New Site Development, Senior Manager (EMEA)

ABOUT VANTAGE DATA CENTERS

Vantage is committed to being a workplace of inclusion, equity, respect and acceptance. We celebrate diversity and intentionally seek out opportunities to learn from one another’s experience.

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

D&E Department 

The Development & Engineering (D&E) team drives the technology, innovation and new development of data center infrastructure across Vantage’s companywide portfolio.  D&E evaluates new sites, drives cost and scheduling in line with corporate goals and serves as subject matter experts across the entire project lifecycle from concept through commissioning.  The team collaborates with Sales, Operations and management along the way.  D&E also works hand in hand with the Construction team to come up with a vertically integrated design and ensures new and existing standards and designs are executed effectively.  One thing that distinguishes Vantage is that our technical staff are given the responsibility and authority to directly drive tangible results.  Our team can align long-term operational sustainability with value engineering and cost metrics to deliver products aligned with corporate goals.  This approach empowers each member of the team to drive high-impact decisions and results. 

Position Overview 

This position is responsible for a single key function in the Vantage D&E team, namely, to drive controlled real estate, existing real estate, and data centers associated with mergers and acquisitions. This position will oversee due diligence, initial concept, schematic and entitlement/permitting design and application(s), budget, and schedule for all new major projects and at the appropriate time transition them to the Construction Project Management Team for execution. 

Constant communication with Facilities, Operations, Sales, Marketing and subject matter experts will be required to ensure that the design and construction of new facilities will maintain and enhance Vantage’s product and service offering.  Collaboration and integration in the sales lifecycle process including client interface is integral to the role as well. 

Vantage is looking for a detail-oriented Development Manager to drive the development of both new and existing data center campuses, in advance of commencing construction activities. You will assist the Senior Director of New Site Development in managing these projects through to shovel ready.  

Essential Job Functions 

• Assist Management Team with evaluation and selection of existing data center assets for the purpose of acquiring and developing into a Vantage Data Center property. 
• Lead all aspects of design, engineering, scheduling, and budgeting for new projects including site assessment, conceptual design, basis of design, scope of work, and development of construction documents. 
• At the appropriate time transition design and preconstruction packages to VDC Construction Project Managers for execution. 
• Provide thought and team leadership, while being accountable for team results on all preconstruction projects and assignments, including budget, schedule and coordination with internal and external project stakeholders. 

• Evaluate new technology and construction techniques associated with land development and building construction to gain an edge on speed to market. 
• Involvement in data center construction community to gain valuable knowledge of best practice, new trends and industry standards. 

Duties 

• Assisting the Site Acquisition Team in identifying and selecting new sites in existing and new markets in line with the strategy, including assisting, wherever possible, in negotiation and acquisition of new sites. 
• Provide support to Construction Team from concept through commissioning across Vantage’s portfolio of construction projects. 

• Drive scope, schedule, and budget decisions to conclusion including managing internal and external resources, project teams, contractors and vendors. 
• Ensure lessons learned are held and placed in the feedback loop to drive continuous improvement. 
• Report status of all projects in preconstruction status (risks, schedule, quality and budget) to management. 
• Develop, refine and implement processes and policies for new construction practices, comparison and ultimately green lighting deployment and actualization. 
• Understand business strategies to align product development and innovation to drive success. 

• Manage “Employee Think Tank” to ensure employees have their ideas heard and acted upon. 
• Stay abreast of new technologies and opportunities to innovate using concepts from within and outside of the data center industry. 
• Consultant/Vendor/Contractor qualification, network management/expansion, new technology evaluation for use on current product line and future product development opportunities. 
• Support project management team to establish project budgets, analyze design impacts on build costs and submit approval packages to executive team. 
• Coordinate with site operations to define project requirements. 

• Work with sales and marketing to provide technical support wherever needed. 
• National and international travel will be required on a regular basis. 

Skills, Knowledge and Experience 

• Construction and Project Management experience. 
• Bachelor of Science degree in construction is preferred. 

• Construction industry experience is required, with several years of advanced corporate real estate experience. 
• Data Center experience is preferred, but not required. 
• Strong IT skills; ability to use multiple communication tools and packages, Advanced Excel knowledge essential. 
• Excellent analytical skills with understanding of real estate finance and discounted cash flow analysis. 
• Demonstrably strong negotiation skills. 

• Ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical needs. 
• Creative thinker and demonstrated ability to champion innovation. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead project/design teams. 
• Excellent relationship building skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative manner. 

• Excellent verbal and written comprehension skills. 
• Ability to analyze complex business concepts and documents. 
• Ability to effectively respond to sensitive issues, complex inquiries or complaints. 
• Ability to make effective presentations on general topics. 
• Provide a high-level of commitment to customer service with co-workers and stakeholders. 

• Skilled at solving problems and dealing with a variety of options with limited information. 
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. 
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills at all levels of the organization and with other stakeholders and third parties such as suppliers. 
• Able to work under pressure. 
• Flexible, adaptable and self-directed; able to work in a variety of circumstances; eg: remotely, while travelling, across multiple time zones, cross functionally, by project, etc
• Must be able to demonstrate an excellent understanding of the commercial metrics which drive a successful development. 
• Successful candidate must be a team player able to work with a variety of people.  
• This position requires an organized individual with the capacity to handle multiple projects simultaneously, work well under pressure, and to prioritize work effort, all with minimal supervision. 

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer