Project Development Manager (M/W/D) - Data Center

Neoen; Karlsruhe; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy company in Karlsruhe seeks an experienced Project Development Manager – Data Center. Responsibilities include managing complex data center projects from inception to construction readiness, coordinating with various stakeholders, and analyzing site factors. The ideal candidate possesses at least 5 years of experience in large-scale infrastructure projects and has a strong understanding of energy infrastructure. Fluency in both German and English is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in project development of large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of structured and independent work.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex data center projects from concept to construction readiness.
• Coordinate with various stakeholders including planners, consultants, and grid operators.
• Analyze site factors and manage urban planning procedures.

Skills

Project management

Site analysis

Negotiation skills

Understanding of energy infrastructure

Fluent in German

Fluent in English

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field

Job description

Reporting to a Development Team Leader, the Project Development Manager – Data Center is responsible for managing complex data center projects, including infrastructure upgrades and capacity expansions. The primary duties involve planning, coordinating, and overseeing all aspects of the projects lifecycle to ensure successful delivery, on‑time and within budget.

Key Tasks

• Developing data center projects from the initial concept through to construction readiness
• Identifying, evaluating, and securing suitable sites (greenfield and brownfield)
• Analyzing site factors such as grid connection, land availability, cooling, topography, and approvability
• Management of urban planning procedures and approval processes
• Coordination of planners, consultants, grid operators, and authorities
• Participation in the development of technical concepts and layouts for data centers
• Close collaboration with teams from the areas of energy infrastructure, building services, and grid connection
• Support in land negotiations and structuring complex projects

Qualifications

At least 5 years of experience in the project development of large‑scale infrastructure projects, e.g. data center sector preferred but not required. Strong understanding of a structured and independent work style.

Education and Expertise

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geography/Regional Planning/Urban Planning, Energy and Environmental Engineering, Real Estate Management or a related field
• Data centers (ideally), substations/grid connections, renewable energy (battery storage, wind, PV), hydrogen projects, industrial and commercial real estate
• Site analysis and land evaluation, geographic and spatial planning contexts (e.g., regional planning, land use, infrastructure corridors), building services engineering, energy supply/high voltage, layout and space concepts for data centers
• Strong entrepreneurial mindset, confidence in negotiations
• Very good German and English language skills

Please send your CV in English.