Director of Development – Data Center Construction; Anticipated

Position: Director of Development – Data Center Construction (Anticipated Opening)

Turner & Townsend is a global professional services company with over 22,000 people in more than 60 countries.

Working with our clients across real estate, infrastructure, energy and natural resources, we transform together delivering outcomes that improve people’s lives. Working in partnership makes it possible to deliver the world’s most impactful projects and programs as we turn challenge into opportunity and complexity into success.

Our capabilities include program, project, cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement and supply chain, net zero and digital solutions.

We are majority‑owned by CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm, with our partners holding a significant minority interest. Turner & Townsend and CBRE work together to provide clients with the premier program, project and cost management offering in markets around the world.

Job Description
Turner & Townsend is seeking a Director of Development to join our data centre team and lead end‑to‑end data centre and infrastructure development, overseeing land transactions, permitting, site and facility design, utility interconnections, and project budgeting. This role manages complex development negotiations, guides location strategy and land procurement, and collaborates closely with finance, construction, engineering, sales, legal, and external partners. The Director prepares business cases for executive approval, supports product and sales initiatives, identifies new market opportunities, and maintains strategic relationships with regional stakeholders to ensure alignment across corporate priorities and development objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of development for data centre projects, from site selection through project handoff.
• Oversee land acquisition, due diligence, and negotiation of purchase agreements.
• Manage permitting and entitlement processes to ensure timely approvals.
• Coordinate site and facility design with engineering and construction teams.
• Develop and maintain utility interconnection strategies for power and fibre.
• Prepare and present business cases for executive review and approval.
• Support product development and sales initiatives with accurate site data and timelines.
• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities for expansion.
• Build and maintain relationships with local authorities, utility providers, and regional stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with zoning, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor project budgets and financial performance throughout development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with legal on contract negotiations and risk mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to long‑term location strategy and portfolio planning.
• Implement best practices for development processes and reporting.
• Develop and maintain project timelines and critical path schedules to ensure on‑time delivery.
• Lead stakeholder engagement sessions to align development objectives with corporate priorities.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform site selection and investment decisions.
• Manage third‑party consultants for environmental studies, geotechnical surveys, and traffic impact assessments.
• Support executive leadership in strategic planning and quarterly business reviews.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in real estate development, site acquisition, or infrastructure development, preferably in mission‑critical or data centre environments.
• Strong knowledge of permitting, zoning, and entitlement processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex negotiations and multi‑stakeholder relationships.
• Familiarity with utility interconnections and infrastructure planning.
• Excellent financial acumen and ability to prepare executive‑level business cases.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects across different geographies.
• Effective communication and presentation skills for executive and external audiences.
• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s…