Principal Strategist, Leased Data Center Operations

Remote from: USA
Annual salary: Undisclosed
Salary information is not provided for this position. Check our Salary Directory to estimate the average compensation for similar roles.
Department: Product & Operations
Employment type: Full Time,
Job posted: 13 Jun 2026
Apply before: 13 Jul 2026
Experience level: Senior
Views / Applies: 18 / 5

About company

About Meta

Giving people the power to build community and bring the world closer together

Online Media
2004

Actively Hiring

AI Summary

Meta seeks a Principal Strategist to lead long-term operational strategy for its global leased data center portfolio. This role involves defining how Meta sources, manages, and optimizes third-party colocation and leased data center capacity, operating at the intersection of real estate, infrastructure operations, vendor governance, and capacity planning. Responsibilities include establishing governance frameworks, leading cross-functional alignment, and developing operating models for lifecycle management. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in data center operations, vendor management, and strategic planning at hyperscale environments. This position offers an opportunity to shape the infrastructure supporting billions of users worldwide.

Role DNA

Job Complexity

Easy Hard

Pace & Pressure

Relaxed Fast-paced

Autonomy Level

Guided Full Ownership

Communication Load

Independent Highly Collaborative

AI Insight This role demands strategic thinking across multiple domains (real estate, operations, finance) and influencing executive decisions, making it highly complex. However, the candidate is expected to have deep expertise, so it is not the hardest level.

Salary Analysis

AI Insight No salary was provided, but based on market data for Principal Strategist roles at top tech companies, the estimated median salary is $275,000. This is competitive for a role of this seniority and scope, though actual compensation may include additional equity and bonuses.

Key Skills

Data Center Operations Vendor Governance Strategic Planning Infrastructure Strategy Capacity Planning Cross-functional Leadership Portfolio Management Operational Excellence Risk Management Executive Communication

Cover Letter Sample

Dear Hiring Team,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Principal Strategist, Leased Data Center Operations position at Meta. With over 12 years of experience in data center operations and infrastructure strategy, I have led cross-functional initiatives that align vendor governance, capacity planning, and operational excellence at hyperscale. My background includes developing executive-level strategic frameworks that drive capital decisions and optimize global portfolio performance.

At my previous role, I established governance models for third-party colocation facilities, improving SLA compliance and operational continuity across multiple regions. I am adept at translating complex operational data into actionable strategies that support long-term compute and connectivity goals. I am excited about the opportunity to shape Meta's leased data center strategy and contribute to the infrastructure that powers billions of users worldwide.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my experience can drive value for Meta.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Possible Interview Questions

How would you approach defining the multi-year operational strategy for Meta's leased data center portfolio?

I would start by aligning with global infrastructure capacity and reliability goals, then conduct a thorough analysis of current portfolio performance, vendor capabilities, and market trends. I'd establish a framework that balances cost, risk, and scalability, and work with cross-functional teams to prioritize initiatives and set measurable milestones.

Describe your experience with vendor performance management in the context of colocation data centers.

I have developed SLA structures and operational accountability models for third-party operators, including regular performance reviews and escalation protocols. For example, I led a vendor governance program that reduced critical incidents by 20% through clear metrics and continuous improvement processes.

How do you ensure cross-functional alignment between real estate, engineering, and operations teams?

I facilitate regular steering committees and create shared roadmaps that outline dependencies and milestones. Using a RACI matrix, I clarify roles and maintain open communication channels. I also use data-driven dashboards to provide visibility into progress and risks.

Can you give an example of a systemic risk you identified in a leased data center portfolio and how you mitigated it?

In a previous role, I identified that a single vendor's geographic concentration posed redundancy risks. I developed a diversification strategy, onboarding two additional vendors in different regions, and implemented automated failover testing to ensure operational continuity.

How would you translate complex operational data into executive-level strategic recommendations?

I focus on key metrics like capacity utilization, cost per unit, and incident trends, and visualize them in executive dashboards. I then write concise narratives that tie data to business impact, such as capital allocation or portfolio optimization, using scenario analysis to support decisions.

Meta is seeking a Principal Strategist to lead the long-term operational strategy for its global leased data center portfolio. In this role, you will define how Meta sources, manages, and optimizes third-party colocation and leased data center capacity to support the infrastructure demands of products used by billions of people worldwide. You will operate at the intersection of real estate, infrastructure operations, vendor governance, and capacity planning, shaping the frameworks and strategic direction that govern how Meta engages with external data center operators at scale.ResponsibilitiesDefine and drive the multi-year operational strategy for Meta’s leased and colocation data center portfolio, aligning with global infrastructure capacity and reliability goals* Establish governance frameworks for vendor performance management, including SLA structures, operational accountability models, and escalation protocols with third-party data center operators* Lead cross-functional alignment across real estate, network engineering, capacity planning, and infrastructure operations to ensure leased site strategies support long-term compute and connectivity requirements* Develop and own the operating model for leased data center lifecycle management, from site onboarding and commissioning through steady-state operations and exit planning* Identify systemic risks across the leased data center portfolio and design mitigation strategies that improve resilience, redundancy, and operational continuity* Translate complex infrastructure and operational data into executive-level strategic recommendations, influencing decisions on portfolio composition, vendor selection, and capital allocation* Drive standardization of operational practices across geographically distributed leased sites, enabling consistent performance benchmarking and continuous improvement* Partner with legal, procurement, and finance teams to shape contract structures and commercial terms that reflect operational requirements and long-term strategic objectives* Mentor and provide strategic guidance to other operations and program management professionals across the data center organization* Evaluate emerging trends in the colocation and leased data center market to inform portfolio strategy and identify opportunities for operational innovationQualifications12+ years of experience in data center operations, infrastructure strategy, or colocation portfolio management* Experience defining and executing operational strategy for large-scale, geographically distributed data center environments including leased or colocation facilities* Experience leading cross-functional initiatives that span vendor governance, infrastructure operations, capacity planning, and real estate or facilities functions* Experience developing executive-level strategic frameworks, business cases, and recommendations that influence organizational direction and capital decisions* Experience managing complex vendor relationships and negotiating operational accountability structures with third-party data center operators Experience building or transforming operational governance models across a global portfolio of third-party managed facilities* Experience operating within hyperscale or large-scale cloud infrastructure environments with significant leased or colocation capacity* Familiarity with data center critical systems (power, cooling, network interconnect) and how operational constraints inform strategic portfolio decisions* Track record of driving standardization and continuous improvement programs across multi-site data center operations

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