Manager Site Selection

Khazna; Dubai; On-site; AED 293,000 - 368,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading data center company in the UAE is seeking a Manager – Site Selection responsible for executing and supporting site selection activities for international data center developments. The role requires 5–8 years of experience in site selection, strong analytical skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple consultants. Candidates with exposure to international projects will have a competitive advantage. This role offers the opportunity to impact critical infrastructure projects and work in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in site selection, development, or infrastructure planning.
• Experience supporting data centre or large-scale infrastructure projects preferred.
• Exposure to international or multi-country projects is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential sites for data centre development.
• Assess technical feasibility and environmental considerations.
• Coordinate with external consultants and vendors for due diligence.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Attention to Detail

Stakeholder Coordination

Risk Awareness

Execution Focus

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Industrial Engineering, Urban Planning, or related field

Master’s degree (advantage)

Job description

1. JOB PURPOSE:

The Manager – Site Selection is responsible for executing and supporting the site selection

activities for international data centre developments.

The role focuses on identifying, evaluating, and progressing potential sites through technical,

regulatory,

infrastructure,

and commercial due diligence, in line with defined site selection frameworks and business requirements. The role works closely with internal teams and external

consultants to provide clear, data-driven site feasibility recommendations to senior leadership.

2. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: (Description)

Site Identification & Evaluation:

• Identify and evaluate potential sites for data centre development across international markets.
• Assess technical feasibility, environmental considerations, zoning regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Conduct site visits and document findings, constraints, and risks due diligence coordination
• Coordinate with external consultants and vendors to conduct due diligence studies, including:
  • Geotechnical assessments
  • Environmental impact studies
  • Utilities and infrastructure assessments
• Track deliverables and ensure timely completion of studies in line with project timelines.

Infrastructure & Utilities Assessment:

• Evaluate availability, capacity, and reliability of critical infrastructure, including electrical power, telecommunications, and water supply.
• Coordinate with utility providers to assess connection feasibility, timelines, and redundancy options.
• Support identification of infrastructure-related risks and constraints.

Regulatory, Zoning & Permitting Support:

• Review local zoning ordinances and land use regulations to assess site suitability.
• Identify permitting requirements and approval pathways for site development.
• Support engagement with local authorities, municipalities, and regulatory bodies as required.

Financial & Feasibility Analysis:

• Support development of financial models to evaluate site feasibility, including land acquisition, development, and operating cost inputs.
• Work with Finance and Commercial teams to assess cost assumptions and feasibility scenarios.
• Provide input to business cases and investment decision materials.

Land Bank & Documentation Management:

• Maintain accurate records of site selection activities, including site visit reports, due diligence documentation, and approvals.
• Develop and maintain land bank trackers and reports, ensuring data is current and reliable.

Stakeholder Coordination & Reporting:

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders across International Business, Design, Implementation, Finance, and Legal.
• Prepare clear site evaluation summaries, reports, and presentations for management review.
• Support senior leadership with factual inputs to inform site selection decisions.

Follow all relevant departmental policies, processes, standard operating procedures, and instructions so that work is carried out in a controlled and consistent manner.

Contribute to the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.

Assist in the preparation of timely and accurate statements and reports to meet department requirements, policies, and quality standards.

Comply with all relevant safety, quality, and environmental management policies, procedures, and controls to ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

The job holder may be required to undertake additional duties, which may be reasonably expected and forms part of the function of the job.

3. CONTEXT, WORK ENVIRONMENT & DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY:

• Provides analysis and recommendations on site feasibility and risks.
• Escalates material technical, regulatory, or infrastructure risks to senior stakeholders.
• Does not hold final approval authority for site selection decisions.

4. CONTEXT, WORK ENVIRONMENT & DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY:

• Provides analysis and recommendations on site feasibility and risks.
• Escalates material technical, regulatory, or infrastructure risks to senior stakeholders.
• Does not hold final approval authority for site selection decisions.

5. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Industrial Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related field / master’s degree is an advantage.

Minimum Experience:

• 5–8 years of experience in site selection, development, or infrastructure planning.
• Experience supporting data centre or large-scale infrastructure projects preferred.
• Exposure to international or multi-country projects is an advantage.

Job-Specific Skills (Generic / Technical):

• Understanding of technical, regulatory, and commercial site selection considerations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple consultants and workstreams § Clear written and verbal communication § Strong organisational and documentation skills

6. COMPETENCIES:

• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Risk Awareness
• Execution Focus
• Continuous Improvement