Design Director - Data Center Construction
Energise Recruitment Solutions Ltd.
- Paris
- CDI
- Temps-plein
Location: Paris (can also be Avignon or Toulouse)
Company: A Leading General ContractorOverview:
A leading and fast-growing general contractor is seeking an experienced Design and Estimating Director to lead the delivery of cutting-edge data center projects across France. This senior role encompasses the full design and tendering process—from early-stage concept through to IFC documentation—with a particular emphasis on electrical and mechanical (HVAC) systems. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in building services design alongside strong commercial and project leadership skills. This is a rare opportunity to help shape high-performance infrastructure with a company investing heavily in the data center space.About the Company:
This firm has a strong track record of delivering complex, large-scale construction projects across Europe. With a strong culture of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, it is expanding into mission-critical sectors such as data centers. The business offers excellent career progression, competitive compensation, and the chance to work on high-profile, technically challenging builds.Key ResponsibilitiesDuring the Tender Phase:Design Coordination: Lead coordination across all technical disciplines—Civil, Structural, Architectural (CSA), Mechanical, and Electrical.Quotation Oversight: Manage pricing and quotation efforts across all trades, with a focus on early-stage MEP cost strategies.Technical Leadership: Own one or more trades (ideally electrical or HVAC) and provide expert input into system architecture and value engineering.Clarification Handling: Respond to technical queries from clients, consultants, and trade contractors.Schedule Contribution: Collaborate with planning teams to build realistic and efficient design and construction schedules.During the Design Phase:End-to-End Design Management: Oversee the complete design process, ensuring timely production of design documentation and successful progression through key design milestones.Client Interface: Serve as the main client contact for all design- and estimation-related matters, representing both technical and commercial interests.Team Communication: Ensure alignment between in-house teams, external consultants, and subcontractors across disciplines.Risk and Quality Management: Maintain design documentation and ensure compliance with health, safety, and sustainability standards (e.g. BREEAM, TIA-942).Meeting Leadership: Chair design and coordination meetings, manage documentation flow, and ensure that the team adheres to the agreed program and budget.Technical Focus AreasElectrical Systems: Medium and low voltage distribution, backup systems (UPS, generators), battery storage, and energy monitoring.HVAC and Mechanical Design: Cooling systems (including CRAH/CRAC, chilled water, free cooling), ventilation, and heat recovery.Integrated Building Services: Coordination of power and cooling strategies to optimize system performance and energy efficiency.Sustainability Integration: Support low-carbon design goals through system efficiency, equipment selection, and renewable readiness.Stakeholder Communication: Present technical solutions clearly and confidently to clients, partners, and senior leadership.Candidate ProfileRequirements:Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Building Services Engineering. A Master's degree or data center engineering qualification is a plus.Experience: 10+ years in the design and delivery of technical building projects, ideally including at least 5 years in a leadership or director-level role. Strong data center or mission-critical experience preferred.Languages: Proficiency in English and French is required; additional languages are a bonus.Skills and Competencies:Deep understanding of both electrical and HVAC systems in data center or large commercial/industrial settingsBroad knowledge of CSA integration, especially as it relates to services routing and coordinationFamiliarity with Uptime Tier Standards, TIA-942, BICSI, and sustainable building frameworks such as BREEAM or LEEDSkilled in design software and digital coordination tools (AutoCAD, Revit, ETAP, BIM 360)Strong leadership, commercial awareness, and communication abilitiesExperience managing multiple stakeholders in high-pressure, deadline-driven environmentsPreferred Qualifications:Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation (preferance to an electrical or mechanical background)Exposure to hyperscale or modular data center deliveryExperience working on international or cross-border construction projectsUnderstanding of direct current (DC) systems and advanced cooling technologiesApply Today
This is a high-impact leadership role for a technically minded professional who wants to shape the future of data center infrastructure in France. For a confidential conversation, please apply below.