Data Center Developer

We are seeking a Data Center Developer to lead project development for state-of-the-art data center facilities within AES's expanding portfolio. The successful candidate will manage all phases of data center development, focusing on site identification, land acquisition, permitting, engineering, interconnection, stakeholder engagement, and comprehensive due diligence. This position requires a dynamic individual who can coordinate cross-functional teams, and drive project strategy and progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Oversee all aspects of data center development from early-stage site prospecting through to ready for construction.

• Site Identification and Acquisition: Manage identification of optimal data center locations considering power availability, fiber access, environmental and regulatory requirements, and long-term strategic value. Coordinate land acquisition and negotiations with landowners, real estate agents, and legal teams.

• Permitting and Approvals: Lead efforts to secure discretionary, ministerial, and environmental permits from local, state, and federal authorities. Develop and present permit strategies, track permit efforts, and present at hearings as needed.

• Project Scheduling and Budgeting: Take ownership of development schedules and budgets, ensuring thorough planning and risk management to deliver projects efficiently, within scope and cost parameters.

• Due Diligence: Conduct and coordinate site studies, environmental surveys, geotechnical investigations, and diligence reports to validate site viability and reduce project risk.

• Engineering and Design Coordination: Work closely with internal and external engineering teams to develop scalable, resilient, and sustainable data center designs. Engage construction management teams for contractor selection and pre-construction planning.

• Interconnection and Utilities: Collaborate with utility providers and interconnection specialists to secure robust power supply and redundant connectivity for each facility. Manage relationships with utility companies and coordinate the interconnection process.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Foster strong relationships with local officials, community leaders, customers, and other stakeholders. Ensure projects have good standing in local communities and meet all incentive and compliance requirements.

• Contract Management: Oversee contract obligations in key project documents, ensuring terms are met and risks are addressed proactively.

• Team Coordination: Lead project meetings with internal and external stakeholders, including engineering, permitting, legal, finance, construction, real estate, external consultants, and commercial teams.

• Pipeline Reporting: Support business development teams through diligent reporting and analysis of development pipeline and project status.

• Resource Management: Coordinate additional resources such as outside consultants and contractors, managing expenses and optimizing use of expertise throughout project development.

• Market Research: Research emerging data center markets and support identification of new development prospects.

• Project Handoff: Transition fully developed and permitted projects to the execution team for construction.

Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' project development experience in data centers, renewable energy, or large-scale infrastructure development.

• Strong knowledge of data center project development, permitting, contracting, utilities, and interconnection processes. Familiarity with fiber networks, electrical redundancy, and various forms of energy technologies is a plus.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, business, finance, logistics, project/construction management, information technology, or a related field. Advanced degree (MS/MBA) is preferred but not required.

• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, and proven ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Understanding of the economic impact of project-related business decisions and general financial modeling principles.

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities for executive management and public hearings.

• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with peers, subordinates, management, unaffiliated third parties, and government agencies.

• Self-starter, highly self-reliant, and capable of operating with minimal supervision in a complex, fast-paced environment.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, adapting to new challenges and changing environments.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills.

• Experience with CRM systems and development of project metrics and reporting tools.

• Comfortable with travel requirements, averaging 20% but more as dictated by project needs.

Work Environment and Location

• This position will reside within AES's project development group and will collaborate with multiple cross-functional teams.

• Successful candidates must be able to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.