Senior Director, Energy Systems, Global

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. Product Organization Vantage is building the next generation of digital infrastructure through industrialized product platforms, standardized deployment systems, and long-range technology strategy. As demand for AI, advanced computing, and digital infrastructure continues to accelerate, energy has emerged as the defining constraint to growth. The ability to acquire, integrate, optimize, and scale energy infrastructure has become a strategic differentiator. The Product organization operates through the Pit Lane operating model, where Product Strategy defines what we build and why, Product Engineering establishes technical authority and standards, Product Operations provides portfolio governance and enablement, and Product Deployment connects products to live projects across the globe. This structure enables rapid innovation while maintaining global scalability, repeatability, and deployment excellence. Position Summary This role is based in Denver, CO or Ashburn, VA. In alignment with our flexible work policy (3 days on site required, 2 days flexible). or remote US. The Senior Director, Energy Systems is responsible for defining and stewarding Vantage's global energy systems strategy and product roadmap. This role owns the vision, strategy, and development of the energy layer of the Vantage product platform, translating evolving utility markets, interconnection and regulatory changes, customer requirements, power infrastructure constraints, grid modernization trends, and validated technology innovations into scalable energy products and deployment models. The position serves as the primary product steward for Vantage's energy systems portfolio, including behind-, front-, across-the-meter energy solutions, power generation integration, energy storage, grid-interactive infrastructure, energy optimization systems, and future energy platform capabilities. Success in this role requires a demonstrated blend of commercial, technical, and strategic expertise. The ideal candidate possesses deep knowledge of energy markets, energy contracting and partnerships, utility interconnection processes, many power generation technologies, transmission and distribution systems, and energy infrastructure development, while also understanding how to convert those capabilities into repeatable product offerings that create long-term competitive advantage. First-hand experience is preferred, especially across multiple regions (e.g., utilities / balancing authorities, ISOs / RTOs), types of energy partners (e.g., OEMs, EPCs, IPPs), and partnership methods (e.g., JV, equity, co-development). Working closely with teams across the Energy and Product organizations this individual will ensure energy innovations evolve into scalable platform capabilities that can be consistently deployed across Vantage's global footprint. Role Purpose The Senior Director, Energy Systems is accountable for defining the multi-year strategy, roadmap, and product portfolio governing the energy layer of the Vantage platform. The role establishes how energy infrastructure, generation resources, storage systems, utility relationships, grid integration strategies, and emerging energy solutions contribute to customer value, capacity growth, resilience, speed-to-market, and long-term business performance. The Senior Director, Energy Systems owns the integration of those validated technologies into the product roadmap, platform architecture, deployment strategies, and regional enablement models. The role also serves as a bridge between innovation and scale—ensuring that evolving energy capabilities move beyond successful pilots and become durable, repeatable, globally deployable product offerings while also communicating energy needs back to inform the next-generation of innovation. Key Responsibilities Global Energy Strategy Develop multi-year roadmaps for energy infrastructure, power acquisition strategies, generation integration, storage deployment, and grid-connected energy solutions. Translate customer requirements, market intelligence, supply chain constraints, utility dynamics, interconnection evolution, regulatory changes, and policy developments into product direction and investment priorities. Evaluate future energy trends and determine where Vantage should build, buy, partner, or influence. Develop executive-level strategic recommendations and investment cases for energy-related initiatives. Energy Systems Product Portfolio Own the product strategy and portfolio for energy-related platform capabilities. Define repeatable energy system architectures, deployment models, standards, and intentional variants. Establish energy product requirements and roadmap priorities aligned to Vantage's regional and customer growth strategies. Create scalable approaches for: Power generation integration, Energy storage systems, Grid-interactive infrastructure, Load flexibility and energy optimization, Utility coordination frameworks, Energy management and control systems Ensure energy capabilities are developed as reusable platform components rather than project-specific solutions. Utility, Interconnection & Power Market Leadership Provide strategic leadership on utility engagement and grid infrastructure considerations. Proactively translate evolving grid requirements into the energy platform. Develop frameworks and guidance related to: Utility partnerships, Grid interconnection strategy, Capacity acquisition approaches, Transmission and distribution considerations, Power market participation opportunities Support strategic customer opportunities requiring sophisticated energy solutions. Evaluate regional power market dynamics and their implications for platform strategy. Road mapping & Technology Integration Partner closely with the Senior Director, Advanced Technologies to incorporate validated innovations into the Vantage product roadmap and provide evolving energy needs to inform the next generation of innovation. Translate technology pilot outcomes and validation results into product requirements, deployment standards, and investment priorities. Collaborate with Product Engineering to ensure roadmap decisions are reflected through reference architectures and design standards. Ensure technology adoption decisions align with long-term platform goals, deployment realities, and business outcomes. Serve as the primary product leader responsible for connecting innovation activity with scalable product development. Regional Partnership & Deployment Enablement Establish a product deployment framework for energy systems aligned to the Pit Lane operating model. Partner closely with regional energy leaders across North America, EMEA, and APAC to ensure product strategies are deployable and aligned to market realities. Build repeatable mechanisms for regional adoption, execution, and feedback. Translate regional insights into future roadmap enhancements. Define global standards while enabling intentional regional flexibility where required. Support Product Deployment teams in connecting energy products to specific customer and project opportunities. Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Development Alongside regional partners, develop strategic relationships with: Utilities, Independent power producers, Energy developers, Grid operators, Technology providers, Equipment manufacturers, Infrastructure investors Identify partnership opportunities that accelerate product capabilities and create market differentiation. Represent Vantage in strategic discussions related to energy infrastructure and future power systems. Support executive engagement with customers, regulators, and energy ecosystem partners. Leadership Expectations The Senior Director, Energy Systems is expected to operate as a strategic leader who influences outcomes across a highly matrixed global organization. Success requires: Strong systems thinking and strategic judgment with an ability to connect technology, infrastructure, commercial realities, and customer outcomes. Executive-level communication skills capable of influencing senior leadership and external stakeholders. A collaborative leadership style that builds alignment across Product Strategy, Product Engineering, Product Operations, Product Deployment, Regional Energy Teams, Delivery, Sustainability, Procurement, and Finance. Comfort making decisions amid uncertainty while maintaining a long-term platform perspective. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Power Engineering, Engineering Management, or related field. 15+ years of experience in energy infrastructure, utilities, generation development, energy systems, power markets, or related industries. Demonstrated experience leading both commercial and technical aspects of energy-related initiatives. Strong understanding of energy project economics, investment analysis, and strategic business case development. Proven ability to develop strategic roadmaps and convert complex technical topics into business decisions, especially a repeatable, scalable product. Preferred Qualifications First-hand experience in hyperscale infrastructure, data centers, utility-scale energy development, transmission development, or grid modernization. Experience with utility interconnection studies and power procurement strategies. Knowledge of distributed energy resources, microgrids, energy storage systems, energy optimization, and grid services. MBA, Master's in Engineering, Energy Systems, or related advanced degree. Why This Role Matters Energy is increasingly becoming the limiting factor for digital infrastructure growth. Vantage's future success will depend on its ability to transform energy from a project-level constraint into a scalable platform capability. The Senior Director, Energy Systems will play a foundational role in defining that future—creating the strategies, roadmaps, partnerships, and deployment models that enable Vantage to integrate energy infrastructure as a core component of its global product platform. This role could be interpreted as a fit for analysts, professors, and similar sideline observers. I suspect first-hand experience would establish credibility and be a better fit for Vantage. Physical Demands and Special Requirements 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. Additional Details Salary Range: $240,000-$260,000K 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-Hybrid #LI-CM1 #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. We’ll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon—we’re excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!