Development Manager – Data Centres

About the role

RLB’s Development Management team is looking for a Development Manager to lead data‑centre programmes across the UK and Europe. The role bridges client strategy and project delivery, guiding projects through permitting, planning and pre‑construction phases while coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead permitting, zoning, planning and development approvals for multiple large‑scale data‑centre projects.
• Conduct due‑diligence assessments across design and construction phases, identifying risks and mitigation strategies.
• Manage development budgets and support progression through internal decision gates to construction launch.
• Negotiate development agreements with landowners, developers and external partners, supporting acquisition activities.
• Represent RLB and clients in meetings with authorities, regulatory bodies, infrastructure providers and local stakeholders.
• Coordinate infrastructure requirements such as utilities, access and local improvement obligations during scoping and permitting.
• Prepare and present high‑quality reports on project progress, risks and permitting status to internal teams and client leadership.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning or a related discipline; membership of MRICS, MRTPI or equivalent is desirable.
• Significant experience delivering large‑scale development projects, preferably data‑centre programmes, including securing zoning, planning and regulatory approvals.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and build trusted relationships with authorities, developers, legal advisors and other stakeholders.

What we offer

• Hybrid working model with flexible patterns to support work‑life balance.
• Competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and private healthcare including dental and eye‑care vouchers.
• Continuous learning and development programmes, mentoring schemes and support for professional memberships.
• Additional benefits such as season‑ticket loan, gym membership, cycle‑to‑work scheme and charitable volunteering opportunities.