Head of Data Centre Design

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