Director, Power Generation Strategy, NA

Job description

About Vantage Data Centers Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands. Energy Department The Energy team is responsible for securing the power that enables Vantage’s growth across North America. The team owns energy strategy from early market screening through project approval – evaluating utility capacity and timelines, developing on-site and behind-the-meter generation solutions, structuring partnerships with utilities, IPPs, and generation providers, and negotiating the commercial agreements that underpin them. The team partners closely with Development, Design & Engineering, Procurement, Legal, and Finance to ensure power feasibility, cost, and risk are embedded in investment and site selection decisions, and that every project has a credible, defensible path to power. Position Overview This role can be remote or based in any of our US locations: Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Santa Clara, CA; or Ashburn, VA. The Director, Power Generation Strategy leads Vantage’s strategy for on-site and behind-the-meter power generation across North America, spanning independent power producer (IPP) partnerships, generation equipment strategy, generation technology, and emerging nuclear and small modular reactor (SMR) solutions. This role is responsible for developing scalable self-generation and bridge-power strategies that accelerate speed-to-power for large-scale data center developments where the utility grid cannot meet capacity or timeline requirements. The Director operates as a senior strategic leader with ownership across four core focus areas: independent power producer (IPP) partnerships, generation equipment procurement strategy, generation technology evaluation, and nuclear and small modular reactor (SMR) strategy. This role partners closely with Energy Strategy, Design & Engineering, Market Development, Procurement, and executive leadership, and is accountable for defining generation solution options, establishing decision frameworks and equipment strategies, structuring developer and IPP partnerships, and ensuring generation feasibility, cost, and risk are clearly framed to inform investment and prioritization decisions during the early stages of project development. The Director sets the generation equipment strategy and requirements; sourcing, negotiation, and purchasing are executed in partnership with the Procurement team. Essential Job Functions Own the IPP Partnerships, Generation Procurement Strategy, Generation Technology, and Nuclear & SMR Strategy focus areas, setting direction, priorities, and standards across each. Lead development of on-site and behind-the-meter (BTM) power generation strategies to accelerate speed-to-power where utility capacity or timelines are constrained. Evaluate and prioritize generation technologies – including natural gas, fuel cells, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and emerging nuclear/SMR – against feasibility, cost, scalability, and delivery timelines. Identify fatal flaws, screening risks, key assumptions, and mitigation strategies related to generation feasibility, fuel supply, permitting, emissions, and readiness. Define the strategy for long-lead generation equipment, including technical requirements, framework approach, and project-by-project allocation, partnering with Procurement to execute sourcing, negotiation, and purchasing. Structure and negotiate partnerships with IPPs, BTM developers, and generation solution providers, defining commercial models, roles, and risk allocation. Define Vantage’s long-term self-generation platform strategy, including how power is generated, stored, and dispatched at scale across markets. Develop Vantage’s nuclear and SMR position, including engagement with reactor developers and technology providers, assessment of licensing and regulatory pathways, site suitability and fuel considerations, and a phased view of where and when these technologies become viable relative to near-term generation needs. Drive external engagement with IPPs, developers, OEMs, EPCs, technology providers, and regulators, shaping partnership approaches and Vantage’s long-term generation positioning. Direct and validate external inputs related to generation capacity, equipment lead times, capital and operating cost, regulatory and permitting posture, and delivery timelines. Define and standardize generation strategy frameworks, tools, and decision criteria across markets to ensure consistency and scalability. Partner with the Energy Strategy, Design & Engineering, Development, and Procurement teams to ensure generation solutions are integrated into site-level power strategy and screening decisions. Oversee structured handoffs of generation strategy, assumptions, equipment commitments, and risk assessments as projects transition into downstream execution teams. Prepare clear, executive-level materials summarizing generation feasibility, cost, risks, tradeoffs, and strategic recommendations. Serve as a key interface with executive leadership, presenting and defending recommendations that inform capital allocation, investment, and market prioritization decisions. Provide subject matter leadership, guidance, and mentorship across the broader Energy organization, building capability in generation strategy and decision-making. Identify emerging risks, technology trends, and strategic opportunities impacting long-term generation availability, cost, and competitiveness. Additional duties as assigned by Management. Job Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Energy, Economics, Business, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 10+ years of experience in power generation, IPP/BTM development, energy project development, or power infrastructure roles, including leading complex, cross-functional initiatives. Prior experience within Independent Power Producers (IPPs), BTM/on-site generation developers, natural gas power and generation facilities, generation OEMs or EPCs, electric utilities, or infrastructure development supporting data centers or other large-load environments. Demonstrated experience developing power generation projects or structuring IPP/BTM partnerships, and leading feasibility, technology evaluation, or equipment strategy processes. Strong knowledge of power generation technologies (gas turbines/reciprocating engines, fuel cells, BESS, and nuclear/SMR), generation equipment supply chains, permitting, and interconnection concepts. Commercial acumen with experience structuring and negotiating energy transactions – such as PPAs, tolling, capacity, or BTM/on-site generation agreements – including familiarity with project finance concepts, commercial modeling, and risk allocation between parties. Ability to operate effectively in early-stage, ambiguous environments with incomplete or evolving information. Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate technical inputs into business-relevant insights. Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive decisions in complex, cross-functional environments, including the ability to deliver outcomes without direct authority. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-ready materials. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and documentation discipline. Travel is expected to be up to 25-30% but may increase over time as the business evolves. Physical Demands and Special Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Additional Details Salary Range: $215,000 - $225,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations) This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown. #LI-RS1 #LI-Remote We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations. Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community. Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values. Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.