Vice President of Data Center Development

Company Description: '

As demand for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) accelerates, our client is building the infrastructure for this moment. They are laying the foundation for scalable, energy-optimized computing, designed to support next generation workloads and long-term growth.

With data centers across North and South America, they manage every stage of development from securing energy, producing power, and designing facilities to running world-class operations. This vertically integrated approach allows us to innovate faster, operate more efficiently, and deliver infrastructure that can scale with the future of computing power.

Position Description:

The Vice President of Data Center Development is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of high-performance computing (HPC) data center campus development within (USA / Canada). Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Development, this role manages the end-to-end development process from site acquisition through commissioning, overseeing complex multi-stakeholder relationships and ensuring successful delivery of data center facilities up to GW campuses.

This position requires a seasoned executive with demonstrated expertise in large-scale infrastructure development, exceptional stakeholder management capabilities, and the ability to navigate complex permitting and regulatory environments while maintaining rigorous project governance standards.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Development & Planning

• Direct oversight of all data center development initiatives within the assigned region, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and financial objectives
• Establish and maintain development pipeline visibility with quarterly milestone tracking and forecasting
• Define project scope, timeline, and budget parameters
• Lead cross-functional strategy sessions with internal teams and external stakeholders to optimize development approach and risk mitigation

Permitting & Regulatory Compliance

• Serve as executive champion for all permitting and regulatory approval processes at federal, state, and municipal levels
• Establish relationships with key regulatory agencies, municipal leaders, and government affairs partners
• Ensure comprehensive compliance with environmental, zoning, utility interconnection, and operational requirements
• Oversee preparation and submission of all required applications, environmental assessments, and compliance documentation
• Drive resolution of regulatory obstacles and manage stakeholder engagement to secure necessary approvals within project timelines

Project Delivery & Owner's Representation

• Provide owner's representation across all development phases including design, permitting, and construction
• Establish clear governance protocols with Architects & Engineers (A&E) firms, General Contractors (GC), and commissioning agents
• Review and approve major design decisions, specifications, and construction methodologies ensuring alignment with corporate standards
• Conduct regular site inspections, milestone reviews, and quality assessments
• Participate in executive steering committees and critical decision-making forums

Procurement & Vendor Management

Establish procurement strategy and oversee vendor selection process for major components and services including:

• Power distribution and electrical infrastructure
• Cooling systems and HVAC infrastructure
• Structural and site development work
• Commissioning services and testing protocols
• Negotiate key commercial terms and ensure competitive bidding processes
• Maintain compliance with corporate procurement policies and approval authorities
• Build and maintain strategic vendor relationships

Project Management Oversight

• Supervise Project Managers responsible for day-to-day execution, reporting, and stakeholder coordination
• Establish project governance frameworks, reporting cadence, and escalation protocols
• Monitor project performance against key metrics including schedule adherence, budget compliance, quality standards, and regulatory milestones
• Identify and resolve cross-functional issues impacting project success
• Ensure comprehensive documentation and knowledge capture for continuous improvement

Stakeholder Management & Government Relations

• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with municipal leaders, utility partners, regulatory agencies, and community representatives
• Represent the company in public forums, municipal meetings, and community engagement initiatives
• Develop and execute stakeholder engagement strategies to address concerns and build support for development initiatives
• Manage media relations and public communications related to development projects

Financial & Commercial Management

• Ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets with rigorous cost tracking and variance analysis
• Monitor project profitability and return on investment
• Prepare regular financial reports and forecasts for executive leadership
• Identify and implement cost optimization opportunities without compromising quality or timeline

• Qualifications:
• Minimum 12 years of experience in large-scale infrastructure, real estate development, construction, or utility/energy sectors, including 5+ years in a VP-level or executive leadership role managing complex, multi-phase projects.
• Demonstrated success delivering $100M+ facilities or infrastructure projects involving multiple stakeholders, A&E firms, general contractors, construction management teams, and utility providers.
• Proven expertise in permitting and regulatory approvals at state and municipal levels, including environmental permitting, zoning regulations, and municipal development processes.
• Experience with utility companies and interconnection processes, including understanding of energy infrastructure and utility interconnection protocols.
• Working knowledge of data center operations, power distribution systems, infrastructure requirements, and critical infrastructure development standards and best practices.
• Executive presence with the ability to represent the company at C-level and government forums, supported by strong negotiation skills and stakeholder relationship-building capabilities.
• Exceptional project management, organizational skills, and decision-making abilities, with a proven track record of managing multiple complex initiatives simultaneously and making sound decisions under pressure with incomplete information.
• Outstanding communication skills, strategic thinking paired with strong operational execution, and a collaborative leadership style capable of influencing across functional areas and managing matrixed relationships.

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Real Estate Development, Construction Management, or related field
• MBA or equivalent advanced business credential strongly preferred
• Professional certifications in project management (PMP), professional engineering (PE), or related fields is a plus

Benefits:

This is a senior executive position offering competitive compensation commensurate with experience, including base salary, performance-based bonus, equity participation, and a comprehensive benefits package.

*Relocation assistance available.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

About RCM:

RCM Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCMT) is a business and technology solutions provider with world-class talent in key market segments. We help design, build, and enable the Industries of Tomorrow, Today. Operating at the intersection of resources, critical infrastructure, and modernization of industries, RCM is a provider of services in Life Sciences, Data & Solutions (IT), Healthcare, Engineering, Aerospace & Defense, and Process & Industrial.

Disclaimer:

This job posting is intended to describe the general nature and the level of the work to be performed. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. RCM reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.