Director, Development Operations - Data Centers

Basic Function

The Director, Development Operations will lead project management and internal operations during the late-stage development phase of large-scale AI data center and energy generation projects across the U.S. The successful candidate will be responsible for successfully transitioning these projects to financing and construction. The position will lead cross-functional collaboration with the Development, Grid Integration, Engineering, Power Marketing, Capital Markets, Supply Chain, and Projects teams across the late-stage project development lifecycle to FNTP (final notice-to-proceed).

Responsibilities

• Lead project management and internal operations during the late-stage development phase across SB Energy’s entire pipeline of GW-scale AI data center and energy generation projects, through to financing and handover to construction.
• Orchestrate internal stakeholders (including development, procurement, construction, finance, engineering, etc.) to deliver projects on budget and on schedule.
• Develop, track, oversee, manage, and report to executive management on the project plan-of-record, including basis of design, schedule, project costs, spend curve, revenue, project economics, and outstanding risks.
• Lead projects through financing due-diligence efforts.
• Collaborate with the internal team and external consultant(s) to evaluate the project site, project design, technology options and procurement strategies.
• Manage the relationship with technical consultants, land experts and surveyors.
• Develop and manage project budgets and schedules and take a lead role in budget and forecast management, including coordinating project prioritization, and perform budget vs. actual analysis.
• Provide leadership and direction to cross-functional project teams.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Data center experience required.
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• 15+ years of professional work experience.
• Minimum 8 years of project management, project development, construction management, and/or development operations experience in the data center or energy industries.
• Proven problem-solver with a track record of successfully getting projects to FNTP.
• Familiar with data center and energy project development deliverables, including site control, permitting, water, fiber, and grid interconnection.
• Highly organized with attention to detail, ensuring all project deliverables remain on track.
• Able to both drive process across functions and remain agile as project changes arise.
• Best-in-class in managing the project budget, schedule, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience with the day-to-day management of projects and demonstrated track record of successfully planning and managing projects from start to finish.
• Self-starter with proven ability to lead diverse project teams across a large pipeline of projects.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills are essential.

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, CA, Phoenix, AZ, or Denver, CO preferred. Hybrid.

The position requires up to 30% domestic travel.

Base Pay - $190,000 - $220,000

The pay range mentioned above is a guideline. We tailor each offer based on your unique skills, experience, location, and market benchmarks—while ensuring internal parity across our teams. In addition to competitive base pay, total compensation may include a discretionary annual bonus, equity grants, and a market leading comprehensive health and wellness benefits package. Final details will be discussed during the later stages of the hiring process.

Our Health & Wellness Benefits

At SB Energy, we invest in our people and their families with benefits designed for flexibility, support, and peace of mind. Full-time employees enjoy:

• 100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision (for employees and dependents)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
• 12 Weeks Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical, Dependent Care, Transit & Parking (with company contributions)
• Mental, Physical & Social Wellness Support (with company contributions)
• Flexible Work Arrangements & Hybrid Office Setup Benefits
• Monthly Reimbursement for Phone, Internet & Data
• Optional Legal & Pet Insurance Plans
• Device Purchase Support

At SB Energy, the success of our projects is driven by a desire to see our projects benefit as many people as possible. We work to serve local communities through volunteering, fundraising, and much more. For example, we’re proud to support access and opportunity in engineering and clean energy through impactful mentorship programs and workforce training. When you join SB Energy, you can become a part of these efforts, collaborating with team members who share a vision of building a better future now! 

SB Energy is built on a foundation of collaboration and inclusion. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.

To learn more about us, visit www.sbenergy.com.

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