PRE - Development Manager

Our client is a well-funded digital infrastructure business expanding its data centre development platform across Europe. With an ambitious growth plan and strong investor backing, they are building a pipeline of sites to support the next generation of digital infrastructure. The Role As Pre development Manager, you will own how new development land is found, assessed and secured across Europe. Sitting at the intersection of real estate, power, planning and capital, you will turn early-stage opportunities into shovel-ready projects that the business can invest in with confidence. This is a hands-on role with genuine influence over where and how the business grows. Key Responsibilities

• Source and screen development land across priority European markets, working with agents, landowners and local advisers
• Assess sites against key criteria including grid capacity, fibre connectivity, planning context, ground conditions, environmental constraints and commercial return
• Commission and manage specialist consultants across planning, environmental, geotechnical, legal and utilities, keeping work on budget and on programme
• Engage with local authorities and utility providers early to understand constraints and unlock timelines
• Support commercial negotiations with landowners, from heads of terms through to option and conditional purchase agreements
• Maintain a clear view of the site pipeline, tracking progress, risks and next steps, and reporting regularly to the leadership team
• Prepare concise investment papers to support go/no-go decisions
• Hand over well-prepared, de-risked sites to the delivery team
• Help design the frameworks, templates and decision gates that make site selection faster and more consistent The Requirements
• 5+ years' experience in site acquisition, land development or early-stage project work
• Data centre experience is preferred; backgrounds in energy, logistics, industrial or wider infrastructure are also welcome
• Working knowledge of planning, permitting and grid connection processes in more than one European country
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and complex projects across borders
• Strong commercial judgement and the confidence to present recommendations to senior decision-makers
• Degree or equivalent qualification in surveying, planning, engineering, real estate or a related discipline. What's On Offer -
• The opportunity to shape where major digital infrastructure is built across Europe
• A lean, ambitious team where your contribution is visible and valued
• A competitive salary and benefits package