Global Head of Site Acquisition

Company Description

At NEXTDC we are building the heart of Australia & Asia’s high tech future. We design, build and operate world class, next generation data centres, using cutting edge, environmentally efficient infrastructure to service the specific requirements of local and international customers.

NEXTDC is an exciting ASX 100 listed technology company, only 16 years young and operating 18 data centres across 8 major cities in Australia and Malaysia, with multiple international sites in development to support our customer’s digital infrastructure.

At NEXTDC our success depends on the talents of our people, and we foster a culture of continued learning and development. Our culture is built on collaboration and innovation, we are passionate about what we do, and we are committed to our mission to be the leading customer centric data centre services company.

Where Cloud lives and AI thrives

Job Description

As our Head of Site Acquisitions, you’ll be responsible for identifying and acquiring land to expand NEXTDC’s Data Centre portfolio and MW capacity across Australia and internationally.  You’ll work with our Engineering and Development teams to define site requirements for potential data centre locations and evaluate and screen candidate sites, in line with our customer’s expected needs recommending and guiding suitable sites into and through formal due diligence.  The role is high visibility and coordinates with the NEXTDC executive, being key to the execution of our strategic plan. 

Your key responsibilities include: 

• Maintaining deep expertise in real estate markets, linked to site suitability, high-voltage power and large-scale utility connection, and ultimately land parcel negotiation 

• Driving the site acquisition recommendation process through to approved acquisition 

• Operating somewhat autonomously as a senior individual contributor — working at the highest planning and commercial level, without direct team management responsibilities 

• Ensuring that grid power viability for each prospective site is well understood, teaming with Energy and Water SMEs to ensure utility service providers and authorities are aligned 

• Executing and evolving the site selection framework across the NEXTDC development vision, aligned to market changes, company policy and actual business needs 

• Meeting and negotiating with Government departments, local councils, utility network operators, vendors, contractors, NEXTDC leaders and team members and any other applicable stakeholders to enable positive land acquisition outcomes, along with momentum for power and infrastructure conditions required for accelerated Development post approval 

We are happy for this position to be based in either Melbourne or Sydney

Qualifications

We’re seeking an experienced professional with deep expertise in land and property acquisition, including negotiation of commercial terms, structuring of conditional contracts, and management of complex multi-party transactions at scale. You’ll bring a strong understanding of land, power and water utility infrastructure, including high voltage transmission and distribution systems, power generation and recycled water projects as well as a sound understanding of property law, land acquisition processes, development planning and zoning frameworks, and relevant State and Federal approval pathways in Australia, with awareness of equivalent frameworks in key international markets. 

Expectations   

• 15+ years of demonstrated experience in land acquisition, site selection, or strategic property transactions 

• Experience negotiating and executing land transactions with individual site or portfolio values typically in the range of $50m to $500m, with an understanding of the commercial, financial, and risk structuring considerations relevant at this scale 

• Experience operating across multiple international jurisdictions, including familiarity with land acquisition, planning, and utility connection processes in Australia and in key Asia Pacific markets 

• Knowledge of relevant data centre and building design standards such as Uptime Institute, TIA-942, NABERS and BCA and inter-relationship with local and strategic Town Planning imperatives and rules 

Additional Information

• Seize this exciting opportunity to join one of Australia’s fastest growing companies and play a key contributing role in the future of AI and the digital economy
• Join an inclusive, diverse and values-driven working culture supporting hybrid work practices
• Enjoy awesome employee benefits (gifted share options, NEXTDC days, volunteer days, professional development, holistic wellbeing and mental health programs and more)
• Great opportunities to progress within our company (grow as we grow)

Our mission is to continue building a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents the communities in which we operate.

Make NEXTDC your next move. 

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