Data Center Lease Development Manager

Meta; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 202,000 - 273,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Equity

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Meta, located in Richmond, Virginia, is searching for a Data Center Lease Development Manager. This individual will be crucial in developing and managing lease strategies in the hyperscale space, negotiating complex lease agreements, and coordinating with various internal teams.

The ideal candidate should hold a relevant bachelor's degree and possess over 10 years of experience in data center leases. The position offers a competitive salary range of $202,000 to $273,000 per year, plus bonus, equity, and benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in leased data center site selection.
• Experience leading complex negotiations.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage data center leasing location strategy.
• Negotiate lease agreements and manage supplier relationships.
• Conduct market analysis for site selection.

Skills

Lease negotiation

Technical due diligence

Market analysis

Supplier relationship management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a directly related field

Bachelor's degree in engineering or business

Job description

Summary

A qualified Data Center Lease Development Manager has extensive experience performing technical assessments, negotiating and administering large, complex data center lease transactions in the hyperscale space and an extensive knowledge of the legal agreements that accompany them. The Data Center Lease Development Manager will work with Site Selection Managers to think both strategically and analytically to develop out-of-the-box solutions to find and execute on large lease options, developing new business models for AI deployment in leased spaces. The Data Center Lease Development Manager has deep knowledge of leased data center operations, including site selection, contract negotiation, and lease management and is experienced in navigating the challenges that accompany lease negotiations and lease management.

Required Skills

1. Develop Meta's leased and colocation data center location strategy and manage the site selection effort for technical due diligence, commercial negotiations and contract administration in that space, including partnering with teams focused on economic development incentives, energy and utilities, network connectivity, legal, policy, and financial considerations

2. Develop and lead technical feasibility discussions and contract negotiations with landlords, property owners, and utility companies, and engineering teams

3. Work as a primary conduit between Meta Engineering and Landlord SMEs in order to optimize solutions to fit the needs of our customers in an efficient manner

4. Coordinate lease contract amendments in response to changes in business needs, improvements in business terms or processes, and/or feedback from engineering teams in the field

5. Negotiate letters of intent, lease agreements, service agreements, and other facility-specific agreements

6. Partner with internal organizations, including capacity planning, site selection managers, energy teams, data center design, construction, network engineering, legal, policy, communications, and finance, to align on key business terms

7. Develop ideas for improving metrics and tracking mechanisms

8. Manage supplier relationships and best practices

9. Perform market analysis and develop a leasing site selection strategy

10. Stay informed about the technical, market, and regulatory developments in the data center industry

11. Contribute to the organizational strategy and development of leasing standards at Meta

12. Travel domestically and internationally as needed (10% to 25% at times)

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in a directly related field, or equivalent practical experience

2. Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, paralegal studies, or a technical discipline

3. 10+ years of experience in leased data center site selection, engineering, design, construction, contract management, and/or development of data centers or other large-scale or mission-critical capital projects

4. Experience leading complex negotiations

5. Experience representing business interests to the executive leadership of potential suppliers, utilities, and other stakeholders

6. Experience managing multiple projects and coordinating with internal staff, consultants, vendors, and external stakeholders

7. Analytical and communications skills with proven experience to effectively distill and communicate complex commercial, market, and contractual details to all organizational levels

Preferred Qualifications

1. Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies

2. Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)

3. Advanced technical degree, a law degree, or an MBA

4. Background in engineering, contract management, and understanding of leases, experience with data center leases

5. Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)

Public Compensation

$202,000/year to $273,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Industry

Internet

Equal Opportunity

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the e-verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment. Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [e-mail].