Data Centre Due Diligence Project Manager (Civils Focus) - London

RED are an expanding international M&E consultancy, with a proven track record in low energy design, focused on providing excellent design solutions to clients.

Through our market leading technical expertise, we enable the world’s digital infrastructure and develop the built environment whilst also helping clients realise ambitious plans for zero carbon-built environments. We cover the entire life cycle of any building project, with our broad capability offering saving our clients time, money, and effort. Our approach is centred around listening to our clients and interacting energetically with our fellow project stakeholders. We add value with our people, client service ethos, global delivery strategy, technical ability, and attitude.

We now seek a Data Centre Due Diligence Project Manager (Civils Focus) to be based out of our London office. 

Role Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly capable and experienced Project Manager with a civil engineering background to lead due diligence activities for potential data centre developments across EMEA. The role involves client management, providing strategic definition, design management, and project management across early-stage development and feasibility phases of site selection and technical due diligence for Data Centres. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the technical and strategic direction of new data centre sites for some of the leading Data Centre markets. Come and help find, select and develop the future of the internet.

Strategic Definition & Technical Leadership

• Manage Riba Stage 0 to Stage 2 projects
• Lead the strategic definition of Due Diligence Projects focusing on an enpertise of civil engineering scope for new data centre sites.
• Understand and interpret client requirements, project goals, constraints, and success criteria.
• Conduct early site appraisals including topography, geology, hydrology, access, and utilities.
• Provide a first pass early due diligence feasibility assessment for sites for civil engineering solutions (e.g. drainage, earthworks, access roads).
• Identify and assess early-stage risks including flooding, contamination, and ground stability.
• Shape the Civils direction for RED.

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Lead Projects with Client Teams
• Liaise with local authorities, utility providers, and environmental agencies.
• Coordinate early engagement with engineering stakeholders where applicable.
• Represent the project in technical discussions with planning and regulatory bodies.

Brief Development & Design Management

• Develop and manage the civil engineering brief including: 
  • Earthworks and grading
  • Drainage strategy
  • Utility diversions and provisions
  • Highway access and transport links
  • Integrate sustainability and resilience goals (e.g. SuDS, low-carbon design, climate adaptation).
•  Lead design coordination across disciplines during early-stage development.

Surveys and Investigations

• Commission and manage site surveys: 
  • Topographical
  • Ground investigation (GI)
  • Utility mapping
  • Flood risk assessments (FRA)
• Oversee initial environmental screenings (ecological, archaeological, heritage)

Programme and Budget Planning

• Develop and maintain project programmes with civil engineering milestones.
• Provide input to early-stage cost planning and budget estimates.
• Identify critical path items and dependencies for civil works

Role Requirements

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline (Chartered status preferred).
• Proven experience in data centre, infrastructure, or large-scale industrial projects.
• Strong understanding of UK planning and environmental regulations.
• Experience in leading multi-disciplinary design teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Familiarity with RIBA Plan of Work, especially Stages 0–2.
• Experience with international data centre development standards.
• Knowledge of digital tools for design coordination (e.g. BIM, GIS).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Comfortable with occasional travel to site locations across the UK and Europe.

Benefits

RED offers a variety of benefits, including but not limited to:

• 23 days annual leave rising to 28 days annual leave over 5 years’ service
• Holiday purchase and buy back scheme
• Hybrid Working
• Contributory company pension scheme
• Healthcare Scheme (Company funded cover is dependant on level)
• Non-contractual bonus awards
• Training sponsorship
• Charity volunteering leave
• Wellness days/ initiatives.
• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Our people work in friendly teams with a collaborative approach and mentoring support from talented leaders.
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package and are an equal opportunities employer.

*This role will ideally suit those with the right to live & work in the UK without restrictions, as we are unable to offer sponsorship at the present time.