Development & Construction Director

Development & Construction Director, Milan

The Development & Construction Director will be a senior leader of the CloudHQ (CHQ) EMEA Development & Construction team, responsible for full lifecycle development of CHQ’s Data Centres in Milan, acting as Strategic Advisor to the Development Fund in Italy for the portfolio, currently planned at circa 560MWIT.

In a Development capacity, the Development & Construction Director will perform a critical role from site acquisition and defining the project brief, with an emphasis on speed to market, quality, and cost effectiveness and will be responsible for the delivery of multiple projects as required.

In a Construction delivery capacity, the Development & Construction Director will function as the Fund’s Strategic Advisor in Country, liaising with CHQ’s VP of Construction, acting as a leader to the general contractor/design team, and being the primary liaison between these parties, the Fund and CHQ.

The team in Europe is at a critical stage of growth, so the role offers an exciting opportunity for an entrepreneurial individual with a keen attention to detail and a willingness to be involved in building a team in-country.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

· Support site acquisition and lead subsequent due diligence in close collaboration with the Global Vice President, Site Acquisitions as well as the Regional Leasing Team

· Lead project in development phase locally, in liaison with the Design & Development Director and Regional Design Team, building and leveraging partnerships locally with architects, engineers, contractors, trade partners, equipment vendors, local municipalities, etc;

· Coordinate communications with key utility providers in-country (power, water, fibre) for service agreements and capacity reservations, liaising with the Fund, their advisors, and CHQ’s infrastructure and fibre teams;

· Support the Fund in communicating with adjacent property owners and neighbourhood groups as needed to realise project success;

· On behalf of the Fund lead appointed consultant team, oversee permitting, relevant zoning and environmental approvals, ensuring compliance with local regulations and effective communication with municipalities and regional authorities/stakeholders to secure timely approvals;

· Consult with your Regional colleagues to ensure that best practice is uniform across all our developments, irrespective of geographic location;

· Direct the pre-construction programme and ensure alignment with approved project budget in coordination with wider Regional team;

· In coordination with Regional team, lead tendering locally, including negotiation and selection of contractors for defined work packages or critical plant;

· Until such time as a local Construction team in in place, lead project management in construction delivery phase in conjunction with the regional Construction Team, supporting strategic hiring of local site-based team; directing site-based activities, overseeing installation and commissioning of critical systems in compliance with contract scope and schedule;

· In liaison with the Regional Director of Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) ensure compliance to both CHQ and statutory standards and requirements. Help promote a safe working environment for all team members, colleagues, contractors, and customers;

· In coordination with the Regional Project Controls team, Schedule Reporting and Management & ensuring appropriate risk mitigation measures are implemented;

· Report Project Progress on scope and schedule as required, to be the eyes and ears of the Fund, and CHQ on site-for both internal, lender, and tenant reporting requirements;

· Coordination, managing internal and external resources, and driving results;

· Adhere to and promoting the core values of CHQ.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Engineering, Architecture, Construction, or similar related field. Relevant experience in lieu of a degree considered.

Experience: Extensive experience, with a particular focus on real in-country know-how. Data Center experience preferred but not essential, CHQ will consider other transferable experience and skills. Background in complex commercial, pharmaceutical, semi-conductor, mission critical or high-tech development would be an advantage.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

· Deep knowledge and understanding of construction in Italy including market knowledge and local regulations;

· Strong experience managing major project(s) and/or construction program;

· Working knowledge of construction contracts used in Italy;

· Ability to work cross-functionally with a team, as well as work independently applying individual expertise;

· Ability to manage several projects simultaneously and effectively;

· Excellent communication skills, ability to collaborate, be able to think strategically, ability to build trust;

· Critical thinker and problem solver;

· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interface directly with customers and other key stakeholders;

· Willingness to travel locally and nationally on a regular basis;

· Proficiency with MS Office;

· Experience with Scheduling/Programming software and analysis;

· Fluent Italian (oral & written) and business-fluent English language skills essential; and

· Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment, with regular need to work outside of normal business hours due to global business needs.

This position will be physically based in Italy, and travel within the region will be required. An average minimum of 3 days per week on site or in the corporate office will be expected.