Design Director – Data Centre Development (EMEA)

About the role

The Design/Technical Director of Development, EMEA leads all architectural, civil, structural, mechanical and electrical design for CloudHQ’s hyperscale data‑centre projects across multiple regions. The role owns the technical design vision, defines the Basis of Design and ensures design consistency, quality, cost‑efficiency and constructability throughout the project lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Own and continuously evolve CloudHQ’s global Basis of Design, engineering guidelines, standard details and specifications.
• Lead multidisciplinary design teams (MEP, structural, civil, architectural, fire/life safety) through RIBA stages 1 to 4.
• Review design packages for compliance with CloudHQ standards, local codes, sustainability requirements and hyperscale customer specifications.
• Direct external design consultants, challenge decisions to optimise cost, constructability, efficiency and performance.
• Collaborate with Development, Site Selection, Construction, Operations and Commercial teams to identify risks early and deliver technically robust designs.
• Ensure standardisation across regions while adapting to local code requirements and site‑specific constraints.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in data‑centre or large‑scale infrastructure design.
• Ability to work across EMEA, based in the UK, France, Germany, Italy or Luxembourg.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills with development, construction, operations and commercial stakeholders.
• Excellent understanding of design governance, constructability and lifecycle performance.

Required skills

• Architectural design
• Civil engineering
• Structural engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
• MEP design
• Fire/life safety design
• Basis of Design development