Senior Manager, Data Center Permitting

Job Description

The Sr. Manager, Data Center Permitting is responsible for independently managing permitting and entitlement activities for data center development projects across multiple U.S. jurisdictions. This role is focused on execution, judgment, and risk management, with accountability for advancing projects through complex local, state, and federal permitting pathways.

The position requires deep familiarity with data center-specific permitting considerations, the ability to work autonomously across regions, and strong judgment in navigating regulatory risk, stakeholder dynamics, and schedule impacts. While not a people manager, this role operates with significant independence and is expected to work collaboratively across Development departments to serve as a trusted permitting lead on assigned projects.

This role strengthens Strata's ability to advance data center projects efficiently and predictably through the permitting process, while proactively identifying and mitigating entitlement risk. The position works closely with development, land, engineering, and commercial teams, providing expert permitting input that informs site strategy, development sequencing, and transaction readiness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Permitting & Entitlement Strategy

• Lead and manage permitting and entitlement activities for data center projects in pre‑construction development across multiple U.S. regions
• Develop and execute project‑specific permitting strategies, schedules, and risk mitigation plans
• Manage discretionary approvals including zoning, land use entitlements, environmental reviews, and local/state permits
• Coordinate closely with internal teams to align permitting pathways with development schedules and commercial objectives

Serve as a Data Center Permitting SME

• Apply deep understanding of data center-related permitting issues, including:
  • Land use compatibility
  • Power and utility coordination impacts
  • Community and local government sensitivities
  • Environmental stewardship and infrastructure considerations
  • Entitlement risk mitigation strategies
  • Anticipate jurisdictional challenges unique to digital infrastructure projects and proactively address them

Stakeholder & Agency Coordination

• Serve as primary point of contact with permitting authorities, regulatory agencies, and external consultants for assigned projects
• Represent the company in meetings, hearings, and working sessions with local agencies and stakeholders
• Support negotiations related to permit conditions, mitigation requirements, development agreements and entitlement constraints

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Development, Land, Engineering, Interconnection, Legal, and Commercial teams
• Provide permitting input that informs site selection, development assumptions, and transaction framing
• Support smooth transition of permitted projects into later development or transaction stages

Travel

• Travel nationally, as needed, to support project development and stakeholder engagement

Qualifications and Experience

• ~8-10 years of permitting and entitlement experience across multiple geographies and asset classes
• Demonstrated experience permitting data centers, digital infrastructure, or complex infrastructure projects
• Multi‑jurisdictional experience across the U.S.
• Strong understanding of zoning, land use entitlements, environmental review processes, and agency coordination
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal oversight
• Demonstrated sound judgment in navigating ambiguous or high‑risk permitting environments
• Clear and effective communicator with both internal teams and external stakeholders
• Highly organized, execution‑oriented, and comfortable managing multiple projects concurrently
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and collaboration tools such as Teams

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with periodic travel to sites and frequent travel to support permitting and local affairs. Must be able to sit, stand, bend, twist, and lift up to 20 pounds. Ensure compliance with local labor laws and regulations