Development Director

Key Responsibilities:

Development Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of all aspects of the development process for a portfolio of hyperscale data centre projects, ensuring delivery within predetermined time frames and achieving or exceeding quality, performance, and financial goals.
• Oversee cross-functional teams across design, delivery, and procurement to successfully deliver multiple development programs to tender.
• Provide clear leadership in determining program scope, quality, and design for projects, aligning with strategic business goals.
• Constantly review progress, risks, and opportunities, ensuring mitigation of program risks while maintaining a strong commercial focus.
• Monitor and promote adherence to the company’s PMO delivery process to achieve project goals efficiently.

Management

• Take day-to-day responsibility for managing and coordinating all aspects of the development process within the region.
• Proactively monitor political, regulatory, and competitive environments, devising strategic plans accordingly.
• Lead the procurement of consultants and advisors, ensuring alignment with project goals and budgets.
• Manage all project budgets, including change control, business case preparation, funding requests, and final handovers into “Colt Delivery.”
• Drive continuous improvement by promoting innovative approaches and maintaining a focus on quality, cost-effectiveness, and risk reduction.

Real Estate

• Lead site identification and selection in new and existing markets, aligning with the global expansion strategy.
• Conduct detailed feasibility analyses to assess key financial metrics and development viability.
• Negotiate site acquisitions and assess feasibility for sale and leaseback opportunities.
• Liaise with local authorities, utility providers, and consultants to ensure successful site acquisition and development lifecycle progression.
• Coordinate with internal teams to maximize potential from proposed developments and identify opportunities for site expansion.
• Fully manage due diligence activities and oversee preparation of the project strategy document at the acquisition stage.

Concept Design, Permitting, and Planning

• Lead the planning, permitting, and concept design phases, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational needs.
• Define and deliver project design plans that meet operational, leasing, aesthetic, and budgetary requirements.
• Secure necessary planning permissions, managing critical paths and partners to meet application requirements.
• Monitor project programs to ensure timely delivery, optimizing speed to market.
• Coordinate utility and fiber provisions, contracting for new services where required, in collaboration with the Global Head of Energy and Sustainability.
• Support sales and commercial teams with customer requirements during the design stage and ensure delivery in the detailed design phase.
• Be accountable for achieving schedule, cost, and profitability objectives while integrating permitting and planning into project timelines.