Vice President of Utility Development

Job Title: Vice President of Utility Development

Location: Texas / Hybrid

About the Opportunity

Our client, a leading data center developer, is seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President of Utility Development to lead the planning, development, and execution of utility infrastructure for large-scale data center projects. This executive role will be critical in securing and delivering reliable, scalable power solutions to support hyperscale and wholesale developments in high-growth markets.

Our client is a team of digital infrastructure experts dedicated to accelerating responsible data center growth. They develop master-planned data center campuses with access to pre-positioned power and fiber in key markets where demand is strong. Their approach is highly collaborative, working closely with utilities, regulators, and local stakeholders to ensure development occurs in optimal locations while prioritizing responsible land stewardship and long-term community impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead utility strategy and execution for data center developments, from early-stage site diligence through project delivery
• Oversee power sourcing, load interconnection, and utility infrastructure development to meet aggressive deployment timelines
• Establish and maintain senior-level relationships with electric utilities, transmission providers, regulators, and other stakeholders
• Identify and secure innovative power solutions in grid-constrained markets
• Drive strategic initiatives to identify alternative power solutions, including:
• Partnering with utilities to enhance interconnection and service delivery processes
• Developing onsite and behind-the-meter generation strategies
• Planning for long-lead electrical equipment procurement
• Identifying alternative transmission and grid solutions
• Establishing power contracting frameworks to support leasing and customer commitments
• Build and implement scalable internal processes to support rapid portfolio growth while mitigating power delivery risks
• Support and influence legislative and regulatory efforts in key markets to enable data center expansion and grid integration
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing utility development team responsible for:
• Managing utility relationships across the portfolio
• Overseeing interconnection and energization processes
• Coordinating substation and transmission design with engineering teams
• Managing execution of offsite and onsite utility infrastructure
• Reviewing utility agreements and supporting commercial lease negotiations
• Forecasting, budgeting, and managing power-related capital commitments
• Partner cross-functionally with development, engineering, capital markets, legal, and operations teams to ensure successful project execution
• Monitor market dynamics, grid capacity trends, and policy developments impacting data center growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Energy Systems, Business, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
• 12 years of experience in utility development, power infrastructure, or large-scale energy projects, ideally within data center or mission-critical environments
• Deep understanding of utility interconnection processes, transmission systems, and power procurement strategies
• Proven track record delivering complex infrastructure projects in constrained or high-growth markets
• Strong leadership experience with the ability to build and scale teams
• Experience negotiating utility agreements, PPAs, and infrastructure contracts
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and strategic planning skills

Preferred Experience

• Direct experience supporting hyperscale or wholesale data center development
• Familiarity with renewable energy integration, energy storage, and sustainability strategies
• Experience working with ISOs/RTOs and regulatory agencies
• Strong financial and commercial acumen

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive executive compensation package
• Performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits

How to Apply

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please submit your resume or contact us directly for a confidential discussion.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.