Development Manager - Data Centres

Our Development Management team sits within RLB's Project Management service line, providing specialist development expertise that bridges client strategy and project delivery. Working closely with developers, consultants, authorities and delivery partners, we help clients navigate complex challenges, manage risk, and drive projects forward through critical development milestones. Our focus is on establishing robust development strategies, securing approvals, coordinating multidisciplinary stakeholders, and ensuring projects are well positioned for delivery.

We are seeking a specialist Development Manager to support strategic development programmes across the UK and Europe. This role will play a key part in guiding projects through their permitting, planning and pre-construction phases, while coordinating cross-functional teams and maintaining strong relationships with authorities and stakeholders. The role offers an opportunity to work on major, high-profile international development programmes in a dynamic, collaborative environment, with multidisciplinary experts across the UK and Europe.

Role Responsibilities Lead the permitting, zoning, planning and development approvals process for multiple large-scale projects within the region. Conduct due diligence assessments across design and construction phases, ensuring risks are identified early and appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented. Manage project development budgets and support progression through internal decision gates up to construction launch.

Engage with landowners, developers and external partners to negotiate development agreements and support acquisition activities. Represent RLB and our clients in meetings with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), regulatory bodies, infrastructure providers, and local stakeholders. Coordinate infrastructure requirements-including utilities, access, and local improvement obligations-during project scoping and permitting.

Collaborate with engineering, environmental, legal, construction and operations teams to ensure alignment on permitting pathways and regulatory compliance. Prepare and present clear, high-quality reports on project progress, risks, and permitting status to both internal teams and client leadership. Support the development of regional strategies informed by market conditions, regulatory frameworks, and client demand.

Maintain effective relationships with brokers, developers, government agencies and community stakeholders. Track and report on portfolio-level metrics including permitting timelines, risk indicators, and development pipeline health. Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, or a related discipline. Member of relevant professional body (MRICS, MRTPI or equivalent) is highly desirable Experience Experience in land development, real estate, infrastructure, or large-scale project delivery.

Experience working on data centre developments is highly desirable. Significant experience conducting development, technical and commercial due diligence for complex development projects, identifying risks, opportunities and key project constraints. Proven background securing zoning, planning, permitting or other regulatory approvals for complex or high-impact developments. Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and build trusted relationships across diverse workstreams, driving alignment across internal and external consultants, regulatory bodies, developers and legal advisors.

Experience developing and maintaining effective relationships with key project stakeholders, including local planning authorities, government bodies, utilities providers, landowners, and community groups. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality deliverables. Experience supporting land acquisitions, development agreements and commercial negotiations with landowners, developers and external partners is desirable.

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