Head of Data Centre Strategic Innovation & Growth (W/M)

Who are we?Kingspan Light, Air & Water (KLAW) is a division of Kingspan Group, a global leader in high-performance building solutions. Through our leading brands, including Colt, Mercor and Permastore, we deliver innovative solutions in ventilation, natural ventilation, fire and smoke control, acoustic and weather louvres, smoke exhaust systems and water storage. Purpose of the roleAs Head of Data Centre Strategic Innovation & Growth (W/M), you will define and deliver the next generation of KLAW solutions for the Data Centre industry.Working closely with our global commercial, engineering and product teams, you will identify emerging customer needs, develop innovative solutions and turn market opportunities into profitable growth.This is a strategic and hands-on role, combining customer insight, technical innovation and commercial leadership.This role could be locate in UK, Germany or Netherlands and includes international travelling.Key responsibilities:Innovation pipeline and commercialization (around 50%)Build 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 pilots with customers, and stop ideas early when they do not hold up.Market and customer insight (around 25%)Engage 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 growth (around 15%)Identify 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 evaluation of partnerships or acquisitions.Industry presence (around 10%)Represent KLAW in the Data Centre industry and innovation ecosystem.Build relationships with key customers, technology partners and industry bodies.What will you bring?Essential experience & skillsA proven track record of taking at least one product, system or service from concept to commercial success in a technical B2B environment.Seniorlevel experience in Data Centres, critical infrastructure or a closely related technical sector such as HVAC, thermal management, fire safety or building envelope solutions.An established network of Data Centre decisionmakers, including hyperscalers, operators, major MEP consultants or Data Centre contractors.Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to develop compelling business cases and confidently present investment recommendations to senior leadership.Experience leading crossfunctional innovation or product development initiatives in complex technical environments.The ability to influence stakeholders across functions, regions and business units without relying on formal authority.Desirable experienceWorking knowledge of airflow, ventilation, smoke control, acoustics or related building technologies.Experience in technology scouting, strategic partnerships or acquisitions.Experience working across multiple countries and business units within a matrix organisation.Additional European languages.How you workYou are an opportunity hunter who thrives in ambiguity, anticipates customer needs before they are written into specifications, and turns insight into profitable growth. You influence without relying on hierarchy, and you can talk credibly with both an engineer and a CFO.What we offerA newly created role with divisional backing and room to shape how we win in data centres.A full package to sell, from our factories across Europe, rather than a single product.Technical design support from our teams across Europe.Membership of a global data centre team, with exposure to international accounts.Competitive salary, performance bonus, company car and other benefits.Selection processInitial conversation with the search partner.Interview with the Head of DC Strategy & Development, focused on experience, network and motivation.Case exercise for finalists: take a real Data Centre market trend and set out how KLAW should respond, including the opportunity, a first concept, how to validate it, and the business case logic. Presented to a panel of commercial and technical leaders.Final interview with KLAW leadership.