Head of Data Centre Design

We're looking for a senior, hands-on technical leader to own the end-to-end design governance of our data center projects. Over the next 6-9 months, you'll be the technical authority coordinating design work across external engineering teams, working closely with our site sourcing team on project briefs and delivery.

Once established, you'll build and lead a team to optimize our reference architecture as we scale globally.

This isn't a typical data center role-you'll be working at the intersection of HPC infrastructure, energy systems, and thermal network integration.

What You'll Do

• Own and develop our data center reference architecture and technical standards
• Lead technical review, challenge, and sign-off of all externally produced designs
• Provide hands-on oversight across M&E disciplines-power architecture, high-density cooling, heat recovery interfaces
• Manage day-to-day relationships with architects, MEP consultants, and design-build contractors
• Support construction and commissioning teams with rapid technical decision-making
• Translate technical strategy into clear Employer's Requirements and design briefs
• Ensure designs meet HPC performance requirements, resilience targets, and heat-reuse objectives

Essential:

• 8-12+ years in data center or mission-critical facility design with strong M&E background
• Proven experience as technical authority over third-party designs
• Track record delivering complex engineering projects from concept through commissioning
• Experience with HPC environments, high-density cooling, and resilient power systems
• Practical, hands-on mindset-comfortable diving into detailed design when needed
• Strong understanding of D&B delivery models
• Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services Engineering
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Comfortable in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments

Highly Desirable:

• Experience in energy or electrical infrastructure sectors
• Exposure to heat reuse, district heating, or thermal networks
• Broader system design experience beyond pure data center work
• Large infrastructure construction and operations background
• Chartered Engineer status

• Salary up to £120k + competitive package
• Hybrid working (office-based with flexibility)
• The chance to work at the cutting edge of sustainable infrastructure
• Mission-aligned, sharp team tackling a real climate challenge
• Opportunity to shape technical strategy as we scale globally