Development Manager NA

Vantage Data Centers; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 118,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading data center provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a Development Manager who will oversee the progression of data center projects from concept through execution. The role involves driving site evaluations and managing project budgets while ensuring compliance with various standards. Ideal candidates should hold a degree in construction or engineering, have over five years of project management experience, and possess strong analytical and leadership skills. This position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in construction and project management.
• Construction industry experience required, with advanced corporate real estate experience.
• Strong IT skills with advanced Excel knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development of data center assets.
• Lead design and engineering project management.
• Provide leadership for preconstruction projects.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in construction, engineering, or real estate development

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

Job description

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well‑known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

New Site Development Department

The New Site Development team drives the technology, innovation and new development of data center infrastructure across Vantage’s portfolio. The department evaluates new sites, drives cost and scheduling in line with company goals and serves as subject matter authorities across the entire project lifecycle from concept through commissioning. The team collaborates with Sales, Operations and management, and works hand in hand with the Construction team to develop a vertically integrated design and ensure new and existing standards and designs are completed successfully. Our technical staff are given responsibility and authority to directly drive tangible results, aligning long‑term operational sustainability with value engineering and cost metrics to deliver products that support company goals.

Position Overview

The Development Manager is responsible for a core function in the Vantage team: New Site Development. They drive the development of controlled and existing real estate and data centers associated with mergers and acquisitions. Responsibilities include overseeing due diligence, initial concept, schematic and entitlement/permitting design and application(s), budget, and schedule for all new major projects, and transitioning them to the Construction Project Management Team for execution.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist Leadership Team with evaluation and diligence of new sites for data center assets, acquiring and developing them into Vantage Data Center properties.
• Lead all aspects of design & engineering project management, scheduling, and budgeting for new projects—including site assessment, conceptual design, basis of design, scope of work, and development of design & construction documents.
• Transition design and preconstruction packages to VDC Construction Project Managers for execution.
• Provide thought and team leadership while being accountable for team results on all preconstruction projects and assignments, including budget, schedule, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders across several cross‑functional teams.
• Evaluate new technology and construction techniques associated with land development and building construction to gain an edge on speed to market.
• Continue involvement in the data center construction community to gain valuable knowledge of best practice, new trends and industry standards.
• Support Market Development & Sales in identifying and selecting new sites, leading land due diligence efforts.
• Lead aspects of land use & zoning approvals, coordination with landowners, neighborhood groups, community outreach and entitlement processes with local jurisdictions.
• Work with internal Assistant General Counsel to assist with development‑related agreements.
• Coordinate local efforts with city planners, city councils, utilities (Power, Fiber, & Water) and other relevant parties critical to project success.
• Represent Vantage in the best light to local officials and effectively communicate the benefits of wholesale data center campuses.
• Drive scope, schedule, and budget decisions to conclusion, including managing internal and external resources, project teams, contractors, and vendors.
• Provide support to Construction Team from concept through commissioning across Vantage’s portfolio of construction projects.
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and integrated into continuous improvement.
• Report status of all preconstruction projects (risks, schedule, quality, and budget) to management.
• Develop, refine, and implement processes and policies for new construction practices, comparison, and ultimately green‑lighting deployment and actualization.
• Understand business strategies to align product development and innovation for success.
• Conduct consultant/vendor/contractor qualification, network management/expansion, and new technology evaluation for use on current product line and future product development opportunities.
• Support project management team to establish project budgets, analyze design impacts on build costs, and submit approval packages to the executive team.
• Coordinate with site operations to define project requirements.
• Work with sales and marketing to provide technical support wherever needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Management.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in construction, engineering, or real estate development preferred.
• Five years of experience in construction and project management.
• Construction industry experience required, with several years of advanced corporate real estate experience; industrial land acquisition experience preferred.
• Data center experience strongly preferred, but not required.
• Strong IT skills, with ability to use multiple communication tools and packages including the Office suite; advanced Excel knowledge crucial.
• Creative and innovative skillset.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborateively lead project/design teams.
• Excellent relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to analyze complex business concepts and documents.
• Ability to make effective presentations on general topics.
• Skill at solving problems and dealing with a variety of options with limited information.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions shipped in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills at all levels of the organization and with other stakeholders and third parties such as suppliers.
• Flexible, adaptable, and self‑directed; able to prioritize projects in a variety of circumstances while traveling, across multiple time zones, cross‑functionally, by project, etc.

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

These are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Details

• Salary Range: $160,000 – $170,000 Base + Bonus
• This position is eligible for company benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and AD&D; short and long‑term disability coverage; paid time off; employee assistance; participation in a 401(k) program that includes company match; and many other voluntary benefits.
• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above‑market total compensation package.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don’t meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search‑firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We’ll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you’re interested, we encourage you to apply soon—we’re excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!