Data Center Site Selection Manager

Data Center Site Selection Manager Vertical Edge | Chicago, IL Company: Vertical Edge LLC Location: Chicago, IL preferred. Remote candidates will be considered. Regular travel to candidate sites is required. About Vertical Edge Vertical Edge is an edge data center platform funded through a joint venture with a global private equity firm. Our first project is a 20 MW conversion of 300 West Adams in downtown Chicago. We acquire and convert existing buildings and powered land into 20 to 100+ MW data centers in Tier 1 & 2 US markets, targeting less than 24 months from acquisition to ready for service. We focus on buildings and sites with power and connectivity already in place. Position Summary The Site Selection Manager leads the identification and evaluation of candidate sites and buildings for data center development. The position covers the full assessment process, including power availability and utility interconnection, fiber connectivity, water and cooling, permitting and zoning, and the local political and regulatory environment. The Site Selection Manager prepares site evaluations and acquisition recommendations for the investment committee and supports due diligence through closing. Responsibilities Identify and screen candidate buildings, sites and powered land in Tier 1 and Tier 2 US markets. Assess power availability, including utility capacity, substation proximity, interconnection timelines and rate structures for loads of 20 to 100+ MW. Evaluate fiber connectivity, including carrier presence, dark fiber availability and proximity to major interconnection hubs. Assess water availability and cooling options, including district cooling, municipal supply and discharge permitting. Analyze zoning and permitting requirements, including by-right data center use, entitlement timelines and conversion feasibility. Evaluate the local political and regulatory environment, including municipal posture toward data center development, tax incentive programs, community sentiment and moratorium risk. Prepare site evaluations, scorecards and acquisition recommendations for the investment committee. Develop and maintain relationships with utilities, brokers, municipalities and economic development agencies. Support acquisition due diligence and underwriting. Basic Qualifications 5+ years of experience in data center site selection, real estate development, utility interconnection or a related field. Demonstrated experience evaluating power availability and interconnection timelines with US utilities. Working knowledge of fiber infrastructure and carrier networks. Experience with municipal permitting, zoning and entitlement processes. Ability to present technical and commercial findings clearly to senior leadership and investors. Preferred Qualifications Experience with adaptive reuse or conversion of existing buildings. Established relationships with utilities, brokers or municipalities in Tier 1 and Tier 2 markets. Familiarity with district cooling systems. Prior experience at a data center developer, REIT or hyperscaler site selection team. Compensation Compensation includes base salary, a performance-based bonus tied to sites sourced and closed, and equity in the platform. How to Apply Submit a resume and a brief summary of one site you have evaluated, including the factors that supported or ruled out the site, to gerardo@verticaldata.io , Include salary expectations. A cover letter is not required. Pay: $160,000.00 - $210,000.00 per year Application Question(s): How many years of experience do you have in data center site selection, utility interconnection, or large-load real estate development? How many sites or buildings have you personally evaluated or closed for data center, industrial, or other large-load (10MW+) development? Describe one site you evaluated that you ultimately ruled out. What specific factor killed it — power capacity, interconnection timeline, fiber availability, zoning, or political/community risk? Do you have direct experience negotiating or evaluating utility interconnection queues, capacity studies, or timelines for loads of 20MW or greater? Have you prepared site evaluations, scorecards, or acquisition recommendations presented directly to an investment committee or senior leadership? Briefly describe your role in that process (author, presenter, or supporting analyst). This role is based in Chicago, IL (or remote with regular travel to candidate sites), and compensation includes a performance-based bonus tied to sites sourced and closed, plus equity, on top of base salary. Are you able to meet the travel requirement and comfortable with an at-risk bonus component? What is your annual salary expectation in USD? Work Location: Remote