Head of Planning & Design

Head of Planning & Design – Data Centres Location: Europe (Flexible/Hybrid/Remote Considered) Employment Type: Full-time | Senior Leadership Reports To: SVP, Global Design & Construction About the Role We are working on behalf of a leading Data Centre AI Infrastructure company seeking a visionary Head of Planning & Design to lead their global Datacenter Design and Construction division . This is a mission-critical leadership position responsible for defining and executing best-in-class infrastructure strategies across their expanding datacenter portfolio. You will lead complex, multi-regional projects from inception to delivery, and act as the technical authority across electrical, mechanical, and cooling disciplines . This is not a typical leadership role—we are looking for one of the best in the industry . If you're a technical heavyweight, a strategic thinker, and a proven leader who can navigate the complexity of global infrastructure at scale, we want to speak to you. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership : Own the global design and planning strategy for new builds, expansions, and retrofits. Design Management : Lead the development of robust electrical, mechanical, and cooling system designs, driving innovation, scalability, and efficiency. Technical Oversight : Provide hands-on guidance during design reviews, ensuring alignment with Tier I-IV standards, client needs, and internal objectives. Stakeholder Collaboration : Partner cross-functionally with operations, sustainability, procurement, and IT to align infrastructure with long-term business goals. Vendor and Contractor Management : Directly oversee external consultants, engineers, and contractors, ensuring all work meets quality, timeline, and budget targets. CAPEX & Budgeting : Own cost forecasting and capital planning, ensuring the financial viability of major design and construction programs. Compliance and Standards : Ensure adherence to local codes, global regulations, and internal standards throughout all projects. Continuous Improvement : Identify and implement best practices to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and drive performance across the full lifecycle of datacenter development. What We’re Looking For Education : Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical, Mechanical, or a related Engineering discipline. Experience : 10 years in datacenter design & construction, with 5 years in senior leadership roles . Technical Depth : Expertise in mission-critical infrastructure: power distribution, UPS, generators, HVAC, and cutting-edge cooling systems. Project Track Record : Proven success delivering large-scale, complex builds across multiple geographies. Standards Expertise : Deep understanding of Tier I-IV, ASHRAE, Uptime, and other global frameworks. Leadership & Communication : Exceptional ability to lead teams, influence at C-level, and manage high-stakes decision-making. Preferred Certifications Professional Engineer (PE) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer (ATD) PMP or equivalent project management qualification Why Join? Shape the infrastructure of one of the fastest growing tech sectors in the world Work with a visionary leadership team and a highly technical group of peers Drive critical design decisions with global impact Be part of a high-performance, no-nonsense team that values excellence

Location: London,, GB

Posted Date: 8/3/2025