<p><strong>Job Overview</strong></p> <p>We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and technical Director of Pre-Construction & Powered Land Opportunities to lead our data center site selection, utility interconnection,pre-development and development strategies. In this role, you will bridge the gap between real estate acquisition, utility/power infrastructure, and technical pre-construction planning.</p> <p>The ideal candidate possesses deep market intelligence in global/regional data center markets, a strong network within power utilities, and proven expertise in taking greenfield or brownfield sites from initial evaluation through land acquisition, zoning/entitlements, utility interconnect agreements, and baseline site infrastructure planning.<br><br><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <p><strong>Site Identification & Land Acquisition</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead the sourcing, identification, and underwriting of strategic land parcels suitable for hyperscale and enterprise data center developments.</li> <li>Partner with real estate brokers, landowners, and economic development agencies to secure sites via purchase agreements, options, or joint ventures.</li> <li>Conduct comprehensive land due diligence, including title review, environmental assessments (Phase I/II), geotechnical evaluations, flood zone risks, and baseline topography.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Power Procurement & Utility Strategy</strong></p> <ul> <li>Target, evaluate, and secure sub-station, transmission, and power utility capacity (MW to GW scale) for prospective data center campuses.</li> <li>Engage directly with regional utility providers, independent system operators (ISOs/RTOs), power brokers, and energy developers to negotiate Interconnection Agreements (IA) and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).</li> <li>Evaluate alternative power solutions, including on-site generation, microgrids, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and renewable energy integration.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Pre-Construction & Site Development Planning</strong></p> <ul> <li>Oversee early-stage engineering, master planning, and site layout design in collaboration with internal architects, developers, construction professionals, engineers, and MEP consultants.</li> <li>Develop baseline budgets, capital expenditure estimates (CapEx), and high-level schedules for off-site utility extensions, civil grading, and site preparation.</li> <li>Evaluate critical path constraints such as fiber connectivity, water supply/wastewater capacity, and sound/environmental restrictions.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Entitlements, Zoning & Regulatory Approvals</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead local government, community, and regulatory engagement to secure necessary entitlements, re-zoning approvals, conditional use permits (CUP), and environmental clearances.</li> <li>Represent the company at public hearings, city council meetings, and neighborhood workshops.</li> <li>Partner with legal counsel to structure options, land purchase agreements, right-of-way (ROW) easements, and development agreements.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Cross-Functional Leadership & Partnership</strong></p> <ul> <li>Collaborate closely with Design & Construction, Operations, Finance, and Commercial Leasing teams to align land/power availability with customer delivery timelines.</li> <li>Present site investment memos and risk-mitigation strategies to Executive Leadership and Investment Committees.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).</li> <li>8+ years of direct experience in data center real estate acquisition, pre-construction management, or utility infrastructure development.</li> <li>Proven track record of securing powered land (tens to hundreds of MWs) for hyperscale, colocation, or enterprise data center operators.</li> <li>Demonstrated experience negotiating with utility companies (e.g., Dominion, PJM, ERCOT, MISO, Duke, First Energy etc.) and navigating interconnection queues.</li> <li>In-depth knowledge of high-voltage transmission networks, substation engineering concepts, and utility tariff structures.</li> <li>Solid understanding of civil engineering, environmental due diligence, and zoning/entitlement processes.</li> <li>Proficient in financial modeling fundamentals, land acquisition metrics, and project scheduling software (MS Project, Primavera, or similar).</li> <li>Key Attributes:</li> <li>Exceptional negotiation, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.</li> <li>Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with evolving technical requirements.</li> <li>Willingness to travel [10%–25%] as needed for site visits, utility meetings, and public hearings.</li> <li>Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook.</li> <li>Strong oral and written communication, active listening, and organizational skills.</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to think quickly, proactively, and handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.</li> <li>High level of integrity, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.</li> <li>Customer-focused, results-oriented, with a continuous learning and development mindset.&