Director, Power, APAC

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage is committed to being a workplace of inclusion, equity, respect and acceptance. We celebrate diversity and intentionally seek out opportunities to learn from one another’s experience.

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.

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage Data Centers (VDC) powers, cools, protects, and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across six markets in North America and five markets in Europe, 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.

At Vantage, we run some of the most customizable and scalable data centres in the world, with a meticulous focus on efficiency, operational excellence, reliability, testing and maintenance. Vantage was founded on the principle that modern-day data center design should evolve in innovative ways that lead to dramatic gains in energy efficiency. Years later, we are still leading that charge. It is through our focus on efficiency, collaboration, and operational expertise that our customers and company continue to excel.

New Site Development

New Site Development (NSD) evaluates new sites and coordinates pre-construction activities in line with corporate goals working hand in hand with the Construction team to come up with a vertically integrated design and ensures new and existing standards and designs are executed effectively.  The team collaborates with Sales, Site Selection and Acquisitions, Design & Engineering, Construction, Operations, Legal, Finance and the regional Executive Leadership Team.  One thing that distinguishes Vantage is that our technical staff are given the responsibility and authority to directly drive tangible results.  Our team can align long-term operational sustainability with value engineering and cost metrics to deliver products aligned with corporate goals.  This approach empowers each member of the team to drive high-impact decisions and results.

Position Overview

Vantage is looking for a technically-minded and detail-oriented Director (Utility Power Delivery) to drive the energisation of both new and existing data center campuses, in line with changing customer demands.  This position is responsible for a single key function in the Vantage NSD team, namely, power and energy. This position will oversee all activities required to confirm utility availability at early due diligence, through to obtaining preliminary primary and/or secondary utility supplies at project commencement, and thereafter manage all activities required to obtain and execute on the formal connection agreement(s) through to design and delivery of the same.  In addition, the role entails the creation and implementation of all strategies regarding power and energy, alongside working the Sustainability team (PPA’s, gas plants, et al).

Constant communication with Business Development, Site Selection, Sustainability, Construction, Operations, Sales, Marketing, subject matter experts and the wider Executive Team (specifically with regards to strategic elements) will be required to keep pace with Vantage’s strategic land and power acquisition goals, including enhancing Vantage’s product and service offering wherever possible.  Collaboration and integration in the sales lifecycle process including client interface is integral to the role as well.

Essential Job Functions

• Direct investigation to overlay energy options and availabilities with suitable sites for data center infrastructure and development
• Complete preliminary research and evaluation of energy infrastructure, power availabilities and sources of energy in targeted areas. This includes the preliminary screenings of all sites under consideration, assuring all required documentation and analysis are undertaken
• Understand, analyse, and incorporate current energy legislation and policies into energy infrastructure sourcing strategies
• Identify new energy trends or clean energy sources that will impact site selection strategies.
• Develop and manage energy and power supply chain partnerships with Utilities, municipalities, consultants and partners
• Lead all aspects to obtain initial capacity, quotes, programme, and connection agreements (contract) for new MV and HV utility projects, from feasibility through to delivery.  The design/engineering and construction is owned by delivery teams within Construction and/or Operations)
• Prepare and own power and energy strategy, including alternative/renewable energy, power procurement, in line with the Management Teams expectations and direction
• Provide thought and team leadership, while being accountable for team results on all power and energy projects, assignments, and initiatives, including budget, schedule, and coordination with internal and external project stakeholders

• Stay abreast of new technologies and opportunities to innovate using concepts from within and outside of the data center industry.

Duties

• Develop, refine, and implement processes and strategies for new power and energy practices
• Assist the Site Acquisition Team in identifying and selecting new sites in existing and new markets
• Lead the process to obtain and secure utility power connection agreements, coordinating with VDC Design & Engineering team for technical enquiries
• Provide support to delivery Teams across Vantage’s portfolio of projects to analyse design impacts and alternatives on costs and drive through for timeous realisation
• Monitor the scope, schedule, and budget decisions relating to energisation projects.
• Ensure lessons learned are held and placed in the feedback loop to drive continuous improvement.
• Work with sales and marketing to provide technical support wherever needed (prepare technical material for presentation to prospective customers (RFPs) and support marketing to outline power and energy strategy).
• Benchmark energy consumptions against best practice guidelines
• Keep up to date with legislation.
• Establish utility budgets
• Create policies and systems for buying energy and helping with contract negotiations
• Ensure all utility power supply agreements are handed over to Site Operations on completion of construction phase, includes sharing of contract particulars and introduction to key account managers within the utility power supply company.
• Support to Site Operations post completion of construction activities with contracted utility power upgrades
• Support to Site Operations post completion of construction activities with utility power supply billing queries
• Contribute to strategies and policies to reduce energy consumption.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Good understanding of electrical and mechanical systems as well as knowledge of the energy use of organizations, with a recognized degree or equivalent (background in engineering preferred)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in power and energy from a large-scale utility power and energy infrastructure point of view (background in data centres preferred).
• Competency in current energy and utility benchmark techniques and statistical analysis
• Project management experience, with the ability to carry out full feasibility studies (including analysis of multiple technologies)
• Knowledge of customer requirements, business drivers, financials and specialist sources of information, legislative requirements where necessary.
• Strong IT skills: ability to use multiple communication tools and packages essential
• Demonstrably strong negotiation skills
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical needs
• Creative thinker and demonstrated ability to champion and drive innovation
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills at all levels of the organization and with other stakeholders and third parties such as suppliers
• Demonstrated ability to lead external teams with excellent relationship building skills, and ability to work in a collaborative manner
• Provide a high-level of commitment to customer service with co-workers and stakeholders
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Flexible, adaptable, and self-directed; able to work in a variety of circumstances, e.g.: remotely, while travelling, across multiple time zones, cross functionally, by project, etc

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.