Head of Data Centre Design

Job Description

We're looking for a senior, hands-on technical leader to own the end-to-end design governance of our data centre 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.\n\nThis isn't a typical data centre role you'll be working at the intersection of HPC infrastructure, energy systems, and thermal network integration.\n\n * Own and develop our data centre reference architecture and technical standards\n\n * Lead technical review, challenge, and sign-off of all externally produced designs\n\n * Provide hands-on oversight across M&E disciplines—power architecture, high-density cooling, heat recovery interfaces\n\n * Manage day-to-day relationships with architects, MEP consultants, and design-build contractors\n\n * Support construction and commissioning teams with rapid technical decision-making\n\n * Translate technical strategy into clear Employer's Requirements and design briefs\n\n * Ensure designs meet HPC performance requirements, resilience targets, and heat-reuse objectives\n\nEssential:\n\n * 8-12+ years in data centre or mission-critical facility design with strong M&E background\n\n * Proven experience as technical authority over third-party designs\n\n * Track record delivering complex engineering projects from concept through commissioning\n\n * Experience with HPC environments, high-density cooling, and resilient power systems\n\n * Practical, hands-on mindset—comfortable diving into detailed design when needed\n\n * Strong understanding of D&B delivery models\n\n * Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Building Services Engineering\n\n * Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills\n\n * Comfortable in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments\n\nHighly Desirable:\n\n * Experience in energy or electrical infrastructure sectors\n\n * Exposure to heat reuse, district heating, or thermal networks\n\n * Broader system design experience beyond pure data centre work\n\n * Large infrastructure construction and operations background\n\n * Chartered Engineer status\n\n * Salary up to £120k + competitive package\n\n * Hybrid working (office-based with flexibility)\n\n * The chance to work at the cutting edge of sustainable infrastructure\n\n * Mission-aligned, sharp team tackling a real climate challenge\n\n * Opportunity to shape technical strategy as we scale globally