Executive Director, Data Centre Business Unit

Role overview

This position offers the chance to take charge of a fast-growing data centre business unit within a prominent organisation delivering critical digital infrastructure across the Middle East. Based in Qatar, the role is designed for a senior leader who can steer strategy, business expansion, operational execution, and delivery across a diverse portfolio of hyperscale and large-scale colocation projects in the MENA region.

Reporting directly to the Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Director will carry full profit and loss ownership for the business unit and oversee strategy, growth, client relationships, project performance, commercial outcomes, and leadership of talent. The role is central to strengthening the organisation’s position as a leading player in the regional data centre market.

Key responsibilities

• Create and implement the long-term strategy, business plan, and growth roadmap for the Data Centre Business Unit.
• Provide senior leadership across all business functions to ensure successful delivery of hyperscale and colocation data centre programmes.
• Take full accountability for financial results, including revenue generation, margin improvement, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Drive business development efforts by identifying new opportunities and building strategic partnerships with clients, investors, and industry stakeholders.
• Develop and sustain executive relationships with hyperscale operators, developers, consultants, EPC contractors, technology partners, and government bodies.
• Manage the performance of cross-functional teams covering project management, engineering, construction, commercial, procurement, and operations.
• Ensure projects meet contractual commitments, schedule milestones, quality requirements, and client expectations.
• Promote operational excellence through strong governance, best-practice processes, and effective risk management.
• Encourage a workplace culture focused on safety, innovation, accountability, and ongoing improvement.
• Lead workforce planning, succession planning, and the attraction and retention of top-tier talent.
• Oversee key bids, contract discussions, and major commercial agreements.
• Track market developments, new technologies, and competitor activity to shape business direction and preserve market leadership.
• Represent the organisation in senior industry forums, client meetings, and external events to enhance reputation and relationships.
• Prepare performance updates and strategic recommendations for the Board and Executive Leadership Team.

Requirements

• A degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a similar discipline is required; a Master’s degree or MBA would be an advantage.
• At least 15 years of experience in construction, engineering, or digital infrastructure, with substantial exposure to mission-critical facilities and data centres.
• Proven background leading a business unit, division, or major operational function with complete P&L responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to build and execute growth strategies in the data centre, mission-critical, or major infrastructure space.
• Strong experience handling complex stakeholder environments and working effectively with senior executives and C-suite stakeholders.
• Excellent commercial capability, including contract negotiation, financial oversight, and business performance improvement.
• Success in leading large, multidisciplinary teams across several projects and locations.
• Sound understanding of data centre delivery models, especially hyperscale and colocation environments.
• Middle East experience is preferred, along with familiarity with regional market conditions and procurement methods.
• Exposure to hyperscale client standards and delivery expectations from organisations such as AWS, Microsoft, Google, Meta, or Oracle would be beneficial.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, influencing, and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to motivate teams and deliver strong results.

Additional information

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who wants to help shape the future of digital infrastructure in the Middle East. The successful candidate will be able to influence strategy, expand market presence, and contribute to the delivery of world-class data centre assets that support the region’s economic and technological growth.