Sr. Manager, Data Center Development

Job Description: 

Copia is seeking a Sr. Manager, Data Center Development to drive development of our data center project portfolio from early-stage site identification through late-stage commercialization and handoff to construction. This role sits at the intersection of power and digital infrastructure, requiring creative solutions to deliver energy for large-scale AI and hyperscale data centers in constrained markets.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading site identification and evaluation, real estate, permitting and entitlements, power and interconnection strategy, utility engagement, and energy markets across projects typically ranging from 100MW to 300MW+ of load by phase. This role requires deep expertise in the development of large-scale data center or energy infrastructure projects, along with strong problem-solving, project management, and leadership skills to align cross-functional teams and external partners toward successful outcomes.

The Sr. Manager, Data Center Development will report to the Senior Director, Digital Infrastructure, working closely with Copia’s cross-functional teams, including asset management, energy markets, legal, and finance teams in an individual contributor capacity. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead the development of large-scale AI and hyperscale data centers, advancing projects from early-stage to late-stage development, through commercial contracting and until ready for construction.
• Drive and manage cross-functional teams of subject matter experts to advance projects through site selection, real estate, power and interconnection strategy, design, permitting, energy supply, and utility agreements.
• Evaluate new sites and market opportunities for data center development, including site visits, assessing infrastructure, collaborating with internal teams and external consultants on siting constraints and developing master plan layouts including high and medium voltage design.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders including internal teams, consultants, regulators and external partners
• Facilitate project discretionary permitting, including permit strategy, stakeholder engagement and representation with local authorities and public meetings
• Support and contribute to the negotiation of critical project agreements, including site control, energy supply agreements, interconnection and load agreements, and PPAs
• Engage with utilities on interconnection, transmission, and power delivery considerations, while aligning with Copia’s internal generation strategy (solar, BESS, gas)
• Collaborate with Copia’s energy markets and regulatory team to build partnerships and relationships to accelerate load integration
• Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, risk assessment and internal reporting
• Independently identify, own, and drive resolution of complex development challenges to maintain project momentum, particularly across utility, interconnection, permitting, and commercial interfaces

 What We Look For: 

• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written correspondence.
• Highly driven with problem-solving abilities, integrity, and strong work ethic.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to work effectively within a rapidly changing organization.
• Demonstrated collaborative partnerships with peers, management, and external stakeholders
• Resourcefulness and polite persistence.

 Minimum Qualifications: 

• 8 to 10+ years of professional experience in data center or large-scale energy infrastructure project development
• Strong knowledge of the energy project development lifecycle, with demonstrated successful large-scale complex project execution
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with senior leadership, external stakeholders, and regulatory agencies
• Excellent project management skills with schedule and budget experience
• Familiarity with utility coordination, interconnection processes, and/or transmission-level infrastructure (e.g., 230kV/500kV) is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in finance, engineering, environmental studies, renewable energy, project/construction management, or similar discipline
• Proven experience with Microsoft Office, including advanced proficiency in PowerPoint & Excel
• Ability to work in the Dana Point, CA, Lake Oswego, OR, Salt Lake City, UT, or Phoenix, AZ office, a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.