Technical Project & Development Services Director in London

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 Structure

Reports to: EMEA Head of Data Centers

Matrix reporting line: EMEA Head of Operations, PDS & Tetris

Location: London ()

Direct reports: None but strong matrix on technical oversight of in country delivery teams

Collaborates With

• EMEA 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 teams
• Client technical, engineering, and procurement leads across hyperscale and colocation accounts
• MEP, commissioning, and specialist engineering partners
• Ingenious platform and digital delivery teams
• HSSE, Risk, and Legal functions

Role Overview

The 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 & Standards

Own 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 infrastructure

2. Project Delivery Excellence

Provide 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 tolerances

3. Client & Stakeholder Engagement

Build 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 completion

4. Sector & Technical Expertise

Maintain 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 markets

5. Innovation & Digital Delivery

Champion 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 value

6. Risk, Compliance & HSSE

Ensure 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 requirements

7. Team Development & Capability Building

Build 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 markets

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree-qualified in engineering, construction management, or a related technical discipline; chartered status (e.g. MRICS, CEng) preferred
• 15+ years' experience in data center design, construction, or project delivery, including significant hyperscale or colocation experience
• Proven track record leading complex, multi disciplinary technical delivery across multiple EMEA jurisdictions
• Strong working knowledge of MEP systems, commissioning processes, and data center operational requirements
• Experience engaging directly with hyperscale or colocation client technical and engineering leadership
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to influence both client and internal senior leadership
• Fluent English; additional European capability an advantage
• Willingness to travel extensively across EMEA markets

JLL Behaviours

• Be humble - Create a compelling vision for JLL's Data Center technical excellence that motivates teams and attracts top talent
• Win Together - Drive successful outcomes through effective collaboration across country teams by deepening client relationships
• Simplify - Streamline complex technical delivery processes to improve client experience and operational efficiency
• Be Decisive - Apply strategic focus to the highest risk, highest value technical challenges across the regional portfolio as a trusted team member
• Be Curious - Anticipate emerging technical requirements (AI infrastructure, high density cooling, power availability) and position JLL ahead of market shifts leading with agility

JLL is committed to hiring and developing the most talented people, reflecting the of the communities in which we operate.

Location:On site -London, GBR

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Jones Lang LaSalle ("JLL") is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

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.