Data Centre Recruitment: Challenges, Trends, and Key Roles

Data centres have become essential for businesses to store, process, and distribute vast amounts of data in today’s digital landscape. According to Statista, just under 150 zettabytes of data were consumed globally in 2024, 46x more than in 2020, and double this volume of data is expected to be generated over the next few years, growing to 394 zettabytes by 2028. 

The relentless pace of digital transformation is fuelling a global surge in data centre development, making them key for connectivity, cybersecurity, and overall productivity across all industries globally. 

In this article, we explore the global data centre industry, spotlighting leading companies across various regions, identifying in-demand roles and skills, and examining the recruitment challenges facing the industry. 

Leading Data Centre Companies by Region 

United States 

The U.S. is home to some of the world’s largest and most influential data centre companies. As highlighted in our recent U.S. recruitment trends industry showdown, the data centre sector is particularly thriving in states like California and Georgia. 

Equinix is one of the main industry leaders with over 260 data centres worldwide, providing interconnection services that streamline digital operations. Digital Realty also contributes to the American dominance in the sector, offering hyperscale and colocation solutions with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation. 

Vantage Data Centres is recognised for their world-class facilities and adaptable solutions, making it a preferred choice for companies looking to scale up. Meanwhile, STACK Infrastructure has also become an industry leader, offering scalable data centre solutions tailored to businesses’ evolving needs. 

Europe 

Europe's data centre market is growing rapidly, with both European and international providers driving growth. UK-based provider Global Switch operates some of the continent’s largest and most advanced data centres, offering extensive connectivity and world-class infrastructure.  

CyrusOne, an American company with a strong European presence, delivers highly scalable solutions tailored to Europe’s increasing digital demands. Similarly, QTS Data Centres, another U.S-based provider, has successfully expanded into Europe by showcasing expertise in customised colocation and cloud solutions. With an increased focus on sustainability across the continent, these companies are playing a crucial role in enabling digital transformation across industries. 

APAC 

Asia-Pacific is one of the fastest-growing data centre markets, driven by rapid digitalisation and cloud adoption. NTT Global has become a market leader by investing in cutting-edge technology and data centre solutions, while KDDI has built a global reputation for providing reliable, high-capacity data centres that cater to both regional and international clients. Adding to the region's offerings, Australian company NextDC is known for its strong focus on operational excellence. 

GDS serves some of China’s largest cloud and enterprise businesses, however its owners are set to sell some of their data centres to a private investment trust in 2026. Singaporean company Keppel stands out for its focus on sustainability, with the company aiming to achieve a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030, compared to 2020 levels. 

MENA 

The Middle East and North Africa region is emerging as a hub for data centres, driven by government initiatives and smart city projects. Based in the UAE, G42 contributes to this transformation by using AI-driven solutions and cloud computing to improve digital capabilities. 

Etisalat’s Data Centre also provides secure and scalable services, supporting the growing needs of businesses and government initiatives in the UAE. Although Alibaba Cloud is primarily a Chinese company, it has expanded its presence in MENA, bringing quality cloud and data centre solutions to businesses across the region. 

In-Demand Roles and Key Skillsets in Data Centres 

Data Centre Construction Manager 

Data centre construction managers are responsible for overseeing the build and expansion of data centre facilities. They coordinate with architects, engineers, and construction workforces to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. This role demands a strong understanding of construction methods and materials, as well as the ability to manage complex project timelines and budgets. 

Network Engineer 

Network engineers are vital for designing and maintaining the interconnectivity of modern data centres. Their expertise in configuring routers, switches, and firewalls helps prevent downtime and safeguard data flows. With the rapid adoption of cloud and edge computing technologies, network engineers who consistently learn new skills and technologies can adapt quickly and thrive in a market that’s always evolving. 

Cybersecurity Specialist 

Cyber threats are impacting businesses across all industries more than ever before, making cybersecurity specialists increasingly important. Cybercriminals are using AI to create more targeted and evasive threats, including AI-powered phishing emails. Modern security experts are expected to not only respond to incidents but also proactively manage risks through predictive analytics and AI-driven threat detection. 

Cloud Engineer 

Cloud engineers design and manage cloud integration strategies to make sure data centres benefit from the scalability and flexibility of cloud technologies. With SpaceLift reporting that 96% of companies use public cloud services, experience using platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud is in high demand. 

Facility Engineer 

With the rising energy demands of AI-driven computing, facility engineers are needed to create new cooling solutions and power management strategies. They ensure that the facility’s design supports current needs while also being adaptable for future growth. Ultimately, these engineers create the safe, efficient environments that allow data centres to thrive. 

Recruitment Challenges in the Data Centre Industry 

Talent Shortages 

One of the most pressing issues today is the talent shortage in the data centre industry. With niche technical skills in high demand, many organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to find professionals who can succeed immediately. This limited pool of qualified candidates makes every hire crucial as companies attempt to bridge skills gaps and secure the technical talent needed to support innovation, business growth and success. 

Henry Shackleton, who leads the data centre recruitment team at CSG, highlights the skills gaps facing the industry today: 

“There is currently a massive skills shortage in the data centre industry. It’s growing quickly on the back of the AI surge, and there just isn’t the set of skills needed for the size of projects that are getting developed. We’re finding that engineering and construction roles are most in demand and where the biggest talent shortage is.” 

Rapid Technological Change 

The pace at which technology evolves in the data centre sector is both a benefit and a challenge. Rapid change means that the skills needed today might not be sufficient in the future, so professionals are expected to continuously adapt and learn skills in AI-driven operations, automation, and data analytics. Finding talent proficient in using modern technologies while embracing a growth mindset is the new requirement. 

Regional Challenges 

Geography plays a significant role in talent availability, with more skilled professionals in the U.S and Europe compared to emerging markets like MENA. This discrepancy forces some companies to tailor their recruitment strategies to local conditions, often requiring solutions like remote working or international recruitment to source talent. 

Market Competition 

The battle for skilled talent is as fierce as ever, and data centre companies are not only contending with each other but also with the broader tech industry for the same candidates. It can be challenging for emerging businesses to compete with larger companies in terms of salaries and benefits, making it difficult to attract top talent. 

Retaining Talent 

Attracting top talent is only part of the challenge; retaining them is equally difficult. Building a strong employer brand that attracts skilled professionals requires creating a culture of growth, innovation, and respect while also offering clear career progression opportunities. 

Key Solutions and Strategies to Overcome Recruitment Challenges 

Upskilling and Continuous Learning 

Because the data centre industry is evolving so quickly, companies that invest in ongoing training programs gain a competitive edge. The most successful companies train for the future, rather than just hiring for the present day. Encouraging employees to gain certifications in emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and energy-efficient operations ensures that talent remains aligned with industry innovations.  

Leveraging Global Networks 

Finding the right talent often means searching beyond local markets. Recruitment agencies with extensive global networks can provide access to niche talent pools that may not be readily available in certain locations. Companies willing to look internationally or embrace remote and hybrid models are more likely to secure quality candidates, with a Gallup report finding that less than 10% of employees favour working on-site full time. 

Improving Employer Branding

Top candidates are drawn to organisations that show a purpose and are committed to innovation and growth. Therefore, a strong employer brand helps ensure candidates stay engaged and invested in the long run. Sharing success stories and case studies of employees who have thrived within the organisation helps build credibility and trust. 

Flexible Compensation and Benefits 

While competitive salaries are essential, companies must also consider the overall package they offer to attract and retain skilled professionals. Benefits such as career progression opportunities, mentorship programs, and a strong work-life balance can be just as influential in a candidate’s decision-making process, with 85% of employees wanting additional perks and benefits beyond what their employer currently offers, according to SSR’s 2025 recruitment report. 

Henry identifies the need for more education about what the data centre industry has to offer younger talent: 

“I think until we start upskilling people from different markets, the skills gap will always be there. One of the biggest issues we have is most of the talent in the market is approaching retirement age. They will be leaving the market soon, and there are not many younger people entering because it’s not perceived as an attractive career. In reality, it pays really well, and it’s an increasingly secure market, but there’s not enough education out there about the opportunities it can present.” 

Data Centre Recruitment Experts 

Securing the right talent in the data centre industry has never been so important. As global executive search experts with a specialist data centre team, we use our extensive industry knowledge and global network to connect businesses with the best talent available. 

Get in touch with CSG Talent to discover how we can support your hiring strategy and help you build a workforce that’s ready for future growth and innovation. 

For information on how CSG Talent supports businesses in the data centre industry with their recruitment strategies, explore our success stories.