Programme Director

You may choose to display a cookie banner on the external site. You must specify the message in the cookie banner and may add a link to a relevant policy. If you are unfamiliar with these requirements, please seek the advice of legal counsel.Programme Director page is loaded Programme Directorlocations: London - Head Officetime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 3 Days Agojob requisition id Join Kao Data as a Programme Director - Drive Excellence in AI-Focused Data Centres! Kao Data leads the industry, pioneering the development and operation of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing. With a hyperscale-inspired and industrial scale platform, we provide our customers with a secure, scalable, and sustainable home for their compute. About the Role We are looking for a Programme Director to provide strategic leadership for our West London data centre development, overseeing all workstreams from post-acquisition through to Ready for Service (RFS).Reporting directly to the Managing Director and Senior Management Team this role is responsible for ensuring seamless delivery across technical, commercial, planning, and stakeholder engagement functions, managing a £600m+ programme with complex dependencies and tight timescales. Key Responsibilities Programme Leadership & Coordination Own the end-to-end programme, integrating multiple discrete project workstreams (e.g. delivery, energisation, planning, easements, procurement, funding, GTM, community engagement) into one co-ordinated, inter-dependent programme. Lead cross-functional teams, aligning departmental responsibilities (Technical, Operations, Procurement, Planning, H&S, Community Engagement) and ensuring clarity of ownership. Stakeholder Management Act as the primary interface between senior management team, Board, external advisors, contractors, and community stakeholders. Prepare and present programme updates, risk assessments, and capital commitment strategies to senior management team and Board, ensuring alignment with shareholder requirements. Delivery & Execution Oversee all delivery workstreams, including technical design, procurement, contracts, energisation, and site operations. Oversee easement negotiations and power connection processes, ensuring timely completion and compliance with UKPN and planning authority requirements. Ensure robust project governance, resource planning, and reporting structures are in place, including PMO oversight and integration of external consultants as needed. Planning & Risk Management Oversee the planning process, including submission of applications, management of conditions (S106), and engagement with OPDC and other authorities. Identify, quantify , and mitigate programme risks, including capital at risk, customer contract dependencies, and planning consent timelines. Best Practice & Tools Champion the use of best practice programme management tools (e.g., Procore, Primavera, MS Project, risk registers, RACI charts, responsibility matrices). Implement rigorous action tracking, reporting, and escalation processes to ensure accountability and timely resolution of issues. What We're Looking For: Degree in Engineering, Construction, Project Management, or related field. Professional accreditation (e.g., RCIS, MAPM, PMP, PRINCE2) are preferred. Significant track record (10+ years) in leading large-scale, complex infrastructure or data centre programmes (£250m+). Deep familiarity with UK planning, energisation, procurement, and delivery processes, including stakeholder engagement and regulatory compliance. Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams, tight timescales, and high-value capital commitments. Strategic mindset with hands-on execution capability. Strong commercial acumen and systems approach. Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Advanced proficiency in programme management tools and methodologies. Be part of an innovative and rapidly growing AI data centre leader. Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Engaging team events that strengthen workplace culture and connections Private Medical - private health insurance including dental and optical cover. Holiday - 25 days annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays Pension - Salary Sacrifice Pension Parental Leave - Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave Life Assurance & Income Protection Mental health support - 24/7 access to mental health support via our employee assistance programme, and a trained team of Mental Health First Aiders Giving back - 2 Charity volunteering days a year. Electric Vehicle - Salary Sacrifice Scheme Optical Benefit Access to Unum's