Subregional Real Estate Development Lead

Position Title

Subregional Real Estate Development Lead

The Data Center Subregional Real Estate Development Lead is responsible for the end-to-end development of data center facilities, coordinating planning, entitlements, design, and construction to deliver projects on time and within budget. The role oversees consultants, contractors, and internal partners while proactively identifying and communicating risks to support Digital Realty’s strategic and financial objectives.

• Lead end-to-end development activities including feasibility, due diligence, entitlements, design management, construction, and turnover.
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders to implement comprehensive project plans that support on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, providing clear updates and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Manage project budgets, development pro formas, cash flows, and financial forecasts, escalating potential variances.
• Partner with HDL, PMG, DEC, Investments, Finance, Legal, and Operations teams to validate underwriting assumptions and drive alignment.
• Develop and execute procurement strategies, support contract negotiations, and drive value optimization.
• Oversee design teams and specialty consultants to maintain alignment on scope, schedule, cost, and brand standards.
• Monitor construction performance including quality, safety, schedule, contract compliance, and review of RFIs, submittals, and change orders.
• Support entitlement, permitting, zoning, and community engagement activities in partnership with internal teams and public stakeholders.
• Lead commissioning, closeout, and turnover activities, ensuring complete documentation, warranties, and financial reconciliation.

• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale real estate or data center development projects from concept through delivery.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with project budgets, pro formas, forecasting, and cost controls.
• Experience coordinating across multiple internal functions and external partners in complex project environments.
• Working knowledge of entitlement, permitting, design management, and construction delivery processes.
• Ability to identify and communicate project risks clearly to executive stakeholders.
• Strong contract, procurement, and consultant management capabilities.
• Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High level of ownership, accountability, and sound business judgment.
• Bachelor’s degree in real estate, engineering, construction management, architecture, or related field preferred.

The role is responsible for overseeing all phases of data Center construction, from initial planning through to project completion. This includes managing project budgets, schedules, and resources to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery. The role requires proactive risk management and the enforcement of rigorous safety protocols, while promoting a culture of collaboration among internal teams and external partners. The role supports digital transformation initiatives, implements operational improvements, and ensures compliance with governance frameworks.

Additionally, the position advocates for standardized best practices, monitors performance metrics, and drives continuous process optimization. Effective communication and stakeholder engagement are essential, as is the ability to adapt to evolving project demands and industry standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 12-18 years proven experience as a construction/project manager or director, preferably in data Center projects.
• Deep knowledge of construction processes, methodologies, and industry best practices.
• Proficiency in project management software/tools.
• Familiarity with data center design, infrastructure, and MEP systems.
• Strong understanding of relevant building codes, regulations, and standards.
• Fluent in English (oral and written); additional regional language preferred.
• Advanced project management and leadership skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• People management and influencing capability.
• High digital competency and understanding of digital strategy/reporting.
• Process improvement and metric‑based management.
• Attention to detail, organization, and flexibility.
• Customer focus.
• Resilience and adaptability under stress.
• Multicultural sensitivity and collaborative approach.

Compensation range: $200,000 – $240,000. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, 401k match, disability benefits, wellness and education benefits, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, holidays, and more.