Data Centre Development Planner & Architect (Mandarin Speaker)

Annexion Partners; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Annexion Partners seeks an experienced Data Centre Development Planner & Architect to lead planning and development of large-scale data centre infrastructure across APAC. The role blends site selection, master planning and technical due diligence to translate constraints into actionable strategies.

You will assess prospective sites, coordinate with local consultants, and develop master plans that optimise land use and IT capacity.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in site selection, development planning and architectural design.
• Experience on large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure projects.
• Data centre, hyperscale or critical infrastructure experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of planning regulations, building codes and development requirements.
• Registration with a recognised Town Planners Institute preferred.
• LEED credentials advantageous, willingness to travel APAC.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support site selection and technical due diligence for data centre developments across APAC.
• Establish and apply site selection criteria based on development, planning and customer requirements.
• Coordinate with local consultants to conduct site feasibility and due diligence assessments.
• Develop data centre master plans and site development strategies to optimise land utilisation and IT capacity.
• Prepare executive briefings covering site constraints, opportunities, risks and development potential.
• Chair multi-disciplinary coordination meetings across architectural, engineering, planning and development teams.
• Translate complex site analysis and technical findings into clear recommendations for senior management.

Skills

Data centre development planning

Master planning

Site selection

MEP coordination

Big-data infrastructure

English and Mandarin

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SketchUp

Job description

We are representing a leading hyperscale data centre operator seeking an experienced Data Centre Development Planner & Architect to play a key role in the planning and development of large-scale data centre infrastructure across APAC.

This role sits at the intersection of site selection, development planning, architecture, master planning and technical due diligence. The successful candidate will assess prospective sites, determine development potential, optimise land utilisation and translate power, water, planning, infrastructure and technical constraints into executable data centre development strategies.

This is a strategic opportunity for an experienced architect to influence major development and investment decisions from the early-stage site evaluation through master planning and development planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support site selection and technical due diligence for prospective data centre developments across APAC
• Establish and apply site selection criteria based on development, planning, infrastructure and customer requirements
• Coordinate with local consultants to conduct site feasibility and due diligence assessments
• Assess land suitability against planning regulations, building codes, customer requirements and development constraints
• Develop data centre master plans and site development strategies to optimise land utilisation and achievable IT capacity
• Prepare and evaluate development test fits covering data centre buildings, supporting facilities, mechanical plant, electrical infrastructure and site requirements
• Coordinate closely with MEP, civil, structural, utilities and other technical teams to ensure effective spatial planning
• Evaluate power, water, access, utilities, infrastructure and other site constraints when developing the optimal site solution
• Provide architectural and planning leadership during early-stage development and feasibility
• Chair and facilitate multi-disciplinary coordination meetings across architectural, engineering, planning and development teams
• Resolve technical, commercial, regulatory and stakeholder requirements to develop practical solutions
• Translate complex site analysis and technical findings into clear recommendations for senior management and investment stakeholders
• Prepare executive-level briefings covering site constraints, development opportunities, risks and development potential
• Monitor changes to local planning policies, regulations and legislation affecting data centre and property development
• Support development decisions by providing clear assessments of site suitability and development feasibility

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution
• Minimum 10 years of experience in site selection, development planning and architectural design
• Experience working on large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure projects
• Data centre, hyperscale, microelectronics or other critical infrastructure experience is highly preferred
• Strong experience in data centre master planning, site assessment and development test fits
• Strong understanding of MEP spatial planning, particularly major mechanical and electrical infrastructure
• Strong knowledge of planning regulations, building codes and development requirements
• Demonstrated experience assessing land and translating site constraints into viable development solutions
• Registration with a recognised Town Planners Institute is preferred
• LEED professional credentials are advantageous
• Willingness to travel across APAC based on project requirements

Required Skills

• Data centre development planning and master planning
• Site selection and technical due diligence
• Architectural planning and design
• Development feasibility and test-fit analysis
• MEP spatial coordination
• Knowledge of planning regulations and building codes
• Stakeholder and multi-disciplinary coordination
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to present technical information to senior management and investment stakeholders
• Proficiency in English and Mandarin
• Experience working across APAC markets

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with data centre operators / cloud service providers
• Consultancy background
• Experience with greenfield data centre development
• AutoCAD, Revit and SketchUp
• LEED certification
• Town planning / planning institute registration

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.