Company Profile
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.
Learn more about us: www.nlighten.com
About the Role
We are seeking a VP Technology & Data to lead the development and execution of nLighten's technology and data strategy across our growing European platform.
This is a highly strategic and transformational leadership role focused on building the technology, data, insight and decision-making capability required to scale efficiently across multiple countries and acquisitions. The successful candidate will play a critical role in connecting technology and data to business performance, helping nLighten improve visibility, prioritise investment, simplify ways of working and make better operational and commercial decisions.
You will work closely with the CTO, ExCo and cross-functional leadership teams to create a clear technology and data roadmap, translate complex priorities into practical business choices, and establish a scalable enterprise-wide capability that supports growth, efficiency, customer delivery and future readiness.
This role reports directly to the CTO and is based in the Netherlands with a European scope.
Key Responsibilities
Technology Strategy & Transformation
- Define and deliver a clear, scalable technology and data roadmap aligned to business growth, operational priorities and investment decisions
- Lead the transformation and integration of systems across multiple entities, countries and acquired businesses
- Drive simplification, standardisation and efficiency across the technology landscape, reducing unnecessary complexity and duplication
- Identify opportunities to improve business performance through technology, automation, better data and improved decision support
- Translate technology priorities into clear, practical recommendations for the CTO, ExCo and wider leadership team
Data & Business Insight
- Establish a clear enterprise data strategy, including governance, ownership, architecture, reporting standards and data quality
- Build reliable, scalable reporting and insight capabilities that improve visibility of key operational, commercial and financial performance metrics
- Enable better business decision-making through accurate, timely and integrated data
- Support capacity planning, forecasting, investment prioritisation and performance management through improved analytics and insight
- Help the business move towards a more consistent, trusted source of data across markets and functions
- Partner with leaders to turn data into practical insight, action and performance improvement
Enterprise Architecture & Platforms
- Define and implement scalable enterprise architecture and data platform capabilities that support business growth and operational consistency
- Ensure interoperability and integration across operational, commercial, engineering, finance, customer and site-level systems
- Reduce system duplication, fragmented tools and manual workarounds across the organisation
- Balance urgent business needs with longer-term scalability, sustainability and cost effectiveness
- Create a practical architecture roadmap that enables better visibility, control and decision-making across the business
Governance, Security & Risk
- Establish governance around technology investment, system ownership, data quality, prioritisation and delivery accountability
- Ensure compliance with data protection, cybersecurity and relevant regulatory requirements
- Support the evolution of technology-enabled security, resilience and monitoring capabilities across data center sites
- Manage external technology vendors and strategic partners effectively, ensuring value, performance and clear accountability
- Provide clear visibility of technology spend, risk, dependencies and future investment choices
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Build and lead a high-performing Technology & Data function with the capability to support a scaling European business
- Partner closely with leadership teams across Operations, Commercial, Finance, Construction, Engineering and country markets
- Translate complex technology and data topics into clear business outcomes, priorities and decisions
- Act as a trusted adviser to the CTO and ExCo on technology, data, insight, risk and investment choices
- Foster a pragmatic, delivery-focused and commercially minded culture across the function
- Build credibility with both technical specialists and senior business leaders, ensuring technology and data are seen as enablers of business performance
What We're Looking For
- 12+ years of experience in technology, data, digital transformation, enterprise systems or business technology leadership roles
- Strong experience in scaling, multi-site, infrastructure-led, telecoms, digital infrastructure, industrial, asset-heavy or operationally complex environments
- Proven track record creating and delivering technology and data roadmaps that improve business performance, visibility and decision-making
- Experience integrating systems, platforms and data environments across multiple entities, countries or acquired businesses
- Strong understanding of enterprise architecture, data strategy, data governance, reporting, analytics and operational technology environments
- Ability to connect technology and data investment to operational performance, commercial outcomes and business value
- Comfortable working with ExCo and senior leaders, translating complex topics into clear choices and practical priorities
- Able to operate strategically while remaining hands-on and pragmatic in a scaling business
- Strong commercial mindset and the ability to bring structure, pace and clarity in ambiguous environments
- Experience building and developing high-performing teams and capabilities
- 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
- Lead a critical transformation agenda with high visibility and executive exposure
- Build and shape the future Technology & Data capability of a rapidly scaling international business
- 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.
Apply now and be part of our journey toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable digital future.
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.
