VP Data Center Development
Vice President Development - Either Dallas or Mclean
Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Vice President of Development to lead the strategic execution of large-scale data center developments across our national platform. This role is ideal for a senior leader who thrives at the intersection of real estate, infrastructure, and innovation-someone who can translate growth vision into world-class campuses, and manage the complexities of development from site acquisition through commissioning.
Key Responsibilities:
Development Leadership: Oversee the end-to-end development of hyperscale and colocation data center campuses, including site planning, entitlement, design, permitting, and construction coordination.
Strategic Planning: Partner with executive leadership to define and execute regional expansion strategies based on demand forecasting, client pipeline, and power/infrastructure availability.
Site Selection & Due Diligence: Lead market studies, feasibility analysis, and diligence on prospective land acquisitions-assessing zoning, power and fiber access, and environmental risk.
Cross-Functional Oversight: Act as the central point between internal stakeholders (real estate, design, construction, legal, finance) and external partners (utilities, municipalities, JV partners).
Entitlements & Permitting: Navigate complex jurisdictional processes, securing necessary land use approvals, utility service agreements, and incentives to enable rapid project execution.
Partner & Vendor Management: Build and maintain relationships with developers, engineering firms, consultants, and contractors to ensure timely delivery and best-in-class project outcomes.
Budgeting & Financial Management: Own capital planning and pro forma modeling across multiple projects; track budgets and forecasts to ensure delivery on time and under budget.
Client-Centric Development: Interface directly with hyperscale, enterprise, and strategic customers to tailor development solutions that meet technical and commercial requirements.
Team Leadership: Build and mentor a high-performing development team; foster a collaborative, growth-driven culture aligned with company values and goals.
Qualifications:
12-20 years of experience in real estate development, infrastructure, or mission-critical projects, with significant exposure to large-scale ground-up development.
Demonstrated success delivering data centers, industrial parks, logistics campuses, or similar complex assets.
Deep knowledge of land development, zoning/entitlement, utility coordination, and site construction.
Strong business acumen and experience with investment underwriting, JV structuring, and capital deployment.
Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and influence across internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent communication and executive presence, with a bias for action and strategic problem-solving.
Preferred:
Experience within a developer/operator or owner's representative capacity in the data center or high-tech infrastructure sector.
Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related; MBA or graduate degree preferred.
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