Associate Director - Data Centres

Associate Director - Data CentresAbu DhabiKent Data Centres is seeking an accomplished Data Centre Associate Director to take the lead on a major data centre development in the UAE.This is a high-profile appointment requiring someone who has been at the forefront of delivering complex, large-scale data centre projects & understands what it takes to bring them from design through to successful commissioning and handover.Acting as the senior client-facing lead, you’ll take ownership of project delivery, navigate complex technical and commercial challenges, and bring together multidisciplinary teams, contractors and stakeholders to deliver against demanding programme and performance expectations.We’re looking for a proven data centre leader with the technical credibility, commercial judgement gravitas & presence to operate confidently at the highest levels.ABOUT YOU:Join us. Unleash your energy within. If you have world-class ambitions to reach the stars while keeping your feet on the ground, we’re the team for you. We've created a new breed of company – future-focused with reimagined ambition across all disciplines within the energy sector.We love people who know their own potential and are not afraid to use it. We know that together, we’re far more than the sum of our parts. So, we celebrate people who want to grow and develop as we work together on some of the largest projects on the energy world stage.OUR PURPOSE AND BELIEFS: As Kent, we’re tackling the greatest challenge of our time - to bring our world the energy it needs in the most responsible way ever imagined.It’s the energy of every member of our team driven by our beliefs that is making this happen. Whatever our skill, our language, or our culture. These beliefs define and direct us every day to be the very best - for ourselves, our clients, our key stakeholders, the communities we operate in and the planet:We PLAY BIGWe thrive on EMOTIONAL AGILITYWe are FANATICAL ABOUT PERFORMANCEWe are built on INFINITE THINKINGRead more about the Purpose, Beliefs and Guiding Principles that drive us: https://kentplc.com/who-we-are/purpose-beliefsOUR VISION FOR DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING: We recognise that diversity & inclusion are catalysts for success. We’re heightening awareness on the benefits of people diversity, diversity of experiences and diversity of our perspectives. Creating a culture of inclusivity where all employees feel a sense of belonging.Our combined energy is fueled by different nationalities, across 6 continents and 24 countries. Our commitment is to celebrate character – no matter what ethnic background, gender, age, religion, identity, or disability.About the job: ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - DATA CENTRESKent Data Centres are looking for an experienced Associate Director with strong data centre delivery experience to lead projects from inception through design, construction, and handover.The ideal candidate will have a proven track record managing complex, large-scale data centre developments in the Middle East, with deep technical understanding and strong stakeholder leadership skills.SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Manage end-to-end delivery of data centre projects from concept, feasibility, and design through construction, commissioning, and handoverAct as the client-facing lead, managing senior stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and authoritiesEvaluate client inquiries, specifications, and drawings.Oversee programme, budget, risk, and quality across all project phasesTrack project budgets, manage purchase orders, and support cost optimization initiatives.Monitor all performance, ensuring adherence to design specifications, quality standards, and safety regulations.Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including design, MEP, ICT, and constructionEnsure compliance with local regulations, international data centre standards, and HSE requirementsDevelop and maintain detailed project documentation, status reports, and risk assessments.Manage procurement strategies and contractor performanceProvide clear reporting, governance, and decision-making at executive levelWork with Business Development to present Kent Data Centres to clients.Implement project management best practices and continuous improvement processes tailored to data centre environments.Ensure all projects align with business continuity, energy efficiency, and sustainability goals.Prepare reports following on-site consultancy, present findings, and provide a roadmap for change while assessing risks and opportunities for improvement.In addition to the responsibilities listed herein, the employee may be required to perform other ad-hoc tasks as needed or directed by the supervisor or management. These tasks will be within the reasonable scope of the employee's skills, capabilities, and role within the organization. The intent of this provision is to allow for flexibility and adaptability in meeting the dynamic needs of the organization, ensuring that operational requirements can be met efficiently. All such tasks will be assigned considering the employee's current workload and with respect to their professional development.YOUR EXPERIENCE: Demonstrable experience leading large-scale, technically complex data centre developments in a Associate Director or equivalent senior leadership capacity, with full accountability for programme, budget, risk and delivery.Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related fieldPMP, RICS, or similar professional certification preferredCommunication:Excellent command of the English language in both oral and written communication and skills.Behaviour/ Core Competencies:5+ years’ experience delivering data centre projects (mission-critical facilities)15+ years in the building services/Infrastructure /Construction industry delivering large scale projectsProven experience managing projects from inception to build and handoverStrong understanding of data centre infrastructure (power, cooling, redundancy, MEP systems)Technical understanding of a Data Centre and enabling infrastructure.Familiarity with engineering and commissioning processes, equipment procurement, and vendor management.Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Primavera, or similar).Middle East project experience is preferred.Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skillsCommercially astute with experience managing budgets and contractsKnowledge of OSHA safety standards, local building codes, and data centre compliance frameworks.