Data Center Development Manager

Position Summary The Data Center Development Manager is responsible for leading the full development lifecycle of large-scale, mission-critical data center facilities - from site selection and entitlement through design, construction, and commissioning. This role requires deep construction management expertise combined with the ability to manage complex cross-functional stakeholder relationships, execute multi-hundred-million-dollar capital programs, and deliver high-quality, on-schedule, on-budget data center facilities. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience overseeing general contractors, managing design-build and design-bid-build delivery models, and navigating the technical demands of critical infrastructure including high-density power systems, cooling infrastructure, and structured cabling environments. Key Responsibilities Development & Project Leadership Own end-to-end development of data center projects from concept through certificate of occupancy and operational handoff. Manage project budgets ranging from $100M to $1B+, including cost forecasting, variance reporting, and executive-level financial reviews. Drive project schedules, ensuring milestones are met across permitting, design, procurement, and construction phases. Lead internal and external project teams including architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and commissioning agents. Construction Management Oversee general contractors and construction management firms; enforce contract compliance, quality standards, and safety protocols. Review and approve design drawings, specifications, RFIs, submittals, and change orders with a critical eye for cost, schedule, and constructability. Conduct regular site visits and OAC meetings; proactively identify and resolve field issues before they escalation. Manage procurement strategies for long-lead critical equipment including switchgear, generators, UPS systems, cooling equipment, and prefabricated modules. Site Selection & Entitlements Partner with real estate and acquisition teams on due diligence for greenfield and brownfield data center sites. Stakeholder Management & Reporting Serve as the primary point of contact for internal stakeholders including Operations, IT/Network Engineering, Finance, and Legal teams. Deliver regular project status reports to senior leadership, including executive dashboards, risk registers, and schedule updates. Build and maintain relationships with key vendors, contractors, and utility partners to ensure a competitive and reliable supply chain. Qualifications Required Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Architecture, or a related field. 8-12+ years of progressive experience in construction management or development, with a minimum of 4 years specifically on data center, mission-critical, or large-scale industrial/commercial projects. Proven track record managing construction projects exceeding $100M in total project cost. Strong working knowledge of data center infrastructure systems including power distribution (medium-voltage through PDU), generator systems, cooling (CRAH, chilled water, evaporative), and structured cabling. Demonstrated expertise in design-build and design-bid-build project delivery methods. Proficiency with project management tools such as Procore, Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and standard scheduling/reporting tools. Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Preferred Master's degree in a relevant discipline or MBA. Professional Engineer (PE) license, PMP certification, or LEED accreditation. Experience with hyperscale, colocation, or wholesale data center development. Familiarity with Uptime Institute Tier standards and BICSI data center design guidelines. Experience managing development programs across multiple simultaneous projects or geographies. Core Competencies Decision Quality - Makes timely, well-informed decisions under pressure in complex, high-stakes environments. Drive for Results - Consistently meets or exceeds project goals; holds self and others accountable. Technical Acumen - Deep understanding of construction means, methods, and critical systems engineering. Influence & Collaboration - Builds alignment across diverse teams without direct authority. Financial Stewardship - Manages capital budgets responsibly with a strong cost-control mindset. Risk Management - Anticipates, quantifies, and mitigates project risk proactively. #J-18808-Ljbffr