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.
Lead the end-to-end development of our data center campuses across the UK&I .
Location: London or Cardiff (hybrid - 3 days onsite / 2 days home office)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
