Lead the projects others can't unlock. Shape the future of digital infrastructure by turning regulatory complexity into commercial opportunity.
ERM is seeking a senior leader with deep expertise in Dutch permitting, regulatory strategy, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure delivery to help drive the next chapter of growth for our Data Centre business across the Netherlands and the wider Benelux region. This is a highly visible role where you will help strengthen key client relationships, influence major project outcomes, unlock complex developments, and guide some of the most significant digital infrastructure investments in Europe.
Why This Role Matters
Benelux is one of Europe's most important yet challenging markets for data centre development. Regulatory constraints, permitting complexity, grid congestion, environmental requirements, and stakeholder pressures are increasingly influencing project success.
We are seeking a senior leader who can help clients navigate these challenges, unlock critical infrastructure projects, strengthen key relationships, and support the continued growth of our Data Centre business across the Benelux region.
This role is more than permitting—it's about influencing outcomes, solving complex problems, and serving as the trusted advisor between clients, authorities, and project teams.
What Your Impact Is
- Lead permitting and regulatory strategy for major data center and mission-critical infrastructure projects.
- Act as a senior advisor to clients, authorities, and project teams on complex regulatory challenges.
- Develop practical, compliant solutions to overcome planning, environmental, and grid-related constraints.
- Build trusted relationships with municipalities, regulators, utilities, and key stakeholders.
- Support business development, major pursuits, and strategic client growth initiatives.
- Serve as the escalation point for high-profile permitting, stakeholder, and client issues.
- Help strengthen our position within the Dutch and wider Benelux data center market.
What You'll Bring
- Deep expertise in Dutch permitting, planning, and regulatory frameworks.
- Strong understanding of the Omgevingswet, environmental permitting, stikstof regulations, zoning (bestemmingsplannen), and utility/grid approvals.
- Ability to translate regulatory constraints into practical business and technical solutions.
- Exceptional stakeholder management, influencing, and negotiation skills.
- Commercially minded with experience balancing business development and project delivery.
- Proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and manage sensitive escalations.
- Strong executive presence, high emotional intelligence, and the confidence to challenge constructively while maintaining trusted relationships.
Required / Preferred Experience
Required
- Significant experience within Dutch permitting, regulatory, planning, or stakeholder management environments.
- Proven delivery of complex infrastructure, utility, energy, industrial, mission-critical, or data center projects.
- Experience working with municipalities, provinces, environmental agencies, utilities, and regulators.
- Fluent Dutch and professional English.
Preferred
- Data Centre or hyperscale project experience.
- Experience in roles such as Omgevingsmanager, Senior Permit Manager, Spatial Planning Advisor, Environmental Strategy Lead, or Regulatory Affairs Director.
- Background within Omgevingsdiensten, utilities, municipalities, regulatory bodies, or leading engineering consultancies.
- Experience working with hyperscalers, cloud providers, or major infrastructure developers.
- French language capability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead permitting and regulatory strategies across the Netherlands and Flanders.
- Identify risks early and develop mitigation and solution pathways.
- Drive stakeholder engagement with authorities, regulators, and infrastructure providers.
- Manage complex permitting and regulatory escalations.
- Support bids, strategic pursuits, and business development activities.
- Provide senior oversight of project delivery, permitting strategies, and client communications.
- Coach multidisciplinary teams and ensure strong governance, quality, and stakeholder alignment.
- Act as a trusted partner to clients by converting regulatory challenges into actionable, commercially viable solutions.
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..
