Senior Director, Site Selection

Make an impact at NTT Global Data Centers

Join NTT Global Data Centers and be part of a team that drives innovation and sustainability in the digital world. With over 150 data centers across more than 20 countries globally, we offer unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology and transformative projects. Experience a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive workplace where your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported.

Your role at a glance

This role leads site selection portfolio management, land acquisition, entitlement, and pre-development activities while supporting the delivery of strategic growth objectives for NTT Global Data Centers. The position is responsible for managing the full development lifecycle from site origination and acquisition through permitting, infrastructure coordination, due diligence, and transition to construction.
This role is highly cross-functional and requires close collaboration with Infrastructure and design, Product, Finance, Legal, and Operations teams, as well as external stakeholders including landowners, brokers, utility providers, government authorities, consultants, and local communities. The role provides executive leadership across internal and external stakeholders, influencing strategic decisions and enabling market expansion initiatives.
The successful candidate will combine strong real estate transaction experience with development execution capabilities, financial analysis skills, and stakeholder management expertise. The individual will also demonstrate leadership in capital allocation, portfolio optimization, organizational development, and complex commercial negotiations.

What we are looking for

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Identify, evaluate, and secure land acquisition opportunities for future data center developments.

• Develop and execute site acquisition strategies aligned with long-term business objectives.

• Establish and maintain relationships with landowners, real estate developers, brokers, government agencies, and infrastructure providers.

• Lead negotiations related to land purchases, option agreements, easements, utility rights, and other real estate transactions.

• Coordinate and manage technical, commercial, legal, tax, environmental, and regulatory due diligence activities.

• Partner with Power, Design, and Engineering teams to evaluate site suitability and infrastructure availability.

• Analyze data center and digital infrastructure market trends, develop business cases, perform investment evaluations, and support strategic investment decision-making.

• Build and maintain acquisition pipelines and land portfolio strategies.

• Lead discussions and negotiations with landowners, real estate developers, government authorities, and joint venture partners to secure land acquisitions and obtain the rights necessary for development.

• Provide executive-level reporting, strategic insights, and decision-making support to senior management and key stakeholders.

• Represent GDC Japan with government officials, utilities, energy providers, and other external stakeholders in Japan.

Knowledge and Attributes:

• Strong understanding of real estate transactions, land acquisition processes including Japanese real estate regulations, and development delivery.

• Experience working in global organizations with regional interfaces and cross-cultural dynamics.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Fluency in Japanese and English (written and spoken); proficiency in additional languages is an advantage.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and align across functions, regions, and seniority levels.

Academic Qualifications and Certifications:

• Successfully completed university degree (Master’s or equivalent Diploma).

• Relevant Professional certifications related to real estate (e.g., project management or development) is desirable.

Required Experience:

• 10+ years of professional experience in data center development, commercial real estate, infrastructure development, industrial development, or related sectors.

• Experience in executive leadership role in real estate or data center companies.

• Proven track record managing site selection and due diligence processes for Data Centers.

• Experience supporting entitlement, permitting, and infrastructure development activities.

Physical Requirements:

• Confident use of standard office equipment.

• Completion of work during local business hours, willingness to support meeting in different time zones.

Work Conditions and Requirements:

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically as required.

• Ability to work remotely with a reliable and stable internet connection.

Who we are

As the third largest data center provider, we operate over 150 data centers in more than 20 countries and regions. We understand that every business – large and small – has its own unique needs and goals. We offer local-to-global data center expertise, aligned with our connected platform of AI-ready data centers to create solutions that enable our clients to seamlessly scale their digital businesses, anywhere and anytime.