About this role.
Meta is seeking a Data Center Lease Development Manager to lead the site selection, technical feasibility, and negotiation of large-scale data center leases, primarily for AI deployment. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams including engineering, legal, and finance to develop and execute leasing strategies. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of experience in data center development and contract management, with expertise in hyperscale lease transactions. The position requires domestic and international travel and a deep understanding of market trends. This is a senior-level role, offering significant responsibility in shaping Meta's data center footprint.
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4/5Pace & Pressure
4/5Autonomy Level
4/5Communication Load
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Cover letter sample
I am writing to express my strong interest in the Data Center Lease Development Manager position at Meta. With over 12 years of experience in large-scale data center development and lease negotiations, I have a proven track record of executing complex transactions that align with business growth and innovation.
In my previous role at [Company], I led the site selection and contract negotiations for over 1 GW of hyperscale data center capacity, collaborating with engineering, legal, and finance teams to optimize terms and manage risks. I am adept at developing creative leasing models for AI deployments, which directly matches Meta's strategic needs.
I bring deep expertise in lease management, market analysis, and cross-functional leadership, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to Meta's infrastructure expansion. I look forward to discussing how my background aligns with your team's goals.
Sample interview questions
I have negotiated over 500 MW of leased data center capacity for hyperscale clients. Key terms included power availability, rent escalation, termination rights, and landlord responsibilities. One challenge was aligning on power cost pass-through mechanisms; I resolved this by structuring a transparent audit clause that satisfied both parties.
I prioritize power availability, cost, and reliability, followed by network connectivity, tax incentives, and environmental impact. I use a weighted scoring system to compare sites and collaborate with energy teams to assess renewable energy options. For AI workloads, proximity to latency-sensitive applications is also critical.
At my last company, engineering required specific cooling configurations for high-density AI servers. I worked with them to draft lease amendments that allowed for customization of mechanical systems while protecting landlord interests. This required multiple iterations and mutual concessions, resulting in a signed agreement within 6 weeks.
I regularly attend industry conferences like Data Center World and subscribe to reports from JLL and CBRE. I also monitor changes in energy regulations and AI technology developments. I have implemented a dashboard that tracks lease market trends to inform our strategy.
In a recent deal, two landlords offered competing proposals. I facilitated joint meetings with our capacity planning, finance, and legal teams to prioritize requirements. We created a side-by-side comparison highlighting cost, risk, and flexibility. By presenting clear trade-offs, we achieved consensus on the preferred landlord and negotiated a 10% cost reduction.
A qualified Data Center Lease Development Manager has extensive experience performing technical assessments, negotiating and administering large, complex data center lease transactions in the hyperscale space and an extensive knowledge of the legal agreements that accompany them. The Data Center Lease Development Manager will work with Site Selection Managers to think both strategically and analytically to develop out-of-the-box solutions to find and execute on large lease options, developing new business models for AI deployment in leased spaces. The Data Center Lease Development Manager has deep knowledge of leased data center operations, including site selection, contract negotiation, and lease management and is experienced in navigating the challenges that accompany lease negotiations and lease management.ResponsibilitiesDevelop Meta’s leased and colocation data center location strategy and manage the site selection effort for technical due diligence, commercial negotiations and contract administration in that space, including partnering with teams focused on economic development incentives, energy and utilities, network connectivity, legal, policy, and financial considerations* Develop and lead technical feasibility discussions and contract negotiations with landlords, property owners, and utility companies, and engineering teams* Work as a primary conduit between Meta Engineering and Landlord SMEs in order to optimize solutions to fit the needs of our customers in an efficient manner* Coordinate lease contract amendments in response to changes in business needs, improvements in business terms or processes, and/or feedback from engineering teams in the field* Negotiate letters of intent, lease agreements, service agreements, and other facility-specific agreements* Partner with internal organizations, including capacity planning, site selection managers, energy teams, data center design, construction, network engineering, legal, policy, communications, and finance, to align on key business terms* Develop ideas for improving metrics and tracking mechanisms* Manage supplier relationships and best practices* Perform market analysis and develop a leasing site selection strategy* Stay informed about the technical, market, and regulatory developments in the data center industry* Contribute to the organizational strategy and development of leasing standards at Meta* Travel domestically and internationally as needed (10% to 25% at times)QualificationsBachelor’s degree in a directly related field, or equivalent practical experience* Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, paralegal studies, or a technical discipline* 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* Experience leading complex negotiations* Experience representing business interests to the executive leadership of potential suppliers, utilities, and other stakeholders* Experience managing multiple projects and coordinating with internal staff, consultants, vendors, and external stakeholders* Analytical and communications skills with proven experience to effectively 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 (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)* Advanced technical degree, a law degree, or an MBA* Background in engineering, contract management, and understanding of leases, experience with data center leases* Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
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