When a project cannot wait, Clear mobilises. Our Contract & Freelance expertise has a strong presence across the EMEA data center space — working with colocation operators, MEP sub-contractors, and specialist vendors. Since inception, we have placed experienced contractors across Design, Project Management, Quality, Commissioning, HSE, and C-suite disciplines at pace and with precision.
Data center programmes rarely run to a smooth, level headcount. A newly awarded build, a compressed commissioning window or a short-term capability gap can create demand for experienced people faster than a permanent search can deliver them. Contract and freelance recruitment exists to protect the timeline: it brings in specialists across commissioning, MEP, controls, quality, HSE and project delivery for exactly as long as the programme needs them, then scales back down.
The difficulty is that speed and quality usually pull against each other. Mobilising a contractor in days is straightforward; mobilising one who has genuinely delivered in a live critical environment, at a defensible day rate and with IR35 status handled correctly, is not. A recruiter who treats compliance and technical screening as afterthoughts exposes the client to both schedule risk and tax risk.
When a project cannot wait, Clear mobilises. For active disciplines such as commissioning, project management, QA and HSE, we can typically present screened contractors within 48 to 72 hours of brief, because the pace comes from a maintained specialist network rather than database scraping. We benchmark current day rates against live placements so the rate on the table is grounded in the market, not an outdated published figure.
IR35 is treated as part of the brief, not an afterthought: we engage contractors inside or outside IR35, through PAYE umbrella or limited company, document the status determination and route payroll through compliant partners. We work across colocation operators, hyperscale programmes, principal contractors, MEP subcontractors and specialist vendors, resourcing anything from a single specialist gap to a full contract delivery team across multiple sites, and we scale the team up or down as the programme moves through its stages.
Design & BuildDiscover how we support the world's most critical infrastructure through specialist recruitment for data center operators and contractors. With over 160 combined placements for partners including NTT, VIRTUS, Winthrop and Dornan, we deliver high-calibre talent across construction, design and technical operations.
Power & CoolingExplore our proven track record in the power and cooling infrastructure sectors, featuring 62 placements for Anord Mardix and 21 placements for Airedale. We specialise in sourcing expert talent for critical roles including electrical, service and commissioning engineers.
We offer retained search and recruitment process outsourcing to support both targeted critical hires and large-scale delivery programmes. Each model is structured to reduce risk, improve visibility and deliver technically aligned talent.
Retained search is designed for roles where accuracy, discretion and depth of search are essential. This model provides a structured, end-to-end recruitment process supported by targeted headhunting, market mapping and proactive candidate engagement.
Our RPO model supports clients managing multiple hires, accelerated expansion or ongoing recruitment demand. It provides a dedicated Clear team embedded into your hiring process, delivering predictable outcomes, transparency and consistent candidate quality.
Included with every engagement
Open contract and rotational positions on live programmes — typically rapid-deploy with day-rate structures.
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View roleFor active disciplines such as commissioning, project management, QA and HSE, Clear can typically present screened contractors within 48 to 72 hours of brief. Faster mobilisations are possible where the requirement matches consultants already in pipeline. The pace is driven by the consultant network rather than database scraping.
Clear engages contractors under the framework agreed with each client, whether inside or outside IR35, PAYE umbrella or limited company. Our consultants work with client tax teams to confirm status determination, document the SDS and route contractors through compliant payroll partners. IR35 is treated as part of the brief, not an afterthought.
Day rates vary significantly by discipline and seniority. Clear benchmarks current rates against live placements across commissioning, MEP, controls, project management and HSE, and provides accurate ranges per role at briefing stage rather than working from outdated published figures.
Yes. Clear regularly mobilises contract teams for hyperscale and colocation programmes that have just gone to award, scaling across commissioning, MEP, QA, controls, project management and HSE. Engagements can run from a single specialist gap through to a full delivery team across multiple sites.
Clear's contract practice spans commissioning, MEP design and delivery, controls and automation, project and construction management, quality, HSE and senior commercial leadership. Coverage runs across colocation operators, hyperscale programmes, principal contractors, MEP subcontractors and specialist vendors.
However you need to hire, Clear has a delivery model to match the brief.
Clear recruits across every discipline that keeps data centers and critical infrastructure running.
You gave them a pay rise. They’re still leaving. Clear sees both sides of this equation every day. We’ve made 160+ placements for Data Center operators and contractors including NTT,…
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Read Full ArticleData Center planning consent averages 490 days in the UK. That delay quietly wrecks your mobilisation plan, and most developers notice in month 14.
Read Full ArticleConstruction directors and project leads rely on us because we answer the phone when the pressure is truly on — and we always deliver.
Head of Site Services EMEA | Anord Mardix
Matthew Johnson
I partner with Max for all our engineering recruitment. His service is second to none and always delivers within a couple of weeks from the first call.
Visit WebsiteDatacenter Manager | VIRTUS Data Centers
Ben Kay
I have and do use James for my recruitment needs. He is professional throughout and will go the extra mile to get the right candidate in place.
Visit WebsiteDesign Director | Equinix
Wayne Aston
Tom was one of the only recruitment specialists I dealt with that took the time to meet me in person and understand what I was looking for. A very professional service from a personable recruitment company.
UK Service Manager | SEW Eurodrive
Karl Rigg
Clear Engineering Recruitment have placed a couple of quality engineers with us recently, they take time to understand our needs and make sure the right people are put forward.
Divisional Director | Hurley Palmer Flatt
Grant Penfold
Having known Tom for many years, he has always acted diligently and professionally in all aspects of recruitment. I have no hesitation in recommending him as the go-to person.
Visit WebsiteVP of Operations | DataCore Infrastructure
Sarah Williams
Clear Recruitment has been instrumental in helping us build our data center team. Their understanding of the industry and ability to find top talent quickly has made them our go-to recruitment partner.
Visit WebsiteDirector of Engineering | Nexus Power Solutions
James Mitchell
The team at Clear truly understands the nuances of recruiting for critical infrastructure roles. They consistently deliver high-caliber candidates who fit both the technical requirements and company culture.
Visit WebsiteHR Director | GreenGrid Energy
Emma Thompson
Working with Clear has transformed our hiring process. Their expertise in the energy sector means we spend less time searching and more time building our team with the right people.
Visit WebsiteClear works exclusively in data centers, power, and cooling which means we know your roles, your timelines, and your market better than generalists ever could. If you have a hiring challenge, we're ready to help.
