Director, Pre-Development - Data Center Portfolio

Hybrid - Irving, TX

Apr 24, 2026

Pay information not provided

It's exciting to find yourself standing in a pivotal moment in time. It’s even more exciting to be out front leading it. At QTS, our world‑class data centers are supporting our customers most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us at the forefront of today’s dynamic digital transformation.

As AI and cloud drive the demand for increased speed, capacity and capability, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader, committed to connecting the world for good. Driven by purpose and fueled by a spirit of innovation, QTS designs, builds and operates some of the world’s most advanced, forward‑thinking data centers. QTS is a portfolio company of Blackstone.

Powered by People
. People who play a vital role in our company’s culture, innovation and growth. People who are committed to contributing to the communities where we operate and work. People who are knowledgeable, resourceful and mission driven. Together, we do great things.

The Director, Pre‑Development is accountable for leading and managing all pre‑development activities across designated regions and projects. This role requires strategic coordination with internal teams—including Corporate Real Estate, Investment, Development, Technology, and Data Center Operations—to align project readiness with broader business objectives.

Serving as the primary liaison for key external stakeholders, including local authorities and regulatory bodies, the Director will drive effective engagement through formal presentations and proactive communication. A critical aspect of this role involves navigating complex stakeholder landscapes to advance project approvals and readiness.

The ideal candidate brings a robust background in large‑scale real estate and data center development, with demonstrated expertise in site selection, planning, permitting, environmental and technical due diligence, design, civil engineering, and operational planning. Success in this role requires a balance of technical depth, strategic vision, and stakeholder influence.

• Lead enterprise‑level real estate due diligence for prospective land banks and properties, partnering cross‑functionally with Corporate Real Estate, Connectivity, Power, and Construction teams to evaluate opportunities for data center development.
• Develop and execute comprehensive planning and permitting strategies for new sites, ensuring compliance with regulatory timelines and jurisdictional requirements.
• Establish and manage preliminary investment budgets for the design and construction of new properties, aligning capital planning with strategic objectives.
• Direct regional teams and external consultants through all phases of design, zoning, entitlement, and permitting—particularly for complex greenfield developments.
• Ensure architectural and engineering designs adhere to QTS standards, proactively identifying areas for optimization and innovation.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to internal design teams, ensuring alignment with QTS interior design guidelines and construction documentation protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement of design standards and development workflows, promoting efficiency, scalability, and consistency across projects.
• Deliver regular, insight‑driven updates to executive leadership on development program progress, facilitating informed decision‑making.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and external partners to support sustainable and responsible development practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams to enhance project management methodologies and governance frameworks.
• Contribute to enterprise‑level initiatives and support special projects aligned with organizational priorities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Finance, Real Estate, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 8 or more years of experience in commercial development, including contract management, due diligence, entitlements, permitting, and project delivery from conceptual planning to project close‑out.
• 8 or more years of…