Sustainability Data Lead, 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. Position Overview Vantage is seeking an Global Sustainability Data Lead to own the design, governance, and continuous evolution of the company's Sustainability data ecosystem. This is a role for a sustainability professional who brings deep expertise in environmental metrics, including carbon and water accounting methodologies, and has the technical data skills to translate that expertise into scalable, auditable, and repeatable systems. Vantage’s Sustainability reporting program has grown in scope and complexity, and stakeholder expectations for our sustainability reporting have also increased. This role is responsible for building the data architecture, governance framework, and standardized processes that will allow the organization to meet those expectations consistently. The Global Sustainability Data lead will move the company from ad hoc data collection toward a model where sustainability data is well-defined, reliably sourced, and reusable across disclosure cycles. In addition to internal and regulatory reporting, this role is responsible for developing customized Sustainability data solutions for customers and investors, including structured data packages, methodology documentation, and responses to non-standard or contractually required reporting requests. The role requires substantive expertise in sustainability measurement methodologies, including GHG Protocol Scope 1–3, market-based and location-based Scope 2 accounting, 24/7 carbon-free energy accounting, water use effectiveness, and water accounting standards, combined with hands-on technical proficiency in SQL, Python or R, and BI platforms. Candidates should bring the methodological depth to make sound accounting judgments and the technical capability to operationalize them in scalable systems. As a member of the Global Sustainability Center of Excellence, this role works closely with sustainability program owners and regional leads, and partners with IT, Investor Relations, Capital Markets, Corporate Development, Customer Experience, and Operations to ensure Sustainability data serves the full range of internal and external needs. Essential Job Functions & Duties Sustainability Data Architecture & Ecosystem Ownership Design and own the Sustainability data ecosystem, including how metrics are defined, sourced, calculated, validated, stored, and reused across all reporting, disclosure, and program management use cases. Establish and maintain a single source of truth for Sustainability metrics and calculation methodologies, with particular depth in GHG Protocol Scope 1, 2, and 3 accounting; market-based vs. location-based Scope 2 methodology selection and application; 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE) accounting; water use effectiveness (WUE) and power usage effectiveness (PUE) metrics; and water accounting frameworks. Design structured, repeatable data flows that replace one-off data pulls to build the Sustainability data infrastructure that the organization and critical stakeholders can rely on as reporting obligations scale. Set and enforce standards for Sustainability data quality, definitions, documentation, timing, and traceability across all business units and geographies. Systems, Platforms & Technical Data Infrastructure Own sustainability data and reporting platforms end‑to‑end, including workflow configuration, calculation logic, controls, platform governance, and evaluation of new tools as needs evolve. Design and maintain automated sustainability data pipelines using SQL and Python within a Microsoft‑based enterprise data environment (e.g., Azure data services, enterprise data lake/warehouse, Fabric or equivalent), reducing manual data handling and reconciliation. Develop curated sustainability datasets and semantic data models that enable consistent outputs across: Power BI dashboards, annual sustainability reporting, regulatory disclosures, and customer and investor data requests. Embed data lineage, metadata, audit trails, and explainability directly into sustainability data workflows so reported figures are defensible under third‑party assurance, internal audit, and executive review. Partner closely with IT and enterprise data teams to align sustainability data architecture with core data standards, security controls, and platform roadmaps, ensuring sustainability data is integrated into Vantage’s broader data ecosystem. Customer & Investor Sustainability Data Solutions Develop and deliver customized Sustainability data packages and reporting solutions for customers and investors, including structured datasets, supporting methodology documentation, and responses to non-standard or contractually required disclosure requests. Serve as the Sustainability data point of contact for customer and investor reporting requests, assessing scope, determining the appropriate methodology, and ensuring outputs meet external quality and accuracy standards. Data Collection & Reporting Execution Lead Sustainability data collection, preparation, validation, and quality assurance for the annual Sustainability Report, ensuring datasets are complete, audit-ready, and consistent with approved methodologies. Own the intake, scoping, and fulfillment of Sustainability reporting requests; distinguish between requests that can be addressed with existing data versus those requiring new collection or methodology development. Execute sustainability reporting and disclosure requests in partnership with the Sr. Manager, ensuring outputs meet established definitions, methodologies, and quality standards. Maintain a comprehensive reporting calendar and curate trusted, reusable datasets that reduce repetitive data work across disclosure cycles. Serve as the primary technical contact for third-party assurance providers and internal audit, defending data methodologies, calculation assumptions, and quality controls. Program Enablement & Cross-Functional Partnership Act as the Sustainability data authority for sustainability program owners and regional leads, helping define data requirements for new initiatives and ensuring teams have reliable data to manage performance against targets. Train sustainability team members and data owners on how to access, interpret, and contribute to Sustainability data systems. Prepare structured Sustainability datasets and supporting materials to enable high-quality internal decision-making and external communications. Monitor the regulatory landscape for Sustainability disclosure requirements (e.g., CSRD/ESRS, ISSB, SEC climate rules, California SB 253 and 261) and proactively assess implications for Company's data systems and methodologies. Job Requirements Experience 7–10 years of experience in Sustainability reporting, sustainability analytics, environmental data management, or a combination of sustainability and data governance roles. Demonstrated experience designing or transforming structured Sustainability or environmental data collection and reporting processes in complex, multi-site organizations. Proven track record of moving a Sustainability or environmental reporting function from ad hoc, manual processes toward a standardized, system-driven operating model. Experience supporting Sustainability disclosures aligned with leading frameworks and regulations, with depth in at least two of: GHG Protocol, CSRD/ESRS, ISSB, SEC climate disclosure rules, SASB, TCFD, GRI. Experience preparing Sustainability data for third-party assurance, internal audit, or formal verification. Experience working in asset-intensive, operationally distributed, or capital-intensive organizations strongly preferred; data center, energy, or infrastructure experience is a differentiating advantage. Sustainability Expertise (Required) Deep working knowledge of GHG Protocol Corporate Standard (Scope 1, 2, and 3), including the Scope 2 Guidance for market-based vs. location-based accounting and the practical application of instrument types (RECs, GOs, PPAs, VPPAs). Familiarity with 24/7 carbon-free energy (CFE) accounting frameworks Working knowledge of water accounting standards and metrics applicable to data center operations, including water use effectiveness (WUE), water consumption reporting and water risk assessment frameworks (e.g., WRI Aqueduct, AWS). Understanding of PUE (power usage effectiveness) as a data input for carbon and energy intensity calculations. Familiarity with nature-related disclosure frameworks (e.g., TNFD) is a plus. Technical Skills (Required) Proficiency in SQL for querying, transforming, and validating large datasets across relational databases. Proficiency in Python for data manipulation, automation, and analytical workflows. Hands‑on experience developing dashboards, curated datasets, and analytical views in Power BI or comparable enterprise BI platforms. Hands-on experience with at least one enterprise Sustainability reporting platform (e.g., Workiva, Watershed, Persefoni, Sphera, or comparable) beyond basic data entry — including configuration, workflow design, and platform governance. Hands-on experience with Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) processes, data pipeline design, and automated workflow tools — sufficient to build simple pipelines independently and to partner credibly with IT on more complex data infrastructure. Strong data quality management skills, including the design and enforcement of validation rules, exception handling, and documentation standards. Core Competencies Architectural thinking: ability to see how data flows across systems, processes, and stakeholders — and to redesign those flows for scale, accuracy, and auditability. Sound methodological judgment: ability to evaluate sustainability accounting methodologies, identify risks or gaps, and make and document defensible decisions. Cross-functional influence: demonstrated ability to align data owners, IT partners, and business stakeholders on data standards and delivery timelines without formal management authority. Clear communication: ability to explain Sustainability data concepts, methodology assumptions, and data limitations to both technical and non-technical audiences. Ownership and accountability: track record of owning work products and processes end-to-end, including through audit cycles. Equanimity under deadline pressure: ability to manage multiple competing priorities while maintaining quality and judgment during active reporting periods. Education Bachelor's degree required in environmental science, data science, engineering, mathematics, statistics, accounting, or a related quantitative or environmental field. Master's degree or advanced certifications (e.g., GHG accounting, SASB FSA, CDMP) preferred. Additional Details Salary Range: $125,000 - $135,000 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-JH1 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!