Careers

Job Title: Vice President (VP) Design

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Location: Frankfurt / London / Remote Europe

Travel: 30-40%

Role Overview:

The Vice President Design will work closely with the Chief Development Officer to lead and oversee all aspects of data center design for the organization. This role is responsible for developing and implementing innovative design strategies that support in the transition to broader low carbon energy ecosystems, reducing the

dependency on traditional grids, positively contribute to the grid, energy ecosystems, customers, communities, the digital economy and meet the needs of hyperscale end clients while ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and scalability. The VP Design will lead a team of design professionals and collaborate with other departments to deliver high-quality, cost-effective data center designs that align with the company’s goals and client requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Design Leadership

• Develop and implement the organization’s data center design strategy, aligning with overall business objectives and market demands.
• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer and other peers and business partners to establish design standards, processes, and best practices that drive innovation and efficiency in data center projects.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in data center design, incorporating them into the organization’s approach.
• Lead the development of innovative design solutions that optimize performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability in data center projects.

Project Design Management

• Oversee the entire design process for data center projects, from conceptualization to detailed design and construction documentation.
• Ensure that designs meet or exceed client requirements, industry standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with the pre-construction and construction teams to ensure seamless integration of design elements throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify and mitigate potential design-related risks, issues, and challenges throughout the project.
• Develop and implement quality control processes to ensure consistency and excellence in design outputs.

Team Leadership and Development

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of design professionals across various disciplines (e.g., architectural, mechanical, electrical, structural).
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the design team.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and development opportunities to team members, encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Promote a diverse and inclusive work environment that encourages different perspectives and innovative thinking.

Client and Stakeholder Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with hyperscale end clients, understanding their unique requirements and translating them into effective design solutions.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the Chief Development Officer, VP Development Delivery, and other business units to ensure alignment of design goals with overall project objectives.
• Present design concepts, progress updates, and solutions to clients and executive leadership, addressing concerns and incorporating feedback.
• Act as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor on data center design matters to both internal and external stakeholders.

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop and manage the design department’s budget, ensuring cost-effective delivery of design services.
• Optimize resource allocation within the design team to meet project demands and timelines.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements in the design process without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with the procurement team to evaluate and select design tools, software, external consultants as well as vendors and contractos as needed.

Innovation and Sustainability

• Drive the adoption of cutting-edge design technologies and methodologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and computational design, while staying abreast of industry trends through comprehensive market research
• Lead initiatives to improve the sustainability and energy efficiency of data center designs, aligning with industry best practices and client goals, and contribute to the industry by producing white papers on innovative sustainable design solutions
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of data centres through innovative design solutions, leveraging insights from market research and industry collaborations
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for design efficiency and sustainability, and continuously monitor and improve performance against these metrics, sharing findings with the broader industry through conference presentations and published articles
• Spearhead research and development efforts to identify and implement innovative design approaches that enhance data center performance and sustainability
• Foster a culture of innovation within the design team, encouraging the exploration of novel concepts and technologies that push the boundaries of data center design
• Collaborate with industry partners and academic institutions to conduct joint research projects and contribute to the advancement of sustainable data center design practices
• Represent the company at industry events and conferences, presenting on cutting-edge design innovations and sustainability initiatives to position the organization as a thought leader in the field
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive knowledge base of market trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements related to data center design and sustainability
• Lead the creation and publication of white papers, case studies, and technical reports that showcase the company’s expertise in innovative and sustainable data center design

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the VP Development Delivery to ensure smooth transition from design to construction phases, addressing constructability issues proactively.
• Collaborate with the pre-construction team to provide design input for site selection, due diligence, and initial project planning.
• Partner with the operations team to incorporate maintainability and operational efficiency considerations into data center designs.
• Engage with the sales and business development teams to provide design expertise during client acquisition and project scoping phases.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil), or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in data center or mission-critical facility design, with at least 8 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and delivering complex data center design projects for hyperscale clients.
• Extensive knowledge of data center technologies, industry standards, and best practices in design.
• Strong understanding of sustainability principles and energy-efficient design strategies for data centers.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and implement new technologies in data center design.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance technical requirements with business objectives.
• Experience in budget management and resource allocation for large-scale design projects.
• Proficiency in design software and tools relevant to data center projects.
• Professional certifications such as licensed Architect, Professional Engineer (PE), LEED AP, or Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer are highly desirable.