Sr. Manager, Data Center Development

Job Description

Job Description

Company Overview:

Copia Power (“Copia”) is an energy transition company committed to developing, constructing, and owning large-scale infrastructure assets in the U.S. Copia is actively developing more than 15 GW of renewable energy generation and storage capacity and 12 GW of data center and industrial load. Copia is backed by Carlyle, one of the world’s largest global investment firms.

At Copia, we pride ourselves on a culture where sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the environment, and we believe that achieving this goal requires not just hard work but also enjoying the journey. Our team thrives on connectivity, fostering strong relationships across all levels of the organization. Together, we combine passion and playfulness to drive progress and make a difference.

Job Description:

Copia is seeking a Sr. Manager, Data Center Development to drive development of our data center project portfolio from early-stage site identification through late-stage commercialization and handoff to construction. This role sits at the intersection of power and digital infrastructure, requiring creative solutions to deliver energy for large-scale AI and hyperscale data centers in constrained markets.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading site identification and evaluation, real estate, permitting and entitlements, power and interconnection strategy, utility engagement, and energy markets across projects typically ranging from 100MW to 300MW+ of load by phase. This role requires deep expertise in the development of large-scale data center or energy infrastructure projects, along with strong problem-solving, project management, and leadership skills to align cross-functional teams and external partners toward successful outcomes.

The Sr. Manager, Data Center Development will report to the Senior Director, Digital Infrastructure, working closely with Copia’s cross-functional teams, including asset management, energy markets, legal, and finance teams in an individual contributor capacity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of large-scale AI and hyperscale data centers, advancing projects from early-stage to late-stage development, through commercial contracting and until ready for construction.
• Drive and manage cross-functional teams of subject matter experts to advance projects through site selection, real estate, power and interconnection strategy, design, permitting, energy supply, and utility agreements.
• Evaluate new sites and market opportunities for data center development, including site visits, assessing infrastructure, collaborating with internal teams and external consultants on siting constraints and developing master plan layouts including high and medium voltage design.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders including internal teams, consultants, regulators and external partners
• Facilitate project discretionary permitting, including permit strategy, stakeholder engagement and representation with local authorities and public meetings
• Support and contribute to the negotiation of critical project agreements, including site control, energy supply agreements, interconnection and load agreements, and PPAs
• Engage with utilities on interconnection, transmission, and power delivery considerations, while aligning with Copia’s internal generation strategy (solar, BESS, gas)
• Collaborate with Copia’s energy markets and regulatory team to build partnerships and relationships to accelerate load integration
• Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, risk assessment and internal reporting
• Independently identify, own, and drive resolution of complex development challenges to maintain project momentum, particularly across utility, interconnection, permitting, and commercial interfaces

What We Look For:

• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written correspondence.
• Highly driven with problem-solving abilities, integrity, and strong work ethic.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to work effectively within a rapidly changing organization.
• Demonstrated collaborative partnerships with peers, management, and external stakeholders
• Resourcefulness and polite persistence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 8 to 10+ years of professional experience in data center or large-scale energy infrastructure project development
• Strong knowledge of the energy project development lifecycle, with demonstrated successful large-scale complex project execution
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with senior leadership, external stakeholders, and regulatory agencies
• Excellent project management skills with schedule and budget experience
• Familiarity with utility coordination, interconnection processes, and/or transmission-level infrastructure (e.g., 230kV/500kV) is preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in finance, engineering, environmental studies, renewable energy, project/construction management, or similar discipline
• Proven experience with Microsoft Office, including advanced proficiency in PowerPoint & Excel
• Ability to work in the Dana Point, CA, Lake Oswego, OR, Salt Lake City, UT, or Phoenix, AZ office, a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

We are partnering with select search firms for this role and are not accepting inquiries or candidates from additional third-party agencies or recruiters.

Compensation:

At Copia, we carefully consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, including your skills, qualifications, location, and experience. This role may also be eligible for benefits, performance bonuses, and other perks. We encourage all interested candidates to apply.   

Our Benefits:

We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage everyone at Copia to bring their authentic selves to work every day. We offer flexible work hours and generous benefits to all of our employees that include:

- Medical, Dental & Vision coverage with no premiums

- Company contribution to 401(k) plans

- Annual bonus eligibility

- Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)

- Paid company holidays

- Wellness and cell phone credits

- Life and AD&D Insurance

- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for community and support

- Opportunities for professional development to grow and thrive within the company

About Copia:

Copia Power (“Copia”), is a wholly owned portfolio company of the global investment firm, The Carlyle Group. Copia’s platform is focused on developing, owning, and operating utility-scale sustainable infrastructure in the United States. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. For more information, visit

At Copia, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment & do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.