Director, Data Center Development

Hanwha Data Centers; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 215,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Energy USA seeks a Director of Development to identify, evaluate, and deliver new data center sites across the United States. This role drives site selection through acquisition and early-stage development, working with internal teams and external partners to maximize value and meet growth goals.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment, combines strategic negotiation with real estate acumen, and can manage multiple projects end-to-end while traveling as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Engineering, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 7+ years in real estate development, site acquisition, or infra project management.
• Strong knowledge of land development, utilities, permitting and entitlement processes.
• Excellent analytical and negotiation skills; capable of handling multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and external teams to identify and pursue site opportunities and utilities provisioning.
• Support negotiations with governments, agencies, and landowners for favorable terms.
• Lead site acquisition including market analysis, sourcing, due diligence, and transactions.
• Evaluate sites based on power, connectivity, zoning, and permitting factors.
• Develop relationships with brokers, utilities, landowners and jurisdictions.
• Coordinate due diligence and entitlement processes including environmental studies and title reviews.
• Partner with strategy, engineering, finance and legal to align site development with objectives.
• Prepare business cases and investment memos for acquisitions and growth.
• Track pipeline progress and report milestones to leadership.
• Drive process improvements for scalable site evaluation and development.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Real Estate/Engineering

MBA preferred

Job description

Company Overview

Hanwha Energy USA, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is part of the Hanwha Group-a FORTUNE Global 300 company and one of South Korea’s most respected business enterprises. With over a decade of experience delivering high-quality, utility-scale energy projects across North America, Hanwha Energy USA has evolved into a comprehensive energy solutions provider. Our portfolio now spans utility-scale renewables, natural gas generation, retail electricity, and strategic partnerships that power America’s growing data center industry.

Our expertise covers the entire energy value chain-from project development and engineering to construction, operations, and maintenance. By integrating advanced technologies, proven processes, and strong partnerships, we deliver reliable, customized solutions that meet the dynamic needs of local energy markets.

Hanwha Energy USA Is Actively Advancing Strategic Initiatives In Natural Gas Generation And Data Center Development, Including Hyperscaler Solutions On Both Sides Of The Meter. We Are Proud To Serve As The Parent Company Of

• Hanwha Renewables - specializing in utility-scale solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS)
• Chariot Energy - providing retail electricity services for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in deregulated markets

Position Overview

We’re seeking a highly motivated Director of Development to help identify, evaluate, and deliver new data center sites across the U.S. This person will play a critical role in expanding our platform - driving the process from site identification through acquisition and early-stage development.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, is comfortable navigating ambiguity, and brings a blend of strategic negotiation skills & thinking, real estate acumen, and project execution skills. You’ll work cross-functionally with internal teams and external partners to advance our data center pipeline and ensure each site meets the company’s long-term growth objectives.

The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by management. All duties will be assigned in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.

Responsibilities

• Technical Collaboration and Site Selection: Collaborate with internal and external teams to identify and pursue site selection opportunities, including the provisioning of utilities (e.g., power, water, fiber).
• Complex Contract Negotiation: Support negotiations and agreements with local governments, economic development agencies, and landowners, ensuring favorable terms and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Lead site acquisition efforts for new data center projects, including market analysis, site sourcing, due diligence, and transaction execution.
• Evaluate potential sites based on power availability, connectivity, zoning, permitting, and other development factors.
• Develop and maintain relationships with brokers, utilities, landowners, and local jurisdictions to support site selection and development.
• Coordinate due diligence and entitlement processes, including environmental studies, title review, and permitting.
• Partner closely with internal teams (strategy, engineering, finance, and legal) to align site development with company objectives.
• Prepare business cases and investment memos to support site acquisitions and strategic growth decisions.
• Track and report pipeline progress, ensuring leadership visibility on key milestones and challenges.
• Drive process improvements that make site evaluation and development more efficient and scalable as the company grows.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Real Estate, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) is preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in real estate development, site acquisition, or infrastructure project management, ideally within data centers, energy, or industrial development.
• Strong understanding of land development fundamentals, utilities, permitting, and entitlement processes.
• Excellent analytical and negotiation skills; ability to evaluate complex site and transaction data.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work cross-functionally in a fast-moving environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset - proactive, resourceful, and comfortable owning outcomes end-to-end.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management skills.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with clients and stakeholders (up to 50% of the time).

Compensation

$215,000 - $235,000 salary

Hanwha Energy USA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.