Lead Principal Program Manager (Data Center Site Selection)

Qualifications: 

• Experience in site selection for industrial-scale projects, real estate evaluation, acquisition, development, construction, lease agreements, infrastructure delivery, and general awareness of utility agreements, sustainable practices, and financial modeling. 
• Leading contributor individually and as a team member, and ability to progress workstreams independently, but seeking direction from others as needed. 
• Excellent problem solver with the ability to operate in fast pace, ambiguous environment. Work is non-routine and very complex, involving the application of advanced technical/business skills in area of specialization. 
• Advanced capabilities in excel with a desire to analyze and manage global data and capacity opportunities.  
• 8+ years relevant experience and BA/BS degree. 
• Knowledge of the Data Center industry, operators in region and market dynamics is preferred 
• Experience in leading complex negotiations, contract formation, and contract negotiations 
• Knowledge of real estate and mission critical environments, such as Data Centers 
• A general background in real estate development and land acquisition is a plus – with an understanding of local laws, permitting, etc. 
• General understanding of hybrid real estate solutions such as Build-to-suit, Retail, and Wholesale leases (data center a plus) 
• Strong collaborator, working closely with multiple teams and subject matter experts, driving and resolving questions effectively.  
• Confident, takes ownership, willingness to do what it takes” to get the job done with proven experience leading complex negotiations/initiatives to successful completion. 
• Positive Attitude: Ability to contribute consistently and positively in a high-paced, fast-changing and at time unpredictable work environment.  
• Ability to be a strong team player, plus an ability to deliver independently; must be able to deliver results or projects in a timely manner within project metrics. 
• Strong analytical, creative thinking, written, and verbal communications skills. 
• Proven ability to apply critical thinking in complex situations. 
• Willing to travel globally to conduct data center visits (50%) 

Responsibilities: 

• Be accountable for lease execution from demand signal through to ‘general availability’ date – driving each performance metric (safety, quality, rates, schedule, cost, etc.) within critical timelines required by the business. 
• Manage multiple lease projects and coordinate with internal team members, consultants, vendors, and external stakeholders. 
• Work with capacity (demand) planners and network specialists to understand capacity needs and site requirements in assigned metros/regions. 
• Lead cross-functional teams to evaluate, select, negotiate, and recommend leases for approval. 
• Develop high-quality metro strategies based on market expertise, within the context of time-to-market and cost efficiencies required by the business units. 
• Drive commercial terms with our lease providers in the region. 
• Work with internal Corporate Procurement personnel to drive executable lease documents. 
• Work with Finance team to conduct Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) lease or build options to recommend the most favorable strategies for assigned metros. 
• Updating systems of record to ensure accurate data fidelity and executive reporting. 
• Conducting market research on targeted metros and regions, new countries, metros, and target locations. 
• Provide strong analytical reporting on market strategies, outlining risks on delivery (cost and timelines) and supporting the team with day-to-day activities as needed. 

 

Career Level - IC5