Job Description
Ada Infrastructure is a part of the digital infrastructure platform of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES), a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, real estate, private equity and infrastructure asset classes.
We are a global data center business grounded in sustainability, safety, and security. With a world-class team of industry leaders and the resources of Ares Management Ada Infrastructure is executing on our mission to lead the world in sustainable digital infrastructure that drives customer success and social benefit.
The Senior Associate, Site Selection will partner with transactions teams in the process of identifying, evaluating, and acquiring optimal sites for data center development. This strategic role combines expertise in real estate transactions, project management, and data center infrastructure requirements to drive the successful expansion of our global footprint. The Senior Associate will collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams, external consultants, and local authorities to ensure all projects align with operational, financial, and regulatory objectives.
Key responsibilities include managing site selection strategies, negotiating real estate transactions, overseeing due diligence processes. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record in real estate acquisition, site selection for large-scale infrastructure, and project leadership, along with deep knowledge of data center industry standards and requirements.
Role and Responsibilities
Site Selection & Strategy
Develop and execute strategies for identifying and evaluating data center locations.
Analyze geographic, market, and technical criteria to support business growth.
Support growth of pipeline of available land transactions
Real Estate Transactions
Lead negotiations for land acquisitions
Manage relationships with brokers, legal teams, and regulatory agencies.
Due Diligence & Feasibility
Evaluate site level due diligence, including environmental and utility assessments.
Evaluate risks, costs, and site suitability for data center requirements.
Project Management
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure project timelines and budgets are met.
Manage external consultants and vendors for site development.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Partner with internal teams and external stakeholders to align site selection with business goals.
Maintain strong relationships with local authorities and community stakeholders.
Financial Oversight
Manage budgets and evaluate financial models for cost-effective site selection.
Report on KPIs and provide recommendations to leadership.
Leadership
Grow and mentor a high-performing team to support site acquisition initiatives.
Foster a collaborative and innovative work culture.
Skills & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in real estate, business, engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
6-8 years of experience in site selection, real estate transactions, or related roles, ideally in data center or large-scale infrastructure projects.
Deep understanding of data center requirements, including power, cooling, connectivity, and scalability.
Proficiency in real estate acquisition, zoning regulations, permitting, and environmental assessments.
Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects with tight deadlines and budgets.
Strong organizational and planning skills, with attention to detail and risk management.
Experience with financial modeling, cost analysis, and budget management.
Ability to assess market trends and translate data into actionable insights.
Exceptional negotiation skills with a track record of successful real estate transactions.
Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with internal teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
Experience building and leading high-performing teams.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and drive alignment across stakeholders.
Familiarity with international site selection processes and regulations, particularly in emerging markets.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Proficiency in project management tools, GIS mapping software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Knowledge of data center-specific software is a plus.
Reporting Relationships
Compensation
The anticipated base salary range for this position is listed below. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance-based bonus. Note, the range takes into account a broad spectrum of qualifications, including, but not limited to, years of relevant work experience, education, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.
The firm also offers robust Benefits offerings. Ares U.S. Core Benefits include Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Short-Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Commuter Benefits plan for parking and transit.
Ares offers a number of additional benefits including access to a world-class medical advisory team, a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry, a mindfulness and wellbeing app, financial wellness benefit that includes access to a financial advisor, new parent leave, reproductive and adoption assistance, emergency backup care, matching gift program, education sponsorship program, and much more.
There is no set deadline to apply for this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the search is no longer active.
Top Skills
Ares Management Corporation Needham, Massachusetts, USA Office
Three Charles River Place , Needham, MA, United States, 02494
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