Jobs in London - Data Centre Lead • Central London

Company: Climate17

Central London

Our client is a rapidly growing UK-based infrastructure and energy transition platform focused on developing next-generation energy and digital infrastructure assets. Backed by institutional investment capital and an experienced management team, the company specialises in originating, developing, and delivering complex infrastructure projects across sectors including renewable energy, energy storage, and digital infrastructure.The business combines deep development expertise with access to long-term institutional capital, enabling it to originate and advance high-quality projects through the early stages of development before partnering with strategic investors and operators.As part of its continued expansion into digital infrastructure, the company is developing a pipeline of data centre projects across the UK, targeting delivery to Powered Land stage prior to project monetisation or partnership with operators.Purpose of the RoleThe Data Centre Lead will be responsible for originating and progressing data centre development projects through to Powered Land stage. Working closely with and leading the in-house team, the role will involve securing land, achieving planning consent, and delivering the required power, fibre, and utility connections.This role requires an experienced and well-rounded data centre professional who has successfully delivered projects through early-stage development, with strong knowledge across land acquisition, planning, and infrastructure connections. Candidates from industrial development or renewable energy backgrounds will also be considered, provided they can demonstrate relevant data centre project experience.The successful candidate will work closely with internal commercial, technical, and investment teams, while managing external advisors and stakeholders to ensure projects progress efficiently through key development milestones.Core ResponsibilitiesProject Origination & DevelopmentWork with the land team to identify and evaluate potential data centre development sites aligned with strategic requirements for power, connectivity, and planning viability.Oversee and manage land agreements including options, leases, and acquisition contracts.Conduct site feasibility assessments covering planning, grid capacity, fibre connectivity, utilities, and access infrastructure.Planning & PermittingLead the planning strategy and submission process for data centre developments in collaboration with the in-house team.Manage planning consultants, environmental advisors, and technical specialists.Engage with local planning authorities, communities, and key stakeholders to support successful consent outcomes.Coordinate environmental, planning, and technical studies required for project approvals.Power, Fibre & UtilitiesLead engagement with grid operators, utility providers, and fibre infrastructure companies to secure required connections.Manage grid application processes, capacity assessments, and connection agreements in collaboration with the in-house team.Oversee the development of infrastructure strategies, including power supply, fibre connectivity, water, cooling, and other key utilities.Coordinate technical advisors and engineering consultants to ensure infrastructure solutions are viable and deliverable.Project ManagementManage project programmes, budgets, and development milestones through early-stage delivery.Coordinate internal and external stakeholders including land agents, planners, engineers, and legal advisors.Prepare project updates, development reports, and investment papers for internal stakeholders and investors.Support project structuring and commercial strategy ahead of exit at Powered Land stage.Other ResponsibilitiesFrom time to time, the role may also support:Market analysis and identification of new digital infrastructure opportunities.Strategic partnerships with landowners, utility providers, and infrastructure partners.Due diligence activities for acquisitions or co-development opportunities.Supporting the wider development team across other infrastructure projects where required.RequirementsExperienceA proven track record of developing data centre projects through early-stage development, including land, planning, and infrastructure connections.Strong experience within data centres is preferred; however, candidates from renewable energy, infrastructure, or real estate development backgrounds will be considered if they have demonstrable data centre experience.Experience within data centre developers or digital infrastructure platforms is preferred; candidates from infrastructure funds or specialist consultancies will also be considered.Degree in Engineering, Real Estate, Planning, Infrastructure, Energy, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).SkillsStrong commercial acumen and project management capability.Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and external advisors effectively.Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.Analytical and strategic thinking with strong problem-solving ability.