Engineering & Delivery (design, timelines, technical feasibility)
    • Legal (contract frameworks and risk management)
  • Translate technical and infrastructure constraints into commercially viable deal structures.
  • Ensure alignment between contractual commitments and delivery capabilities.
  • Portfolio & Revenue Optimization
    • Support development of a diversified, high‑quality customer portfolio.
    • Optimize lease structures to maximize:
    • Long‑term revenue visibility
    • Capacity utilization
    • Risk‑adjusted returns
  • Contribute to pricing strategy and commercial frameworks across regions.
  • Stakeholder Management & Market Engagement
    • Build and maintain senior relationships with hyperscalers, AI infrastructure players, and enterprise clients.
    • Represent Submer in strategic commercial discussions and negotiations globally.
    • Collaborate with internal leadership to shape market positioning and go‑to‑market strategy.
  • Sustainability & Strategic Alignment
    • Ensure leasing structures align with Submer’s sustainability objectives, including energy efficiency and responsible infrastructure deployment.
    • Support customer engagement around sustainable AI infrastructure solutions.
    • Contribute to broader company strategy through commercial insight and market feedback.
  • What You’ll Need

    • 10+ years of experience in commercial negotiations, legal structuring, or deal‑making within infrastructure, energy, data centers, or large‑scale industrial projects.
    • Strong background in leading complex, high‑value negotiations across international markets.
    • Experience across the full project lifecycle (development, financing, construction, operations, refinancing, M&A).
    • Deep understanding of:
    • Long‑term infrastructure contracts and leasing models
    • Risk allocation and commercial structuring
    • Multi‑stakeholder, cross‑border transactions
  • Ability to operate as both:
    • A strategic commercial leader
    • A hands‑on deal negotiator
  • Experience working with hyperscalers, large enterprises, or infrastructure customers strongly preferred.
  • Background often includes:
    • Infrastructure legal counsel (in‑house or private practice)
    • Commercial / investment roles in data center or energy platforms
    • Project finance or infrastructure development environments.

    What We Offer

    • A pivotal role shaping Submer’s global commercial engine within the DBO model.
    • Direct involvement in high‑impact, strategic deals at the forefront of AI infrastructure.
    • Opportunity to work across global markets and complex, multidisciplinary projects.
    • A fast‑scaling, entrepreneurial environment with real ownership and influence.
    • 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, Leasing – Design, Build & Operate (Global) in London employer: Submer

    Submer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rapidly evolving AI infrastructure sector. With a focus on employee growth, Submer provides opportunities for direct involvement in high-impact projects and strategic deals, all while promoting sustainability and operational excellence. Located in London, this hybrid role allows for international travel, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience for its employees.
    Submer

    Contact Detail:

    Submer Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Director, Leasing – Design, Build & Operate (Global) in London

    Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people you know in the field, the better your chances of landing that Director role.

    Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by researching Submer’s projects and values. Show how your experience aligns with their mission in AI infrastructure. Tailor your pitch to highlight your skills in commercial negotiations and deal-making.

    Tip Number 3

    Practice your negotiation skills! Role-play potential scenarios with friends or mentors. Being able to demonstrate your expertise in structuring complex agreements will set you apart during interviews.

    Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Submer team.

    We think you need these skills to ace Director, Leasing – Design, Build & Operate (Global) in London

    Commercial Negotiation
    Legal Structuring
    Deal-Making
    Infrastructure Knowledge
    Project Lifecycle Management
    Risk Allocation
    Cross-Border Transactions
    Stakeholder Management
    Sustainability Alignment
    Capacity Planning
    Pricing Strategy
    Customer Engagement
    Relationship Building
    Strategic Leadership
    Hands-On Negotiation

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in commercial negotiations and deal-making. We want to see how your background aligns with the Director, Leasing role and Submer's mission.

    Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful deals you've led or complex agreements you've structured. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your skills and experiences, as we appreciate clarity in communication—especially in a role that involves negotiation.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Submer!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Submer

    Know Your Stuff

    Before the interview, dive deep into Submer's business model and the specifics of the Director, Leasing role. Understand the nuances of leasing strategies, commercial structuring, and the types of agreements you'll be dealing with. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.

    Showcase Your Negotiation Skills

    Prepare to discuss your past experiences in leading complex negotiations. Bring examples that highlight your ability to balance customer requirements with capital efficiency. Be ready to explain how you've structured deals in the past and the outcomes they achieved.

    Cross-Functional Collaboration is Key

    This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with different departments, such as legal or engineering, to achieve a common goal. Highlight your ability to translate technical constraints into commercially viable solutions.

    Align with Sustainability Goals

    Submer values sustainability, so be prepared to discuss how you've incorporated sustainable practices into your previous roles. Share insights on how you can contribute to their sustainability objectives while still driving revenue and optimising lease structures.

    Director, Leasing – Design, Build & Operate (Global) in London
    Submer
    Location: London
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