Development Director

At NEXTDC we are building the heart of Australia & Asia’s high-tech future. We design, build and operate world class, next generation data centres, using cutting edge, environmentally efficient infrastructure to service the specific requirements of local, international hyperscale customers. 

NEXTDC is an exciting ASX 100-listed technology company, only 15 years young and operating 17 data centres across 7 major cities in Australia, with multiple international sites in development to support our customer’s digital infrastructure. 

At NEXTDC our success depends on the talents of our people, and we foster a culture of continued learning and development. Our culture is built on collaboration and innovation, we are passionate about what we do, and we are committed to our mission to be the leading customer-centric data centre services company. 

Where Cloud lives and AI thrives  

As a Melbourne based Development Director within NEXTDC’s Colocation Development team, you will hold full accountability for the successful delivery of major data centre developments.  

This senior leadership role spans the entire project lifecycle – from design finalisation, procurement, construction and operational handover.  You will set the standard for safety and excellence, lead multidisciplinary teams, and drive projects to achieve scope, budget, schedule, and quality outcomes.  

Acting as the Principal’s Representative, you will manage critical stakeholder relationships, ensure safety and governance compliance and risk frameworks are firmly embedded, and lead multi-disciplinary teams to deliver infrastructure that underpins the digital economy.  Your leadership will empower teams, foster innovation, and achieve excellence across all aspects of project delivery.    

Reporting to the Head of Capital Works and assisting the Chief Development Officer – Colocation, and the Chief of Engineering & Design, the Development Director will have extensive experience in the construction of data centres or similar facilities, including a strong understanding of mission critical infrastructure, with a proven ability to safely deliver projects, on time, on budget, and to high quality, while achieving business case objectives.     

Key Responsibilities:  

• Leadership & Safety – Embed a safety-first culture, championing zero harm throughout design, construction and operations.  
• Governance & Risk – Establish and implement governance frameworks, oversee compliance, and proactively manage risk registers.  
• Financial & Commercial – Lead project budgets, cashflow, procurement strategies, and financial reporting, ensuring alignment to business objectives.  
• Programme Delivery – Direct the overall development programme, optimise timelines, monitor progress, and drive corrective action to accelerate outcomes.  
• Design & Authorities – Oversee design finalisation, authority approvals, and regulatory compliance, maintaining strong stakeholder and community engagement.  
• Stakeholder Engagement – Act as key interface for customer, internal and external stakeholders, providing clear reporting and ensuring alignment to business goals.    
• Innovation & Improvement – Mentor teams, drive accountability, and embed continuous improvement in design, programme, safety and cost methodologies.  

• 15+ years experience delivering large-scale, complex projects in the data centre, mission-critical or highly services infrastructure sectors (>$1bn CAPEX)  
• Bachelor's degree in property development, construction management, engineering, architecture, or related fields. Advanced degree preferred.  
• Strong leadership, commercial acumen, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence at all levels.  
• Excellent knowledge of building codes, regulatory approvals, and authority processes.  
• A collaborative, can-do leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and empowers high-performing teams.  

• Opportunity to deliver landmark infrastructure projects shaping Australia’s digital economy.  
• A values driven culture built on innovation, collaboration and growth.  
• Inclusive, diverse and values-driven working culture  
• Great opportunities to progress within our company (grow as we grow) 

Our mission is to continue building a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents the communities in which we operate.

Make NEXTDC your next move.