Site Selection Manager (Data Centre) in Edinburgh

This role will work closely with our capacity planning, design and data hall engineering, construction, delivery, legal, security, networking, compliance, and operations teams throughout each project, and throughout the sequence of each transaction. The role will be responsible for preparing and presenting periodic presentations in the form of investment write-ups and presentations prepared in collaboration with all key stakeholders for internal governance. Role requires strengths in stakeholder management, analytics, negotiation, and a drive to execute.

Qualifications:

• Experience in site selection for industrial-scale projects, real estate evaluation, acquisition, development, construction, lease agreements, infrastructure delivery, and general awareness of utility agreements, sustainable practices, and financial modeling.
• Leading contributor individually and as a team member, with the ability to progress workstreams independently, but seeking direction from others as needed.
• Excellent problem solver with the ability to operate in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.
• Work is non-routine and very complex, involving the application of advanced technical/business skills in the area of specialization.
• Advanced capabilities in Excel with a desire to analyze and manage global data and capacity opportunities.
• 8+ years relevant experience and BA/BS degree.
• Knowledge of the Data Center industry, operators in the region, and market dynamics is preferred.
• Experience in leading complex negotiations, contract formation, and contract negotiations.
• Knowledge of real estate and mission-critical environments, such as Data Centers.
• A general background in real estate development and land acquisition is a plus – with an understanding of local laws, permitting, etc.
• General understanding of hybrid real estate solutions such as Build-to-suit, Retail, and Wholesale leases (data center a plus).
• Strong collaborator, working closely with multiple teams and subject matter experts, driving and resolving questions effectively.
• Confident, takes ownership, and has a willingness to do what it takes to get the job done with proven experience leading complex negotiations/initiatives to successful completion.
• Positive attitude: Ability to contribute consistently and positively in a high-paced, fast-changing, and at times unpredictable work environment.
• Ability to be a strong team player, plus an ability to deliver independently; must be able to deliver results or projects in a timely manner within project metrics.
• Strong analytical, creative thinking, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to apply critical thinking in complex situations.
• Willing to travel globally to conduct data center visits (50%).

Responsibilities:

• Be accountable for lease execution from demand signal through to ‘general availability’ date – driving each performance metric (safety, quality, rates, schedule, cost, etc.) within critical timelines required by the business.
• Manage multiple lease projects and coordinate with internal team members, consultants, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Work with capacity (demand) planners and network specialists to understand capacity needs and site requirements in assigned metros/regions.
• Lead cross-functional teams to evaluate, select, negotiate, and recommend leases for approval.
• Develop high-quality metro strategies based on market expertise, within the context of time-to-market and cost efficiencies required by the business units.
• Drive commercial terms with our lease providers in the region.
• Work with internal Corporate Procurement personnel to drive executable lease documents.
• Work with Finance team to conduct Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) lease or build options to recommend the most favorable strategies for assigned metros.
• Update systems of record to ensure accurate data fidelity and executive reporting.
• Conduct market research on targeted metros and regions, new countries, metros, and target locations.
• Provide strong analytical reporting on market strategies, outlining risks on delivery (cost and timelines) and supporting the team with day-to-day activities as needed.