Director, Power Strategy (Remote - Central Region)

Talent Wave Associates; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Talent Wave Associates is seeking a strategic energy procurement leader to identify, evaluate, and secure electrical power capacity for data center developments across the United States. The role ensures power availability aligns with aggressive development timelines and supports large-scale infrastructure growth.

You will work with electric utilities to assess capacity, analyze tariffs, and coordinate with internal teams on project schedules.

Job description

Are you ready to drive strategic power initiatives in a dynamic environment that shapes the future of digital infrastructure?

Are you ready to drive strategic power initiatives in a dynamic environment that shapes the future of digital infrastructure?

About the Role

This position plays a critical role in identifying, evaluating, and securing electrical power capacity for new data center developments and expansion projects across the United States. The role exists to ensure power availability aligns with aggressive development timelines. It contributes directly to large-scale infrastructure development in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate markets and potential development sites based on electrical power availability, infrastructure capacity, and delivery timelines.
• Develop strategies to secure reliable, cost-effective power for new data center campuses and expansion projects.
• Work directly with electric utilities to evaluate capacity, infrastructure requirements, and timelines for delivering large electrical loads.
• Assess transmission and distribution constraints, substation requirements, and potential infrastructure upgrades.
• Support the planning and execution of utility infrastructure projects, including substations and transmission extensions.
• Establish and maintain relationships with electric utilities, transmission providers, and other energy industry stakeholders.
• Lead discussions and negotiations involving utility service agreements, infrastructure commitments, and power delivery arrangements.
• Evaluate utility tariffs, rate structures, and regulatory considerations that impact development feasibility and operating costs.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to address utility requirements, project schedules, and infrastructure investments.
• Support electricity procurement strategies in regulated and deregulated energy markets.
• Evaluate energy pricing, supply agreements, market conditions, and long-term cost projections.
• Analyze regional power markets and anticipated demand to support future development decisions.
• Contribute to renewable energy and carbon-free power initiatives aligned with organizational objectives.
• Partner with real estate development, site selection, engineering, construction, finance, and operations teams.
• Provide power feasibility assessments and recommendations during the early stages of site evaluation and acquisition.
• Track utility infrastructure milestones, project commitments, and potential risks to development schedules.
• Communicate complex technical and commercial power considerations to business leaders and project stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements

• 6-8 years of experience with transmission, distribution, and energy supply origination/procurement.
• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a technical discipline.
• Experience with tariff analysis and utility contract reviews.
• Experience with renewables and carbon-free power.
• Experience with utility negotiations, processes, and agreements.
• Strong understanding of the transmission and distribution grid.
• Financial or energy engineering experience.
• Experience managing multiple projects and collaborating with various stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills for conveying commercial, regulatory, market, and contractual details.

Work Environment

• Remote

We're proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to fostering an inclusive, people-first recruiting experience.