Development Monitoring Director - Data Centres

CBRE UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE UK seeks a Director-level specialist to advise on data centre development, focusing on risk management and delivery. You will oversee development monitoring from feasibility to handover and manage client relationships across funds, investors, and joint ventures.

With MRICS and a strong background in real estate development, you will lead budgeting, reporting, and due diligence while staying abreast of sector trends and regulatory changes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Building Surveying, Construction Management, Real Estate).
• MRICS qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide advisory services on data centre development, focusing on delivery risk identification and mitigation.
• Lead development monitoring from feasibility through handover.
• Oversee budgets, costs, and financial reporting with forecasts and variances.
• Manage client relationships and ongoing communications with stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Financial reporting

Communication skills

Development monitoring

Education

MRICS

Bachelor's degree in Building Surveying / Construction Management / Real Estate

Job description

Purpose:

We are seeking a highly experienced and driven Director-level specialist to provide expert advisory services to our clients within the rapidly expanding Data Centre sector, leveraging a deep understanding of real estate development delivery risk. This role will be responsible for advising real estate stakeholders such as funders, investors, occupiers, and joint venture partners on their interests in data centre development schemes. The successful candidate will provide expert technical, commercial, and risk-management oversight throughout the data centre development lifecycle, ensuring successful delivery, mitigating risks, and advising on best practices. This individual will possess a thorough understanding of data centre design, construction, commissioning, operational requirements, and the unique challenges associated with the sector. This position offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to the growth of our data centre advisory business, build strong client relationships, and leverage the wider resources and expertise within CBRE.

Role Purpose & Key Responsibilities:

• Advisory & Risk Management: Advise clients on all aspects of data centre development, focusing on identifying, assessing, and mitigating development delivery risks. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Initial review of data centre development proposals, reporting, and advising on all aspects of development delivery (developer credentials, financing, appraisal budgets, program, design, statutory consents, third-party legal agreements, site investigations, and construction commercial set-up).
• Monthly monitoring of data centre development projects, reporting on progress and how risks and challenges are being managed.
• Project Oversight: Lead and manage the development monitoring of data centre projects, from initial feasibility studies through to completion and handover.
• Financial Management: Oversee project budgets, track costs, and provide financial reporting, including forecasts and variance analysis.
• Client Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, providing regular updates, addressing concerns, and ensuring client satisfaction. Direct liaison with clients, developers, and their professional teams.
• Reporting & Communication: Prepare and present clear, concise, and accurate reports to stakeholders, including progress reports, risk assessments, and financial summaries. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are key.
• Due Diligence: Work with the wider team to perform technical due diligence on potential data centre sites, including assessing infrastructure, power availability, and environmental considerations.
• Business Development: Contribute to business development efforts, including identifying new opportunities within the data centre sector, preparing proposals, and networking within the industry. Leverage wider CBRE colleagues working in other departments to leverage and collaborate on market opportunities.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Market Awareness: Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes within the data centre sector and wider real estate market.

Person Specification:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Building Surveying, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Real Estate).
• Professional Qualification: MRICS status preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 10+ years of experience in construction, development, or property, with a specific focus on data centre projects. Proven experience in a development monitoring or project management role, ideally within a consultancy or advisory environment.
• Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding and experience working in the data centre sector.
• Construction/Development Knowledge: Strong understanding of the end-to-end real estate development process, including developer credentials, financing, appraisal budgets, program, design, statutory consents, third-party legal agreements, site investigations, and construction commercial set-up.
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with clients, stakeholders, and team members.