Director, Site Selection and Acquisition, NA

Position Overview

This role can be based in any of our US locations: Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Santa Clara, CA; or Ashburn, VA.

Vantage is looking for a Real Estate professional to drive the identification and selection of new data center campuses, in line with corporate goals and changing customer demands. This role is responsible for a single key function in the Vantage Market Development team by leading the Site Selection team on the east coast. The right leader will oversee site selection in the east, contribute to market evaluation, and at the appropriate time transition sites to the New Site Development Team for development & entitlements after successful site acquisition. Key elements of the role include site selection for specific regions or markets, identifying large industrial estates capable of supporting hyperscale data center campuses, and interfacing with other members of the Market Development team.

Constant communication with Market Development, Sales, Marketing, New Site Development, and subject matter experts will be required to keep pace with Vantage's strategic land acquisition (banking) goals, including enhancing Vantage's product and service offering wherever possible. Collaboration and integration in the sales lifecycle process including client interface is integral to the role as well.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist Head of Site Selection, Head of Market Development and Leadership Team with evaluation and selection of new sites for data center assets, for the purpose of acquiring and developing into a Vantage Data Center property.

• Lead all aspects of site selection, real estate negotiation, landowner & broker site discussions.

• Track and monitor a volume of sophisticated real estate transactions including the acquisition of freehold, leasehold, or fee simple ownership interest in land and/or buildings; includes tracking competitor & relevant market land data in target markets across North America.

Duties:

• Play a leading role, with Market Development & Sales, to identify and select new sites in existing and new markets in line with VDC strategy, including leading negotiation and acquisition of new sites.

• Coordinate with local real estate brokers and consultants who will assist in locating properties.

• Serve as the point of initial contact in receiving new site information from brokers and landowners.

• Work with internal Assistant General Counsel to assist with negotiation of acquisition-related agreements.

• Oversee all closing activities: Procure title, environmental, and other vital insurance; Ensure all payment terms and conditions met by internal teams to close on time; Coordinate with internal and external legal teams on filing all required documentation, i.e., transfer of deeds of trust, title, property, etc. in compliance with Sales and Purchase Agreement and local regulatory and legal requirements.

• Provide support to the New Site Development and Construction teams from concept through shovel ready state across Vantage's North American portfolio.

• Report status of all projects in the Site Selection portfolio (risks, schedule, quality, and budget) to senior leadership.

• Obtain and analyze key metrics, data, and market details for identified markets and sites, complete initial site assessments, and diligence packages for internal review.

• Coordinate any post-close obligations with relevant stakeholders internal to VDC e.g., New Site Development, Construction and Operations.

Additional Duties:

• Handle additional duties as assigned by Management.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in commercial or industrial real estate preferred.

• Extensive experience negotiating real estate purchase & sale agreements strongly preferred.

• Senior level with minimum 7 years' experience in real estate acquisition & site selection required; 9+ years preferred.

• Data Center and/or powered land experience is strongly preferred, but not required; at a minimum, extensive commercial and industrial real estate experience required.

• Excellent analytical skills with understanding of real estate finance.

• Strong IT skills: ability to use multiple communication tools and packages essential.

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills at all levels of the organization and with other stakeholders and third parties such as suppliers and real estate brokers.

• Flexible, adaptable, and self-directed; able to work in a variety of circumstances, e.g.: remotely, while traveling, across multiple time zones, cross functionally, by project, etc.

• Domestic will be required on a regular basis in 2025 (up to 50%).