Director of Development

CloudHQ is a global data Centre developer delivering flexible, efficient, and resilient digital infrastructure worldwide. Founded by a pioneer in data centre REITs, CloudHQ is rapidly scaling its platform, with live and planned campuses across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, including Ashburn, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Osaka, and São Paulo.

As we enter a significant phase of growth across Europe, we are strengthening our owner-side development capability and are seeking senior development leadership to help deliver the next generation of hyperscale data Centre campuses.

Role Overview:

The Development Director will be a senior leader within CloudHQ’s EMEA Development team, accountable for the end-to-end development of multiple data Centre projects across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with a current pipeline of approximately 700 MW IT capacity.

This is an owner-side development role with full lifecycle accountability from site acquisition and due diligence through planning, pre-construction, and handover into construction. The role places strong emphasis on speed to market, quality, capital discipline, and risk management.

During construction phases, the Development Director will retain technical and commercial governance, acting as CloudHQ’s senior representative and primary interface with the regional Construction team, general contractors, designers, fund stakeholders, and tenants.

This role does not replace the construction delivery function but ensures alignment, accountability, and decision-making at senior level.

The European team is at a formative stage, offering a genuine opportunity to help shape local development strategy, build in-country capability, and influence how CloudHQ delivers at scale across the DACH region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead site acquisition support and full technical, commercial, and planning due diligence in close coordination with the Global VP, Site Acquisitions and Regional Leasing teams
• Own the development of projects through feasibility, planning, permitting, and pre-construction, ensuring alignment with CloudHQ standards, programme, and budget
• Act as CloudHQ’s senior interface with local authorities, municipalities, utilities, and external stakeholders to secure timely approvals and capacity reservations
• Lead and manage consultant teams, including architects, engineers, planners, and specialist advisors
• Drive utility strategies for power, water, and fibre in coordination with internal infrastructure teams
• Lead local tendering activities, contractor selection, and early procurement of critical packages in coordination with regional commercial and construction teams
• Provide senior governance and oversight during construction, acting as the owner’s representative and ensuring delivery aligns with approved scope, cost, schedule, and quality
• Serve as the “eyes and ears” of CloudHQ and the Fund on site, providing clear reporting to internal leadership, lenders, and tenants
• Support the build-out of local development and project teams as the regional platform scales
• Ensure compliance with CloudHQ EHS standards and all statutory requirements in coordination with the Regional EHS function

Required Skills and Experience:

• Strong owner-side development experience delivering complex, large-scale projects in the DACH region
• Deep understanding of local planning, permitting, and regulatory environments
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary consultant teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong commercial and contractual awareness, including experience with regional construction contracts
• Ability to operate credibly with senior stakeholders, including funds, utilities, authorities, contractors, and tenants
• Strategic thinker with a hands‑on, delivery‑focused mindset
• Willingness to travel regularly within the region

Languages:

• German strongly preferred

Education and Background:

• Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 10+ years’ relevant experience
• Data Centre development experience preferred, though candidates from mission‑critical, life sciences, semiconductor, or high‑tech developments will be considered

Why CloudHQ:

At CloudHQ, you will work at the forefront of global digital infrastructure development, delivering some of the most advanced hyperscale data centers in the world. This role offers the opportunity to shape technical standards, influence major capital projects, and play a key leadership role in CloudHQ’s continued growth across EMEA.