About the Company
Our client is a leading European data centre delivery organisation specialising in the design, construction and commissioning of high-specification data centre facilities.
With an established presence across Europe and the Nordics, the company delivers complex projects for some of the world's largest hyperscale and technology clients, operating across the full project lifecycle.
Due to continued growth across the Nordic region, our client is seeking an experienced Civils Lead to take responsibility for the civil engineering and infrastructure elements of a major data centre project in Helsinki, Finland.
The Opportunity
This is a key project leadership position with responsibility for overseeing the successful delivery of all civil engineering and infrastructure works across a large-scale, technically complex data centre development.
The Civils Lead will provide technical and operational leadership across the civil works package, working closely with the Project Director, CSA and MEP teams, design consultants, specialist subcontractors, commercial teams and client representatives.
The successful candidate will ensure that civil works are delivered safely, on programme, within budget and to the required quality standards, while maintaining strong coordination across the wider project.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced civil construction professional to take ownership of a major civils package within a high-profile hyperscale data centre development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the delivery of all civil engineering and infrastructure works across the project.
- Take responsibility for the planning, coordination and execution of civils activities from construction through to completion and handover.
- Manage civil works including earthworks, excavation, foundations, drainage, utilities, roads, hardstanding and external works.
- Coordinate closely with the CSA, structural, architectural and MEP teams to ensure effective interface management.
- Review and monitor civil engineering drawings, specifications, method statements and construction documentation.
- Work closely with the design team and consultants to resolve technical queries and design coordination issues.
- Manage and coordinate civil subcontractors and specialist suppliers.
- Monitor progress against the project programme and ensure key civil milestones are achieved.
- Identify potential delays, technical issues and construction risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Ensure all civil works are delivered in accordance with approved designs, specifications and project requirements.
- Maintain strong quality control throughout the civil construction process.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety and environmental requirements.
- Attend and lead regular coordination and progress meetings with project stakeholders.
- Provide clear reporting on progress, risks, programme performance and technical issues.
- Work closely with the commercial team regarding variations, procurement, subcontractor performance and commercial exposure.
- Support the development and implementation of construction methodologies and delivery strategies.
- Coordinate inspections, testing and approvals associated with civil works.
- Ensure appropriate documentation and records are maintained throughout the project.
- Support the successful completion, commissioning and handover of the project.
- Drive a proactive culture of safety, quality, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Candidate Requirements
The ideal candidate will have significant experience delivering large-scale civil engineering or construction projects, ideally within the data centre, mission-critical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor or similarly complex sectors.
You should have:
- Extensive experience in a senior civils, civil engineering or construction management position.
- Proven experience delivering major civil engineering packages from mobilisation through to completion.
- Strong knowledge of earthworks, foundations, drainage, utilities and external infrastructure.
- Experience working on large-scale construction projects with multiple technical interfaces.
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies and civil engineering principles.
- Previous experience managing civil subcontractors and specialist contractors.
- Excellent understanding of construction programmes, sequencing and project controls.
- Strong technical and commercial awareness.
- Experience working with consultants, designers, clients and major contractors.
- Strong understanding of health, safety, quality and environmental requirements.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced construction environment.
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach to project delivery.
Previous data centre or mission-critical construction experience is highly desirable, particularly candidates who have delivered major civil packages on hyperscale data centre campuses.
Candidates with experience in other technically complex sectors such as pharmaceutical, semiconductor, industrial, energy or large-scale commercial construction will also be considered.
Experience working for a major general contractor, EPC, specialist contractor or client-side organisation would be advantageous.
Leadership Profile
The successful Civils Lead will be a confident construction professional capable of taking ownership of the civil package while working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary project team.
You will be expected to:
- Take ownership of the civils scope and drive delivery from the front.
- Build strong working relationships with clients, consultants and subcontractors.
- Proactively identify and resolve technical and construction issues.
- Maintain a strong focus on programme, quality and safety.
- Coordinate effectively with other project disciplines and manage interfaces.
- Challenge subcontractors and project teams where required.
- Maintain clear communication across all levels of the project.
- Drive accountability and high standards across the civil works package.
- Competitive salary package, negotiable depending on experience.
- Opportunity to work on a technically complex, high-specification development.
- Exposure to major international technology clients.
- Strong long-term project pipeline across Europe and the Nordic region.
- Significant career progression opportunities within a rapidly expanding business.
- International working environment with highly experienced project teams.