Data Center Strategy & Development

Director of Data Center Strategy & Development

Location: United States (Remote, Travel Required) Type: Full-Time

Our client is a high-growth provider of advanced cloud and infrastructure solutions purpose-built for AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing workloads. They partner with innovative startups, research organizations, and enterprise teams to deliver scalable, high-density compute environments.

They are seeking a Director of Data Center Strategy & Development to lead the planning, acquisition, and expansion of a rapidly growing global data center footprint. This role will own capacity strategy, infrastructure growth, and deployment readiness, ensuring the business can scale efficiently to meet increasing demand.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute a multi-year data center capacity and infrastructure strategy
• Identify, evaluate, and secure new data center capacity including colocation and new market entry
• Lead negotiations for leases, power agreements, and expansion opportunities
• Oversee data center construction, fit-outs, and infrastructure deployments
• Develop forecasting models for capacity, power utilization, and growth planning
• Optimize existing infrastructure utilization and drive cost efficiencies
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, and finance teams
• Track and manage infrastructure investment performance and ROI
• Mitigate risks related to power, capacity constraints, and geographic concentration
• Build and maintain relationships with data center operators, brokers, and vendors

Required Qualifications

• 5 to 12+ years of experience in data center infrastructure, capacity planning, or colocation strategy
• Proven experience leading data center acquisition, expansion, and construction initiatives
• Strong understanding of power, cooling systems, and high-density compute environments
• Experience negotiating leases, power contracts, and vendor agreements
• Background working in multi-site, large-scale infrastructure environments
• Strong financial modeling and strategic planning capabilities
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting AI, GPU, HPC, or hyperscale cloud environments
• Familiarity with Tier III / Tier IV data center design and high-availability systems
• Existing network within data center operators, brokers, or infrastructure partners

Additional Details

• Travel: ~30-50% (domestic and international)
• Compensation: Competitive base salary, bonus, equity, and benefits (details to be shared)