One95 Global Recruitment
Data centre hall with server racks

Project Hyperscale Data Centre, Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Germany

A 30+ MW hyperscale data centre in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region, completed in 2024. One95 Global placed six senior expatriate leaders with the international EPC contractor delivering the project.

The Brief

Frankfurt is continental Europe’s busiest data centre market, and in the years leading up to 2024 it was building hyperscale facilities of roughly 16–40 MW each, back to back. Every one of those projects was competing for the same small pool of senior mission-critical leaders.

Our client had won the EPC contract and needed its senior delivery team in place fast to hold the programme. The local market was largely tied up on other projects, so the answer was to bring in experienced expatriate leaders who had delivered data centres elsewhere and could step straight into an international project structure.

The Solution

  • Expat talent pools. We went straight to leaders who had delivered hyperscale and colocation projects in other markets, including the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, the Nordics and the Middle East, rather than competing for the stretched local pool.
  • Shortlists within 7 days. On a contingency basis, we presented a qualified shortlist for every role within 7 days of the brief.
  • Mission-critical screening. Each candidate was assessed on proven data centre delivery: live energisation dates met, commissioning to Level 5 / IST, and experience under EPC contract models.
  • Relocation handled early. We addressed relocation, family moves and notice periods at first interview, so offers converted and start dates held.

Roles we filled

  • MEP Project Director – overall delivery of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing scope, from design through to handover
  • Commercial Director – contract strategy, cost, subcontract packages, change control and the client commercial relationship
  • Project Controls Manager – programme, cost control, reporting and earned value across the project
  • Design Manager – coordination of design consultants and packages, interface management and design change
  • Commissioning Manager – commissioning strategy and delivery through Level 1–5, including integrated systems testing (IST)
  • Quality Assurance Manager – quality plans, inspection and test plans, audits and turnover documentation

The Outcome

  • 6 senior placements, all expatriate hires, on a contingency basis
  • Shortlist delivered within 7 days for every role
  • 100% retention: every placement stayed through to project completion
  • The senior team was in place ahead of the client’s mobilisation programme

“Exceptional process from the start to ensure we got the right people and the project was successfully delivered on time” – General Manager, International EPC Contractor

Delivering a data centre or mission-critical project? Talk to One95 Global about building your delivery team, or see how we support clients across construction and engineering.