Technical Project & Development Services Director

Job Description

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way .Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you've got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you're looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.Reporting StructureReports to: EMEA Head of Data CentersMatrix reporting line: EMEA Head of Operations, PDS & TetrisLocation: London (preferred)Direct reports: None but strong matrix on technical oversight of in country delivery teamsCollaborates WithEMEA Head of Data Centers (strategic direction, commercial ownership, client relationships)EMEA Head of Operations, PDS & Tetris (delivery governance, resourcing, operational standards)Country PDS Directors and market leadership teamsClient technical, engineering, and procurement leads across hyperscale and colocation accountsMEP, commissioning, and specialist engineering partnersIngenious platform and digital delivery teamsHSSE, Risk, and Legal functionsRole OverviewThe Technical Director, EMEA Data Centers is the senior technical authority for data center project delivery across the region, responsible for ensuring that every hyperscale, colocation, and enterprise data center engagement is delivered to a consistently high technical standard, on programme, and in line with client and regulatory requirements. The role provides hands-on technical leadership across live projects while building the technical capability, standards, and governance that underpin PDS's data center practice in EMEA. Working in close partnership with the EMEA Head of Data Centers on strategy and client relationships, and with the EMEA Head of Operations on delivery governance and resourcing, the Technical Director ensures technical excellence is embedded consistently across markets.1. Technical Leadership & StandardsOwn and continuously develop PDS's EMEA data center technical delivery framework, covering design review, commissioning, and handover standardsAct as the senior technical escalation point for complex engineering, MEP, and construction issues across the regional project portfolioSet and enforce minimum technical governance standards for all data center projects, including design stage gates and quality assurance protocolsRepresent PDS in technical forums, industry bodies, and standards groups relevant to hyperscale and colocation infrastructure2. Project Delivery ExcellenceProvide direct technical oversight on the region's most complex or highest-value data center projects, from feasibility through to commissioning and energizationPartner with Project Directors to identify and resolve programme, cost, and technical risk before it impacts deliveryDrive consistent application of project controls, risk registers, and technical documentation across all marketsSupport recovery planning and remediation on any project falling outside agreed technical or programme tolerances3. Client & Stakeholder EngagementBuild and maintain trusted technical relationships with client engineering, construction, and operations leadership at key hyperscale and colocation accountsSupport the EMEA Head of Data Centers in technical input to pursuits, proposals, and framework negotiationsLead technical due diligence and lessons-learned reviews with clients following project completion4. Sector & Technical ExpertiseMaintain deep, current expertise in hyperscale and colocation data center design, construction, and commissioning methodologiesTrack emerging technical requirements driven by AI infrastructure, high-density cooling, and power availability constraints across EMEA marketsProvide guidance on jurisdiction-specific regulatory, planning, and grid-connection considerations across core EMEA markets5. Innovation & Digital DeliveryChampion adoption of the Ingenious platform and other digital delivery tools across data center projects to improve programme visibility and reportingIdentify and pilot new technologies, methods, or delivery models that improve speed-to-energization or reduce delivery riskPartner with clients on innovation initiatives that create measurable technical or commercial value6. Risk, Compliance & HSSEEnsure all data center projects meet JLL and client HSSE requirements, with zero tolerance for critical safety non-complianceOwn technical risk reporting into regional governance forums, flagging material issues to the EMEA Head of Data Centers and EMEA Head of OperationsEnsure commissioning and handover documentation meets both client and regulatory audit requirements7. Team Development & Capability BuildingBuild technical capability across country delivery teams through mentoring, training, and structured knowledge-sharingSupport recruitment and development of senior technical talent for the EMEA data center practiceEstablish and lead a data center technical community of practice across EMEA marketsQualifications & ExperienceDegree-qualified in engineering, construction management, or a related technical discipline; chartered status (e.g. MRICS, CEng) preferred15+ years' experience in data center design, construction, or project delivery, including significant hyperscale or colocation experienceProven track record leading complex, multi-disciplinary technical delivery across multiple EMEA jurisdictionsStrong working knowledge of MEP systems, commissioning processes, and data center operational requirementsExperience engaging directly with hyperscale or colocation client technical and engineering leadershipExcellent stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to influence both client and internal senior leadershipFluent English; additional European language capability an advantageWillingness to travel extensively across EMEA marketsJLL BehavioursThe successful candidate will embody and amplify JLL's core behaviours across all activities:Be humble - Create a compelling vision for JLL's Data Center technical excellence that motivates teams and attracts top talentWin Together - Drive successful outcomes through effective collaboration across country teams by deepening client relationshipsSimplify - Streamline complex technical delivery processes to improve client experience and operational efficiencyBe Decisive - Apply strategic focus to the highest-risk, highest-value technical challenges across the regional portfolio as a trusted team memberBe Curious - Anticipate emerging technical requirements (AI infrastructure, high-density cooling, power availability) and position JLL ahead of market shifts leading with agilityJLL is committed to hiring and developing the most talented people, reflecting the diversity of the communities in which we operate.Location:On-site -London, GBRIf this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all of the requirements. We're interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.JLL Privacy NoticeJones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL's recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please view our Candidate Privacy Statement .For additional details please see our career site pages for each country.Jones Lang LaSalle ("JLL") is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process - including the online application and/or overall selection process - you may email us at . This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.TPBN1_UKTJ