Senior Development Manager

Our client is an energy transition company committed to developing, constructing, and owning large-scale infrastructure assets in the U.S. They are actively developing more than 15 GW of renewable energy generation and storage capacity and 12 GW of data center and industrial load, backed by one of the world's largest global investment firms.

The company fosters a culture where sustainability is at the heart of everything they do, combining passion and collaboration to drive meaningful environmental impact.

Sr. Manager, Data Center Development

Western U.S. (multiple locations considered)

Our client is seeking a Sr. Manager, Data Center Development to drive development of their data center project portfolio from early-stage site identification through late-stage commercialization and handoff to construction. This role sits at the intersection of power and digital infrastructure, requiring creative solutions to deliver energy for large-scale AI and hyperscale data centers in constrained markets.

The ideal candidate will lead site identification and evaluation, real estate, permitting and entitlements, power and interconnection strategy, utility engagement, and energy markets across projects typically ranging from 100MW to 300MW+ of load by phase. This role requires deep expertise in the development of large-scale data center or energy infrastructure projects, along with strong problem-solving, project management, and leadership skills to align cross-functional teams and external partners toward successful outcomes.

The Sr. Manager will report to the Senior Director, Digital Infrastructure, working closely with cross-functional teams including asset management, energy markets, legal, and finance in an individual contributor capacity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of large-scale AI and hyperscale data centers, advancing projects from early-stage to late-stage development through commercial contracting and until ready for construction;
• Drive and manage cross-functional teams of subject matter experts through site selection, real estate, power and interconnection strategy, design, permitting, energy supply, and utility agreements;
• Evaluate new sites and market opportunities for data center development, including site visits, infrastructure assessment, and developing master plan layouts including high and medium voltage design;
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders including internal teams, consultants, regulators, and external partners;
• Facilitate project discretionary permitting, including permit strategy, stakeholder engagement, and representation with local authorities;
• Support and contribute to the negotiation of critical project agreements, including site control, energy supply agreements, interconnection and load agreements, and PPAs;
• Engage with utilities on interconnection, transmission, and power delivery considerations, while aligning with internal generation strategy (solar, BESS, gas);
• Collaborate with energy markets and regulatory teams to build partnerships that accelerate load integration;
• Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, risk assessments, and internal reporting;
• Independently identify, own, and drive resolution of complex development challenges across utility, interconnection, permitting, and commercial interfaces.

What We Look For:

• Effective verbal and written communicator;
• Highly driven with strong problem-solving abilities, integrity, and work ethic;
• Proactive mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment;
• Demonstrated collaborative partnerships with peers, management, and external stakeholders;
• Resourcefulness and polite persistence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 8 to 10+ years of professional experience in data center or large-scale energy infrastructure project development;
• Strong knowledge of the energy project development lifecycle with demonstrated complex project execution;
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with senior leadership, external stakeholders, and regulatory agencies;
• Excellent project management skills with schedule and budget experience;
• Familiarity with utility coordination, interconnection processes, and/or transmission-level infrastructure (e.g., 230kV/500kV) preferred;
• Bachelor's degree preferred in finance, engineering, environmental studies, renewable energy, project/construction management, or similar discipline;
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Excel;
• Ability to work from a Western U.S. office a minimum of 3 days per week;
• Ability to travel up to 25%;
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.