Real Estate Development Director - Data Center Industry

Equinix; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global data infrastructure firm in London seeks a Real Estate Development Director to lead data center projects. The ideal candidate should have over 7 years of experience in real estate development, with significant expertise in managing large-scale projects. Responsibilities include collaboration with planning authorities, budget oversight, and community engagement. This role offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement plans

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in real estate development, especially in data center or technology infrastructure sector.

Responsibilities

• Drive critical milestones for long-term data center development projects.
• Collaborate with planning departments for necessary permits and approvals.
• Work with architects and contractors on project specifications.
• Represent the company in community meetings and public hearings.
• Manage project budgets and timelines for financial targets.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on projects.

Skills

Strong knowledge of zoning, land use regulations, and permitting processes

Proven ability to manage complex, multi-year development projects with budgets exceeding $50M

Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills

Familiarity with data center infrastructure requirements

Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera)

Certifications: PMP, LEED AP, or CCIM certification is a plus

Strategic thinker, detail-oriented, adept at problem-solving under pressure

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Master’s degree or MBA preferred

Job description

Who are we?

Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.

A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future.

A career at Equinix means being at the center of shaping what comes next and amplifying customer value through innovation and impact. You’ll work across teams, influence key decisions, and help shape the path forward. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.

Job Summary

The Real Estate Development Director will lead the strategic planning and execution of datacenter development projects, driving key milestones to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery. This role requires collaboration with internal teams, external stakeholders, and local planning departments to secure approvals, manage entitlements, and oversee the development lifecycle of large-scale data center facilities.

Responsibilities

Project Management

• Drive critical milestones for long-term data center development projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, budgets, and timelines

Entitlements, Subdivision Consent and Permitting

• Collaborate with local, state, and federal planning departments to secure necessary permits, zoning approvals, and environmental clearances. Navigate regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance

Stakeholder Coordination

• Work with architects, engineers, contractors, and utility providers to align project specifications with technical and operational requirements

Community Engagement

• Represent the company in public hearings and community meetings, addressing concerns and building positive relationships with local stakeholders

Budget and Schedule Oversight

• Develop and manage project budgets, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies to deliver projects on scope and within financial targets

Reporting and Communication

• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on project progress, risks, and key decisions. Maintain clear documentation for all development activities. Provide JV reporting and communication as needed

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree or MBA preferred

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in real estate development, with at least 3 years in the data center or technology infrastructure sector

Skills

• Strong knowledge of zoning, land use regulations, and permitting processes

• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-year development projects with budgets exceeding $50M

• Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills to manage diverse stakeholders

• Familiarity with data center infrastructure requirements, including power, cooling, and connectivity

• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) and financial modeling

• Certifications: PMP, LEED AP, or CCIM certification is a plus

• Attributes: Strategic thinker, detail-oriented, and adept at problem‑solving under pressure

Work Environment

• Location: London

• Travel: Up to 30% travel to project sites, planning offices, and stakeholder meetings

• Schedule: Full‑time, with occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines

Compensation

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus performance‑based bonuses

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.