Head of Data Centre Strategic Innovation & Growth

Head of Data Centre Strategic Innovation & Growth

Location: Open to candidates based in the UK, DACH region or the Netherlands, with flexibility for candidates from other locations where there is a strong fit for the role.The OpportunityKingspan Light, Air & Water (KLAW) is building a dedicated global Data Centre business, and this role will shape what that business sells three to five years from now.KLAW's brands already supply solutions to data centre projects, but often as a line item rather than a strategic partnership.

To change that, KLAW is creating a global Data Centre team supported by regional Business Development Managers across Europe, the Middle East, the US and Australia.This role is the innovation engine of that team. You will define which products, systems and services KLAW brings to hyperscalers, colocation operators, contractors and consultants next, identifying emerging customer needs, market shifts and technology opportunities and turning them into profitable growth.Key ResponsibilitiesInnovation Pipeline & CommercialisationBuild and prioritise a pipeline of new products, systems and service solutions for Data Centres.Translate market insight into an innovation roadmap with clear stage-gates.Lead agile development with engineering, commercial and operations teams from concept through testing to launch.Run rapid concept validation and customer pilots, stopping ideas early when they do not hold up.Market & Customer InsightEngage directly with hyperscalers, operators, consultants, designers and contractors to identify unmet needs.Track technology and regulatory trends, including cooling architectures, density, sustainability and water use.Act as the voice of the Data Centre customer inside KLAW.Strategic GrowthIdentify adjacent opportunities, new revenue streams and routes to market.Build business cases for investment in new products, technologies and services.Scout technology partners and support the evaluation of partnerships or acquisitions.Industry PresenceRepresent KLAW within the Data Centre industry and innovation ecosystem.Build relationships with key customers, technology partners and industry bodies.What You BringEssential Criteria A proven record of taking at least one product, system or service from concept to revenue in a technical B2B market.Senior experience in Data Centres, critical infrastructure, or a closely related technical sector such as HVAC, thermal management, fire safety or building envelope.Existing relationships with Data Centre decision-makers: hyperscaler or operator design teams, major MEP consultants, or Data Centre contractors.Strong commercial judgement: you can build a business case and defend it to senior leadership.Desirable CriteriaWorking knowledge of airflow, ventilation, smoke control or acoustics.Experience with technology scouting, partnerships or acquisitions.Experience working across multiple countries and business units in a matrix organisation.Additional European languages.