Data Center Lease Development Manager

Data Center Lease Development Manager

Meta is seeking a Senior Data Center Lease Development Manager to join our team. This is a permanent, onsite role based in the USA.

About the Role

As a Data Center Lease Development Manager, you will play a critical role in developing Meta's leased and colocation data center location strategy. You will work closely with Site Selection Managers to identify and execute large lease options, developing innovative business models for AI deployment in leased spaces. This role requires a strategic and analytical mindset, with a deep understanding of leased data center operations, including site selection, contract negotiation, and lease management.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead Meta's leased and colocation data center location strategy.
• Manage site selection efforts, including technical due diligence, commercial negotiations, and contract administration.
• Partner with teams focused on economic development incentives, energy and utilities, network connectivity, legal, policy, and financial considerations.
• Lead technical feasibility discussions and contract negotiations with landlords, property owners, utility companies, and engineering teams.
• Act as a primary liaison between Meta Engineering and Landlord Subject Matter Experts to optimize solutions.
• Coordinate lease contract amendments based on evolving business needs and feedback.
• Negotiate letters of intent, lease agreements, service agreements, and other facility-specific agreements.
• Collaborate with internal organizations including capacity planning, site selection, energy, data center design, construction, network engineering, legal, policy, communications, and finance.
• Develop and implement improved metrics and tracking mechanisms.
• Manage supplier relationships and promote best practices.
• Conduct market analysis and develop leasing site selection strategies.
• Stay informed about technical, market, and regulatory developments in the data center industry.
• Contribute to organizational strategy and the development of leasing standards at Meta.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed (10% to 25% at times).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a directly related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10+ years of experience in leased data center site selection, engineering, design, construction, contract management, and/or development of data centers or other large-scale or mission-critical capital projects.
• Extensive experience performing technical assessments, negotiating, and administering large, complex data center lease transactions in the hyperscale space.
• Extensive knowledge of legal agreements associated with data center leases.
• Experience leading complex negotiations and representing business interests to executive leadership of potential suppliers, utilities, and other stakeholders.
• Experience managing multiple projects and coordinating with internal staff, consultants, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to distill and communicate complex commercial, market, and contractual details to all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact.
• Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, paralegal studies, or a technical discipline.
• Advanced technical degree, a law degree, or an MBA.
• Background in engineering, contract management, and understanding of leases, with experience specifically with data center leases.