At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of cutting-edge data centre campuses across the UK&I.
- Company: Join Vantage Data Centers, a leader in innovative data centre solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive health benefits, and a hybrid work model.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, tech-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in data centre or large-scale infrastructure development is essential.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About Vantage Data Centers: Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.
Location: London or Cardiff (hybrid - 3 days onsite / 2 days home office)
Position Overview: Vantage is seeking a Director, Development (UK&I) to lead the development of data center campuses across the UK&I, driving projects from site selection support and exclusivity through to pre-construction and transition into delivery. Reporting to the Vice President, Development, EMEA, this role is responsible for managing a portfolio of UK developments, ensuring alignment with Vantage’s business objectives, underwriting assumptions, and path to stabilised assets.
The Director will provide end-to-end development leadership at project and country level, integrating cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, scalable, and cost-effective data center solutions that enhance Vantage’s product and service offering. This role bridges hands-on development execution and team leadership with strategic oversight and business case delivery, contributing to the successful execution of Vantage’s growth strategy in the UK&I.
- Development Leadership & Delivery: Lead end-to-end development of multiple UK projects from site selection support through due diligence, concept design, entitlement, and pre-construction handover. Ensure all development activities are delivered in line with Vantage’s development lifecycle and internal governance standards. Oversee the preparation of design and pre-construction packages for seamless transition to Construction Project Management teams. Maintain accountability for development outcomes including scope, budget, schedule, and quality.
- Business Case & Strategic Alignment: Support the VP, Development in translating EMEA strategy into actionable UK development plans. Contribute to underwriting inputs, investment papers, and business case validation for new and existing developments. Drive alignment between development execution and financial targets, ensuring projects progress toward stabilised assets. Identify and implement opportunities to optimise speed to market, cost efficiencies, and asset performance.
- Cross-Functional Integration & Stakeholder Management: Act as a central coordination point across development, design, delivery, operations, sales, finance, legal, and energy teams. Lead collaboration with internal stakeholders to ensure coordinated input into development decisions and project delivery. Manage relationships with external stakeholders including landowners, consultants, contractors, utilities, and local authorities. Represent Vantage with planning authorities, community stakeholders, and key partners to secure successful project outcomes. Support sales and solutions engineering teams with technical expertise and customer-facing engagement where required.
- Risk, Budget & Schedule Oversight: Lead management of development risks across the UK portfolio, proactively identifying and mitigating issues. Drive decision-making on scope, schedule, and cost to align with underwriting objectives and programme milestones. Ensure consistent reporting of development progress, risks, and financial performance to senior leadership. Implement lessons learned and continuous improvement processes across projects.
- Team Leadership & Capability Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of development managers and project professionals within the UK. Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture aligned with Vantage’s values and development lifecycle. Ensure effective resource planning and capability development to support portfolio growth.
- Process, Innovation & Best Practice: Support the development and refinement of Vantage development processes, standards, and governance. Evaluate new technologies, construction methodologies, and delivery models to improve speed to market and cost efficiency. Drive adoption of industry best practices and innovation across the UK development portfolio.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience: Significant experience in data center, real estate, or large-scale infrastructure development. Strong understanding of the full development lifecycle, including land acquisition, planning, design, and pre-construction. Experience managing multiple complex projects and cross-functional teams. Solid commercial and financial acumen, including experience supporting underwriting and business case development. Proven ability to influence and lead stakeholders across internal and external teams. Strong communication and presentation skills, with ability to engage senior leadership. Degree in engineering, construction, real estate, or a related discipline preferred.
We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations. Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.
Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values. Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.
Director, Development - Data Centers (UK&I) in Newport employer: Vantage Data Centers UK Management Company Ltd
Vantage Data Centers is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive compensation package that exceeds local expectations. Located in vibrant cities like London and Cardiff, our hybrid work model fosters flexibility while allowing you to contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge data centre projects that drive sustainability and efficiency in the tech industry.
Contact Details:
Vantage Data Centers UK Management Company Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Development - Data Centers (UK&I) in Newport
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Vantage Data Centers UK Management Company Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Director, Development - Data Centers (UK&I) at Vantage Data Centers UK Management Company Ltd.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vantage Data Centers UK Management Company Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!