Director, Development – Data Centers (Late‑Stage / Pre‑Construction)

Director, Development – Data Centers (Late‑Stage / Pre‑Construction)

Locations: West Coast or Texas (California, Denver, or Texas markets preferred)
Position Type: Direct Hire
Industry: Energy Infrastructure / Data Centers

About the Opportunity

Our client is seeking a Director of Development – Data Centers to support late‑stage development and pre‑construction execution of large‑scale data center and energy infrastructure projects.

This role is focused on the transition from development into construction, with responsibility for managing projects in mid‑to‑late‑stage development, coordinating cross‑functional teams, and driving projects through financing and handoff to construction. The position is highly hands‑on and “boots on the ground,” with regular site visits and engagement with landowners, municipalities, and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings strong project management experience in late‑stage development, with a background in data centers, large‑scale energy, or renewable infrastructure. Over time, this role will build and lead a small team as the portfolio grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead late‑stage development and pre‑construction project management for large‑scale data center and energy infrastructure projects
• Manage the transition from development to project execution and construction teams
• Drive projects from advanced development through financing and Final Notice to Proceed (FNTP)
• Coordinate cross‑functional stakeholders including development, engineering, interconnection, finance, procurement, and construction
• Own and track project deliverables including:
  • Basis of design
  • Project schedules and milestones
  • Development budgets and forecasts
  • Risk tracking and issue resolution
• Support financing and lender due diligence in late‑stage development
• Manage relationships with external consultants, land advisors, engineers, and surveyors
• Conduct site visits; meet with landowners, utilities, and local communities
• Support site evaluation, permitting, utilities (power, water, fiber), and interconnection efforts
• Provide clear reporting and communication to internal leadership
• Contribute to process improvement and development‑to‑construction handoff standards
• Participate in team growth and mentorship as the regional platform expands

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• 10+ years of professional experience in infrastructure, energy, or data center development
• 8+ years of experience in one or more of the following:
  • Project management
  • Late‑stage development
  • Development operations
  • Construction management
• Experience supporting projects through late‑stage development to FNTP
• Background in data centers, large‑scale energy, or utility‑scale renewable projects
• Strong understanding of late‑stage development deliverables, including:
  • Site control
  • Permitting
  • Water and fiber
  • Grid interconnection
• Proven ability to manage schedule, budget, and cross‑functional stakeholders
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and execution focused
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with project and budgeting tools (MS Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, P6, or similar)

Preferred Experience

• Direct data center project experience (full lifecycle or late‑stage)
• Utility‑scale renewable or large‑infrastructure development experience
• Experience working closely with construction teams during project transition
• Prior leadership or informal team‑lead experience

Location & Travel

• Open to candidates based on the West Coast or Texas
• Regular site visits required
• Up to 30% domestic travel

Compensation

• Competitive base salary, aligned to experience and market
• Role level: Director (flexibility based on background and scope)
• Additional incentive compensation may be available

Why This Role?

• Strong focus on execution and project delivery
• Critical role in the development‑to‑construction handoff
• High visibility across major infrastructure projects
• Opportunity to grow into people leadership as the platform scales
• Hands‑on role with real impact on project success