Head of Development - Data Center

Taylor Hopkinson | Powered by Brunel; Italia; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Taylor Hopkinson | Powered by Brunel is seeking a Head of Development – Data Centres to lead the technical development of large-scale data centre projects in Italy, including hyperscale campuses. This senior leadership role requires a strong technical background and proven owner-side or developer-side experience to shape development strategy and ensure bankable outcomes.

The successful candidate will oversee external design and engineering partners, manage stakeholders including utilities and

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering (Electrical or Mechanical).
• Proven data centre experience with hyperscale projects 50 MW+.
• Experience with high‑voltage grid connections and permits.

Responsibilities

• Define development strategy for each site, incl. capacity, power, grid, BESS, permitting timelines.
• Oversee external engineering and design consultants; review technical deliverables.
• Lead high‑voltage grid connection activities and permitting processes.
• Prepare RTB sales/partnerships with hyperscalers; ensure bankability.
• Build internal technical team and manage external consultants.
• Represent the company with authorities, utilities and regulators.

Skills

Leadership

Data centre engineering

Stakeholder management

Project development

Education

Engineering degree (Electrical/Mechanical)

Job description

Taylor Hopkinson is supporting the selection of a Head of Development – Data Centres to lead the technical development of large-scale data centre projects in Italy, including hyperscale campuses.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced data centre professional with a strong technical background and proven owner-side or developer-side experience. The successful candidate will take ownership of the development strategy, oversee external design and engineering partners, and ensure projects are technically robust, commercially viable and attractive to hyperscale operators, investors and tenants.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define the development strategy for each site, including capacity planning, power supply, grid connections, BESS, master planning and permitting timelines.
• Oversee external engineering and design consultants, define technical requirements, review design deliverables and ensure compliance with hyperscaler standards, costs and schedules.
• Lead technical relationships with Terna and DSOs, oversee high-voltage grid connection activities and coordinate environmental and building permitting processes.
• Prepare projects for Ready-to-Build (RTB) sales and partnerships, lead technical due diligence with hyperscalers and investors, and ensure projects meet bankability requirements.
• Build the internal technical team over time and manage external consultants and engineering partners.
• Represent the company alongside the CEO in discussions with public authorities, utilities, regulators and other institutional stakeholders.

Requirements:

• Degree in Engineering, preferably Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Proven experience in the data centre industry, including leadership of one or more hyperscale projects of 50 MW or above, ideally covering development, design and delivery.
• Strong hands-on experience with high-voltage grid connections and permitting processes in Italy or elsewhere in Europe.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to engage senior public officials, utility executives and other high-level decision-makers.