Job Title: Site Selection & Origination Manager – Colocation Data Centers
Location: (U.S.-based, with regional travel as required)
Reports To: VP, Real Estate Development or Head of Expansion
About the Role:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Site Selection & Origination Manager to join our growing team. In this role, you will lead the identification, evaluation, and origination of new colocation data center sites across strategic U.S. markets. This position plays a key role in shaping our future footprint by combining real estate expertise with a deep understanding of utility infrastructure, fiber, permitting, and market demand drivers.
You will work cross-functionally with internal teams—development, engineering, construction, legal, and finance as well as external stakeholders, including brokers, landowners, utilities, and local government officials.
Key Responsibilities:
Identify and evaluate potential data center sites across the U.S., focusing on power availability, fiber access, zoning, risk, and market demand.
Lead all aspects of site origination including site visits, due diligence, landowner negotiations, and broker management.
Develop and manage a pipeline of viable sites to support near-term and long-term development goals.
Perform high-level feasibility analysis including utility infrastructure, permitting timelines, incentives, and total cost of delivery.
Coordinate initial utility discussions for power and fiber connectivity with relevant providers.
Work closely with development, design, legal, and finance teams to transition qualified sites through acquisition and into active development.
Build strong relationships with local authorities, utility providers, economic development agencies, and community stakeholders.
Stay current on market and industry trends to proactively target strategic growth regions.
Requirements:
7+ years of experience in real estate development, site selection, or acquisitions—ideally in the data center, industrial, or energy sectors.
Proven track record in successfully originating and evaluating greenfield and brownfield data center or infrastructure sites.
Deep understanding of key site selection criteria: power infrastructure, fiber access, permitting, environmental, and entitlement processes.
Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating land acquisition or leasing agreements.
Established broker network across key U.S. markets a plus.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent opportunities with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Willingness to travel regionally (25–50%) for site visits and stakeholder meetings.
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At Spencer Ogden, we are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our recruitment process. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to making any necessary adjustments to ensure you can present your best self. If you require additional time for assessments, alternative application methods, or access to interview questions in advance, please let us know. We are open to any requests or suggestions and continually seek innovative ways to assess talent. As global recruitment experts in sustainability, natural resources and infrastructure we are working with our clients and candidates to create careers to power a sustainable future. Our priority is to ensure you feel supported, respected, and secure throughout your experience with us. #LifeAtSO