Macdonald & Company is pleased to be exclusively retained by a prominent industrial developer across the US to find and appoint a Head of Data Center Development to grow out their platform and maximize the value on some of their land holdings. This position will be based out of Dallas.
Summary
The Head of Data Center Development will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of data center projects in the Dallas region. This role requires a unique blend of technical expertise, project management skills, and business acumen.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, design, and execution of data center development projects
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams including construction, facilities, and technology departments
- Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure successful delivery of data center facilities
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and local authorities
- Oversee the creation of project schedules and assign tasks to ensure timely completion of milestones
- Supervise and mentor a team of development managers and technical specialists
- Stay abreast of industry trends and innovations in data center design and technology
- Collaborate with the business development team to identify and pursue new opportunities in the data center market
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices in data center construction and operation
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Real Estate Development, Engineering, Finance or related field; Master's degree preferred
- Minimum 10 years of experience in data center development or related industrial real estate projects
- Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale data center projects
- Strong understanding of data center infrastructure, including power, cooling, and network systems
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple complex projects simultaneously
- Leadership experience in managing and developing high-performing teams
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder management
- Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., BICSI, Uptime Institute, LEED) and regulatory requirements
Desired Skills
- Experience with sustainable data center design and green building practices
- Familiarity with the Texas real estate market and local regulations
- Understanding of emerging technologies such as edge computing and modular data centers
- Experience in negotiating contracts and managing vendor relationships