Head of Global Estimation (m/w/d)

nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, designed to meet the growing demand for AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud deployments. As a rapidly expanding provider, we offer scalable colocation hubs and best-in-class energy solutions across Europe. Our innovative and sustainable approach to digital infrastructure ensures reliability, efficiency, and future-ready solutions for our clients. nLighten’s current footprint is 34 data centers in 7 European countries, with the ambition to grow to 100 sites during the next 3-4 years.

We are seeking a Head of Global Estimation (m/w/d) to lead the development and execution of project controls, cost management, and capital governance across our large-scale data centre development portfolio.

This is a senior leadership role bridging Finance, Construction, and Technology. You will work closely with the Construction team, the Chief Technology Officer, and external delivery partners to ensure robust cost control, reliable forecasting, transparent reporting, and effective management of project capital expenditure.

The successful candidate will bring extensive experience across data centre construction, major infrastructure, or large-scale capital projects, together with a deep understanding of the operating model required to manage both in-house and outsourced project controls resources. Leading and challenging third party cost management consultancies is central to the role, as is a willingness to be hands on, dig into the numbers, and protect the integrity of the data.

This role reports directly to the CFO and is based in the UK or Europe with a European scope.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the project controls function across a portfolio of capital projects
• Develop and maintain best-in-class project controls frameworks, methodologies, governance, and reporting standards
• Provide independent oversight of project costs, budgets, forecasts, risks, and contingency management
• Ensure project controls information supports strategic decision-building by the Executive Leadership Team and Board
• Drive consistency of cost and schedule reporting across all projects and delivery partners
• Translate fluently between the contract sum analyses and works packages of the construction team and the accounting and investment metrics of the finance team

Cost Management & Capital Governance

• Hold overall responsibility for project cost control, budget management, and capital expenditure tracking
• Challenge and validate project forecasts, commitments, accruals, and change requests
• Oversee financial performance against approved business cases and investment approvals
• Lead project cost reviews and provide early identification of commercial and financial risks
• Embed robust capital governance processes throughout the project lifecycle
• Support the CFO in financial planning, cash flow forecasting, and capital allocation decisions
• Provide subject matter expertise across data centre construction and commissioning environments
• Bring a clear understanding of the cost drivers associated with civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and technology infrastructure delivery
• Oversee cost control through design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational readiness
• Benchmark project performance against industry standards and market trends

Management of External Partners

• Lead relationships with external cost management, project controls, and quantity surveying consultancies
• Establish clear performance expectations, KPIs, and governance mechanisms for third party advisors
• Challenge external consultants constructively to ensure accuracy, accountability, and value for money
• Review and approve methodologies, estimates, forecasts, and reporting produced by external partners
• Ensure alignment between internal objectives and outsourced delivery teams

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and develop a small team of project controls professionals, including quantity surveying, cost management, and capital cost specialists
• Define the appropriate balance between insourced and outsourced project controls activity, building internal capability while optimising the use of external specialists
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accuracy, accountability, and collaboration
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CFO, CTO, and Construction leadership team
• Work collaboratively across Finance, Construction, Procurement, and Technology
• Communicate project performance, risks, and opportunities to senior executives and investment stakeholders, and support Board-level reporting and governance forums

What We’re Looking For

• 15+ years of experience in project controls, cost management, quantity surveying, commercial management, or capital programme leadership
• Significant experience delivering large‑scale data centre projects , or major construction and infrastructure programmes
• Proven experience leading project controls functions within owner, developer, contractor, or consultancy environments
• Demonstrated success managing external project controls, cost management, and quantity surveying consultancies
• Strong understanding of capital project governance, forecasting, earned value management, and cost reporting
• Experience working closely with Finance leadership, including CFO-level stakeholders
• Proven ability to manage both internal teams and outsourced service providers within a complex delivery environment
• Advanced cost control and forecasting expertise, with strong commercial acumen and analytical capability
• Executive presence, with the ability to influence and challenge credibly at senior and Board level
• High attention to detail and governance discipline, alongside excellent communication and reporting skills
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, Finance, or a related discipline
• Professional accreditation such as MRICS, ACostE, APM, PMI, or equivalent recognised qualification
• Fluent in English; additional European languages are advantageous
• Willingness to travel across European locations as required

Why Join Us?

• Join a fast‑growing company shaping the future of digital infrastructure in Europe
• Build the project controls capability for a rapidly scaling European data centre portfolio
• Partner directly with the CFO and CTO with high visibility and executive exposure
• Work in a dynamic environment with real ownership, impact, and autonomy
• Be part of a collaborative team focused on innovation, performance, and sustainable growth

If you have the right experience and are excited about contributing to the next evolution of edge data centers, we’d love to hear from you.

Background Check & Screening

All selected candidates will undergo a background check to ensure a safe workplace, protect company assets, and comply with regulations.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

nLighten is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Even if you do not meet every requirement listed, we welcome your application. We particularly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

#J-18808-Ljbffr