Manager Data Center Development

Climate17 is proud to partner with a leading independent energy developer and infrastructure investor with a growing presence across North America. With an established track record in utility-scale renewable energy and a strategic expansion into data center development, our client is investing heavily in next-generation digital infrastructure. Backed by significant financial resources and long-term growth ambitions, they offer the opportunity to work on high-profile projects that will help shape the future of the energy and technology sectors.

• Location: Remote
• Travel: Up to 50% across the United States
• Compensation: $170,000 - $200,000 base salary

Your Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in building a national data center development platform. You'll lead the identification, evaluation, acquisition, and early-stage development of new sites, working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to advance a growing project pipeline. The role combines commercial strategy, real estate expertise, and project execution, offering significant ownership and the chance to influence the company's long-term growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead site acquisition activities for new data center developments across the U.S.
• Identify and evaluate potential sites based on power availability, utilities, zoning, permitting, connectivity, and development viability.
• Build and maintain relationships with landowners, brokers, utilities, local authorities, and economic development organisations.
• Coordinate due diligence activities including environmental assessments, title reviews, and permitting processes.
• Support negotiations with landowners, municipalities, and external partners to secure strategic project sites.
• Partner with engineering, legal, finance, and strategy teams to progress projects through early-stage development.
• Prepare investment analyses, business cases, and pipeline updates for senior leadership.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Real Estate, Engineering, or a related discipline (MBA or other advanced qualification preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in site acquisition, real estate development, infrastructure development, or project development.
• Experience within data centers, renewable energy, utilities, industrial development, or similar infrastructure sectors.
• Strong understanding of land acquisition, permitting, entitlement, utilities, and development processes.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects and coordinating cross-functional stakeholders.
• Excellent commercial negotiation, analytical, and relationship management skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 50% as projects require.

About Us
Climate17 is a purpose-led, international Renewable Energy & Sustainability recruitment firm. We provide specialist talent acquisition services to organisations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as those working towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector.

Inclusive Application Process
Climate17 is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We believe there is no solution to climate change without people. We aim to increase diversity across all areas and as such, we are committed to partnering with clients and candidates to create an inclusive and sustainable regenerative world.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. If you require additional support, equipment or resources in order to participate in the job application or interview process, please let us know.