France Data Centre Strategy Partner – Sustainability

ERM is a global consulting firm and the world’s largest pure‑play sustainability consultancy. We partner with organisations around the world to address complex sustainability challenges and unlock commercial opportunity in ways that support long‑term environmental and social impact. France has quickly become a strategic hub for hyperscale and AI‑driven data centre expansion, fuelled by strong demand for digital infrastructure, favourable energy conditions and government‑supported investment. The move towards high‑density, AI‑enabled workloads is creating new needs around power access, clean energy procurement, land permitting, compliance and sustainable design. ERM is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate these challenges through integrated strategic, technical and regulatory advisory services.

Role Profile

As Partner for Data Centres in France, you will guide the development and growth of ERM’s consulting offering in this rapidly expanding market. You will collaborate with hyperscale cloud providers, developers, operators, investors and energy stakeholders to deliver solutions that are strategic, sustainable and commercially sound. You will provide leadership across client development, project delivery and team growth, while contributing to ERM’s global data centre strategy. We welcome applicants with diverse leadership styles who can build strong relationships, influence senior stakeholders, and work collaboratively to deliver growth across this evolving sector.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead ERM’s Data Centre growth agenda in France, working with hyperscale, colocation and enterprise operators.
• Drive business development across the full lifecycle, from site selection and permitting to energy strategy, ESG integration and operational resilience.
• Build long‑term, trusted client relationships as a strategic adviser.
• Use ERM’s global expertise to help clients navigate localisation rules, sustainability requirements and regulatory reporting obligations.

Project Delivery and Technical Leadership

• Lead and oversee the delivery of selected ERM core services, which may include environmental assessments, permitting, planning, ESG strategy, grid advisory, decarbonisation, biodiversity and water stewardship.
• Support clients in meeting French and EU sustainability obligations, including efficiency improvements, waste reduction, renewable energy integration and heat‑recovery solutions.
• Advise on energy‑related challenges such as PPAs, grid capacity constraints, microgrids and transitional fuels.
• Ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality work through ERM’s global network of more than 8,000 specialists.

Strategic Ownership

• Contribute to global strategy and industry direction as a senior member of the ERM Partnership.
• Shape ERM’s Data Centre value proposition in France, aligned with policy developments, infrastructure trends and major market investments.
• Model inclusive leadership and support the development of diverse teams across the region.

Required Competencies and Critical Success Factors

• Strong academic background in engineering, environmental science, energy systems or a related field.
• Extensive consulting or industry experience in data centres, energy, infrastructure, technology or related sectors.
• Experience leading and delivering large, complex consulting programmes.
• Strong understanding of data centre market dynamics, including power access, renewable energy strategy, sustainability obligations and permitting.
• Ability to advise and influence senior stakeholders across hyperscale, developer, investor and utility organisations.
• Experience building, mentoring and leading high‑performing teams in a consulting environment.
• Commitment to sustainability, resilience and supporting clients in decarbonising large‑scale digital infrastructure.

ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients. We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our 2025 Sustainability Report.