Senior Director, Controls & Automation
STACK Infrastructure EMEA · London Office · hybrid
SENIOR DIRECTOR – CONTROLS & AUTOMATION, EMEA
Role Summary
We are looking for an accomplished Controls & Automation leader to shape the design, standardisation and delivery of Building Management Systems (BMS) across STACK’s EMEA Data Centre portfolio. As our regional technical authority, you will establish scalable, repeatable controls solutions while ensuring they meet the demands of complex, mission-critical projects.
This is a high-impact role combining regional strategy with practical engineering leadership. You will influence technical decisions from concept and detailed design through construction, commissioning, Integrated Systems Testing (IST) and operational handover, working alongside delivery teams, contractors and customers. You will also lead a small regional specialist team and support multiple projects across Europe.
Key Responsibilities
· Act as STACK’s EMEA technical authority for BMS, controls and automation, challenging designs and advising project teams, customers and delivery partners.
· Own the development and continuous improvement of a standardised, scalable EMEA BMS product, including regional specifications, control philosophies and engineering standards.
· Define repeatable system architectures, sequences of operation, hardware and software, networks, communications, graphics, alarms and equipment interfaces, with appropriate resilience and cybersecurity.
· Adapt standards to local regulations and customer requirements, driving reliability, maintainability, innovation, delivery efficiency and cost optimisation.
· Provide end-to-end technical oversight across multiple Data Centre projects, from concept and detailed design through construction, integration, commissioning, IST and operational handover.
· Review and approve controls designs, drawings, technical submissions and specifications; ensure effective integration with mechanical, electrical and other critical infrastructure.
· Oversee consultants, contractors and specialist suppliers; identify and mitigate design, programme, integration and commissioning risks, supporting customer acceptance and Ready for Service (RFS).
· Establish commissioning procedures and acceptance criteria; oversee Level 3, 4 and 5 testing where applicable, including functional scripts and failure scenarios under normal and abnormal conditions.
· Provide hands-on troubleshooting, root cause analysis and technical support for complex controls and communications issues, including chilled water systems, chillers, pumps, valves and free cooling.
· Capture lessons learned and improve future designs, standards and operational performance.
· Lead and develop a small regional specialist team, balancing resources and priorities across projects and supporting recruitment and succession planning.
· Work closely with engineering, construction, commissioning, operations, commercial and global technical teams; build supplier relationships and report risks and technical performance to senior leaders.
What You’ll Bring
· Extensive experience in controls engineering, BMS or industrial automation, with a strong hands-on background in programming, integration, engineering or commissioning.
· Significant delivery experience in hyperscale Data Centre's or comparable mission-critical environments, from design through construction, commissioning, IST and handover.
· Experience establishing technical standards, control philosophies and repeatable engineering solutions, alongside the judgement to balance strategy with practical delivery.
· Deep technical expertise in BMS, PLCs, DDC controllers, SCADA, controls logic, sequences of operation and system integration.
· Strong knowledge of Data Centre mechanical and electrical systems, particularly chilled water plant, chiller sequencing, pump controls and free cooling.
· Knowledge of BMS architecture, networks, resilience, cybersecurity, BACnet, Modbus, OPC UA and relevant communications protocols.
· Experience with functional testing, failure scenario validation, alarm management, trending and operational performance optimisation; familiarity with ASHRAE, EN 50600, IEC and applicable local standards.
· Proven ability to lead specialist teams and contractors across locations, solve complex technical problems and influence senior stakeholders with sound commercial judgement.
· A degree or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics or a related field, or substantial equivalent practical experience. Professional accreditation or relevant certifications are advantageous.
What We Offer
· The opportunity to shape engineering standards and controls delivery across a growing portfolio of critical Data Centre infrastructure.
· A chance to build your career with STACK, working alongside experienced technical and delivery teams across EMEA.
· Competitive benefits aligned with local country policies.
About STACK Infrastructure
STACK is a proven, trusted partner for the world’s most innovative companies, designing, developing, and operating sustainable global digital infrastructure. Backed by an unmatched record of reliable delivery and development expertise, STACK brings speed, scale, certainty, and responsibility to the demands of a rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape.
For more information about STACK, please visit: www.stackinfra.com http://www.stackinfra.com