Senior Development Manager

Sovereign AI is a UK-based AI infrastructure and solutions provider building the next generation of sovereign-grade AI data centres across EMEA. Designed for resilience, security, and scale, Sovereign AI enables commercial and government customers to deploy advanced AI with confidence in environments where performance, reliability, and compliance are non-negotiable. Focused on regulated and mission-critical sectors including Government, Defence, Healthcare, and Financial Services, Sovereign AI is creating the trusted foundations for AI adoption at scale, combining robust infrastructure with disciplined governance to support long-term innovation and national-level capability. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Site appraisal: Lead appraisal of prospective sites against Sovereign AI’s technical, commercial and infrastructure requirements, working closely with the VP of Development & Origination. Land and energy partnerships: Work with landowners, asset owners and energy partners to agree suitable land and power arrangements in support of site origination. New market development: Support the identification and assessment of new sites in target countries as part of Sovereign AI’s wider market expansion. Project management: Provide project management of development-phase activities across a portfolio of sites, tracking progress, risks and dependencies. Stakeholder relationships: Build and maintain relationships with potential partners able to support Sovereign AI with land and energy access in target markets. Site development activities: Coordinate site development workstreams including GIS mapping, test fitting and ensuring design parameters are met, working with external consultants and internal teams. Concept design: Progress concept design activities for sites, supporting the transition from early-stage appraisal to a deliverable project. Power and infrastructure confirmation: Lead early-stage work to confirm power and wider infrastructure availability at site, assessing existing power options against data centre requirements and project schedule. Cross-functional alignment: Work with colleagues across Power, Data Centre Development, Commercial and Planning to ensure sites meet requirements, and align with Software Development, Business Development and other functions as needed. Due diligence oversight: Oversee and co-ordinate the work of consultants undertaking due diligence on prospective sites, ensuring outputs are robust and delivered to schedule. QUALIFICATIONS Degree in Engineering or a related technical/development discipline. Relevant professional certification, or clear evidence of progression towards professional accreditation, strongly preferred. Highly experienced in a development, infrastructure or related project role. EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS Experience in the development of power, energy or complex infrastructure projects requiring suitable site conditions and infrastructure connectivity. Significant experience working/engaging with senior stakeholders and external partners, including facility operators/landowners, energy partners and government bodies. Proven ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-growth or start-up environments, working autonomously and managing ambiguity. Ability to operate independently, exercising sound judgement and prioritising competing activities across multiple sites and markets. Understanding of and sensitivity to different cultures, gained through working across international markets. Experience in data centre development is preferred but not essential. Strong stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to build and maintain relationships with partners, government bodies and consultants. Experience overseeing GIS mapping and site design work, including test fitting or concept design. Experience within the power transmission/distribution sector is advantageous. Experience across the lifecycle of major energy infrastructure development projects, with strength in the front-end and origination phases. Strong understanding of how developers progress early-stage projects into tangible, bankable opportunities. Ability to work effectively with consultants and suppliers, ensuring delivery against project requirements and timelines. Sound understanding of relevant legal and governance requirements, and the ability to work within them.