Power Infrastructure Director

JDL Recruitment are delighted to be partnering with a leading Data Centre Developer growing their leadership team with a Power Infrastructure Director to be based from their HQ in Ashburn, Virginia.

Role Summary

The Director of Critical Infrastructure plays a pivotal role within the development team, overseeing utility coordination for data center projects. This position is responsible for managing all phases of assigned developments, with a strong focus on accelerating time-to-market, ensuring timely project delivery, and optimizing cost efficiency. The Director serves as a key representative of the development function, both internally across departments and externally with partners and stakeholders. Acting as the primary point of contact for all utility-related activities, this role leads coordination efforts with general contractors and design teams, while serving as the main liaison between the company and external project stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support master planning, entitlement, and permitting efforts for data center developments.
• Serve as the primary liaison with utility providers, managing all communications and ensuring alignment across multiple projects.
• Evaluate existing utility infrastructure and identify required upgrades or enhancements in collaboration with utility partners.
• Prepare and deliver critical documentation to utility companies, including load requests, project schedules, and technical specifications.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external consultants to provide site plans, engineering reports, and other required materials.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of utility infrastructure development—from planning through construction completion—ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Ensure all utility development activities comply with internal engineering standards and construction protocols.
• Conduct in-depth research on utility development processes, regulatory requirements, permitting procedures, and entitlement pathways.
• Develop and issue RFPs for design services; evaluate proposals and make award recommendations based on technical and financial criteria.
• Lead the development and management of project budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic and financial objectives.
• Negotiate contracts with consultants, vendors, and service providers to support project execution.
• Collaborate with design and construction teams to establish and maintain project schedules and milestones.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, municipalities, and community groups.
• Represent the company in communications with adjacent property owners and neighborhood organizations as needed.
• Monitor and manage project budgets throughout the development lifecycle to ensure fiscal discipline and transparency.
• Generate and present executive-level reports on project status, risks, and performance metrics.
• Provide leadership and oversight to project teams and consultants, ensuring accountability and high-quality outcomes.
• Participate in Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) and other project meetings, driving follow-up actions and ensuring alignment across teams.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and scalability.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering or a similar field of study
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in managing utility infrastructure
• Demonstrated experience in engaging and coordinating with utility providers, energy companies, and a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across all organizational levels, fostering strong relationships and partnerships.
• Solid technical understanding of utility infrastructure systems and methodologies.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, including SharePoint, Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed.