Principal Sourcer, Data Center

DigitalOcean; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 157,600 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

DigitalOcean is seeking a Principal Datacenter Sourcer in Seattle, United States to lead the sourcing and procurement of datacenter space for the AI-Native Cloud.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in technical sourcing and a proven track record of negotiating high-value contracts. This hybrid role involves strategic vendor management and extensive knowledge of datacenter markets.

Join us in building the datacenter footprint that powers our global cloud.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in technical sourcing, real estate acquisition or infrastructure procurement.
• 5 years focused on wholesale datacenter and colocation deals.
• Ability to distill complex market dynamics into actionable strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute DigitalOcean's global datacenter site selection strategy.
• Lead the entire lifecycle of datacenter acquisition.
• Build and maintain relationships with top-tier global providers.

Skills

Negotiation Mastery

Financial Fluency

Technical Fluency

Analytical Rigor

Exceptional Communication

Job description

Dive in and do the best work of your career at DigitalOcean. Journey alongside a strong community of top talent who are relentless in their drive to build the simplest scalable cloud. If you have a growth mindset, naturally like to think big and bold, and are energized by the fast-paced environment of a true industry disruptor, you’ll find your place here. We value winning together—while learning, having fun, and making a profound difference for the dreamers and builders in the world.

Come build the datacenter footprint that powers the AI-Native Cloud.

This role is a Principal Datacenter Sourcer on the Strategic Sourcing team that will lead the sourcing, selection, and procurement of datacenter space and power across the globe. You will be the primary commercial owner of our global colocation footprint, driving complex, multi-million dollar negotiations and ensuring our physical infrastructure scales seamlessly to meet customer demand.

What You’ll Do

• Drive Global Strategy: Develop and execute DigitalOcean's global datacenter site selection and acquisition strategy in alignment with business goals.
• End-to-End Deal Execution: Lead the entire lifecycle of datacenter acquisition, from initial market research and RFP generation to negotiating Master Service Agreements (MSAs), Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and complex lease terms.
• Strategic Vendor Management: Build and maintain deep executive relationships with top-tier global providers. Lead Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and drive vendor performance.
• Financial & TCO Analysis: Partner closely with Finance to build Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) models. Evaluate power rates, tax incentives, and capital vs. operational expenditures.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as the subject matter expert on datacenter markets. Collaborate with Legal, Datacenter Operations teams to ensure all facilities meet DigitalOcean's stringent standards.
• Market Intelligence: Continuously monitor the global datacenter and energy markets to anticipate supply constraints, pricing trends, and keep abreast of emerging technologies such as 800VDC, alternative energy production and novel construction options.

What You’ll Add To DigitalOcean

• Extensive Experience: 10+ years of experience in technical sourcing, real estate acquisition or infrastructure procurement. With at least 5 years specifically focused on wholesale datacenter and colocation deals.
• Negotiation Mastery: A proven track record of independently negotiating and closing complex, high-value datacenter contracts.
• Financial Fluency: Understanding of credit markets, counterparty deal structures and how to model financeability.
• Technical Fluency: Deep understanding of datacenter mechanical and electrical and plumbing (MEP) infrastructure and knowledge of the rapid evolution of power and cooling technologies in the industry.
• Analytical Rigor: Advanced financial modeling skills with the ability to translate complex deal structures into clear TCO analysis.
• Exceptional Communication: You can distill complex market dynamics into actionable strategies for C-suite executives and technical stakeholders alike.
• Autonomy & Drive: High tolerance for ambiguity. You are a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment as a highly autonomous IC.

Compensation Range

• $157,600 - $197,000
• This is a hybrid role

DigitalOcean is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.