Crane Data Centers Inc. (“Crane”) is seeking a strategic and experienced Vice President of Site Acquisition to lead and scale our global site acquisition and development function.
This executive will define Crane’s site selection strategy, shape the long-term site development roadmap, and drive execution across multiple markets to support the company’s growth in hyperscale and colocation data centers.
This individual will execute the full lifecycle of site selection strategy from identifying and securing strategic land opportunities to overseeing pre-development, stakeholder relationships, and cross-functional alignment with the Sales, Operations, and Finance departments.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and implement Crane’s site acquisition and development strategy in alignment with corporate growth objectives
- Lead market prioritization and portfolio planning for new data center sites, balancing cost, risk, power availability, and market demand
- Build a multi-year roadmap of target regions and sites based on deep market, regulatory, and infrastructure analysis
- Advise on market entry strategy, capital allocation, and long-term site positioning
- Oversee site selection and the site acquisition pipeline, ensuring delivery of near-term projects and long-term portfolio balance
- Manage all aspects of site identification, negotiation, and acquisition, including LOIs, PSAs, and partnership agreements
- Direct due diligence and pre-development activities, including zoning, entitlements, environmental reviews, and infrastructure feasibility
- Establish company-wide standards and best practices for site selection, site acquisition, site due diligence, and site development
- Partner closely with the Engineering, Sales, Finance, and Operations teams to align development plans with commercial demand and capital strategy
- Collaborate with the Engineering and Community Engagement teams on site design parameters, energy negotiations, permitting, and development incentives
- Serve as the executive liaison with key industry partners, developers, local governments, utilities, and community stakeholders to secure favorable conditions and partnerships
- Build and mentor a high-performing Site Acquisition & Development team
- Develop clear KPIs for site acquisition, efficiency, and market entry timing
- Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration across geographies and functions
- Represent Crane as a thought leader in the data center and digital infrastructure community
Required Qualifications
- 12+ years of progressive experience in real estate acquisition, site development, and infrastructure development, preferably within the data center, telecom, or energy sector
- Proven success leading multi-site acquisition or development programs across diverse markets
- Deep understanding of infrastructure requirements (power, water, wastewater, network connectivity) and the regulatory landscape for data center development
- Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating complex transactions, tax incentives, and partnerships
- Track record of building and leading high-performing teams
- Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and executive presentation skills
- Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and cross-functional environment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with hyperscale data center development
- Established network of relationships in target development geographies and the data center industry
- Understanding of tax incentives, zoning changes, real estate development, AHJ engagement, and other various land development processes
- Experience in energy negotiations and utility engagement
- Experience advising or reporting to executive leadership or boards on site strategy and capital planning
Why Crane?
This is an exciting time to join our growing company. As part of Crane’s core team, you’ll get to work cross-functionally, challenge the way we do things, and put your ideas into action.
Crane offers a competitive compensation package, benefits, and an environment that recognizes and rewards your contributions.
Crane prides itself on helping team members thrive in their work and life. As a result, we believe that each member of the team is a valuable part of the organization and offers a comprehensive compensation package that reflects this value. As an employee of Crane, you will enjoy: unlimited time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and competitive equity options that ensure a meaningful stake in Crane’s future success.
Crane is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veterans status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
About Us
Headquartered in San Francisco, Crane was founded after recognizing the need for a new, more sustainable approach to developing and operating data centers. As both hyperscale data center developers and former buyers of capacity, our team has a unique perspective on innovation and design. We put our clients first and offer flexible, sustainable, data center capacity when and where they need it most.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Crane is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited referrals.
