Associate Director – Data Centres

Associate Director – Data Centres

Help Shape the Future of Mission-Critical Infrastructure

As demand for digital infrastructure continues to accelerate across the UK and internationally, we are seeking an Associate Director – Data Centres to join our Architecture team in London, Newark or Birmingham. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Architect with a strong background in data centre design and delivery to take a leading role on complex projects while contributing to the continued growth of our Architecture practice.

Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will support the delivery of technically demanding and high-profile developments, helping clients navigate the challenges associated with mission-critical facilities. If you are passionate about architectural excellence, client relationships and developing project teams, this is an opportunity to play a key role in one of the industry's fastest-growing sectors.

Purpose and Scope of the Role

As Associate Director, you will provide leadership across the design and delivery of data centre projects, supporting clients from early-stage site due diligence and campus masterplanning through to detailed design, technical coordination and project completion. You will take responsibility for managing project teams, coordinating multidisciplinary inputs and ensuring high-quality technical outputs are delivered in line with client requirements.

The role combines technical expertise, project leadership and client engagement. You will work closely with senior colleagues to support business growth, contribute to winning new work and help maintain strong client relationships while delivering successful project outcomes. As a senior member of the Architecture team, you will also support the development of colleagues and contribute to maintaining technical excellence across the business.

Your Impact in this Position

Your contribution will directly influence the successful delivery of mission-critical facilities that underpin digital services and technological growth. You will act as a key point of contact for project teams and clients, helping to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, collaboratively and to the highest professional standards.

Through your sector knowledge, technical expertise and commitment to client service, you will help strengthen our position within the data centre market while supporting the continued development of our Architecture team and project portfolio. You will also play an important role in identifying opportunities, supporting business growth initiatives and contributing to the successful pursuit of new projects.

Core Capabilities

Technical Expertise in Data Centre Design

You will bring significant experience in the design and delivery of co-location, hyperscale and mission-critical data centre developments, together with a detailed understanding of the operational and technical requirements associated with these facilities. You will support the development of practical, coordinated and technically robust architectural solutions that meet client objectives while balancing performance, resilience, sustainability and operational requirements.

Experience undertaking site due diligence, campus masterplanning and the development of projects from concept, schematic and detailed design through to construction documentation and construction-stage support will be highly valued. You will have a strong understanding of the technical challenges associated with large-scale data centre environments and the ability to lead teams in delivering effective solutions.

Project Leadership and Delivery

You will lead the day-to-day delivery of projects, ensuring programmes, budgets and quality standards are achieved. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, you will coordinate planning, permitting, civil and structural engineering, MEP, security, fire engineering, CDM and Building Safety Act requirements to deliver integrated project solutions.

Your ability to manage project risks, resolve technical challenges and maintain project momentum will be central to successful delivery. You will guide projects from inception through to completion, ensuring client expectations are met while maintaining the highest standards of technical quality.

Client Relationship Management and Business Development

You will develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and industry stakeholders, supporting the growth of both existing and new opportunities. You will identify opportunities within the market, contribute to sector growth strategies and help strengthen our reputation as a trusted adviser within the data centre industry.

You will lead and support proposals, bid submissions, presentations and project pursuits, working collaboratively with colleagues across the business to secure new opportunities and expand client relationships.

Leadership, Mentoring and Team Development

As a senior member of the Architecture team, you will provide leadership, guidance and support to colleagues across a range of experience levels. You will contribute to a positive and collaborative culture by sharing knowledge, mentoring team members and supporting professional development.

You will help establish and maintain high technical standards across the team, fostering an environment of continuous improvement while supporting the attraction, retention and development of talented professionals.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Strong communication and presentation skills will enable you to engage effectively with clients, project teams and wider stakeholders. You will lead design reviews, workshops and project meetings, presenting technical information clearly and building confidence with both internal and external audiences.

Your ability to foster productive working relationships across disciplines and business units will contribute to the successful delivery of projects and the long-term success of client partnerships.

Commercial Awareness and Strategic Thinking

You will demonstrate strong commercial acumen and understand the relationship between technical decisions, project performance and business success. You will support project planning, resource management, fee proposals and financial forecasting activities, helping to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and profitably.

Your strategic mindset will enable you to make informed business decisions, contribute to growth initiatives and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement within the sector.

Mandatory Requirements

You will be a qualified Architect with significant post-qualification experience in the design and delivery of co-location, hyperscale and mission-critical data centre developments.

You will possess a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary project teams, managing complex projects and developing strong client relationships. Strong technical, commercial and stakeholder management skills are essential, alongside experience working within multidisciplinary consultancy environments.

You will demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong leadership capabilities and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. A willingness to travel as required is expected.

Desirable Experience

Chartered membership of a relevant professional institution is highly desirable.

Experience supporting strategic business planning, sector growth initiatives and major bid submissions would be advantageous. Knowledge of digital delivery processes, BIM workflows, sustainability principles and emerging technologies within the data centre sector will further enhance your ability to contribute to successful project delivery.

Experience working on international programmes and large-scale mission-critical infrastructure developments would also be beneficial.

Why Join Tetra Tech?

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation and creativity.

We support public and private sector clients on local, national and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science® to solve our clients' most complex problems.

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.

Why join Tetra Tech?

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.

We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science® to solve our clients’ most complex problems.

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list and any submitted will be taken as a gift. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.