Description

Meta is seeking a Principal Strategist to lead the long-term operational strategy for its global leased data center portfolio. In this role, you will define how Meta sources, manages, and optimizes third-party colocation and leased data center capacity to support the infrastructure demands of products used by billions of people worldwide. You will operate at the intersection of real estate, infrastructure operations, vendor governance, and capacity planning, shaping the frameworks and strategic direction that govern how Meta engages with external data center operators at scale.

Principal Strategist, Leased Data Center Operations Responsibilities:

• Define and drive the multi-year operational strategy for Meta's leased and colocation data center portfolio, aligning with global infrastructure capacity and reliability goals
• Establish governance frameworks for vendor performance management, including SLA structures, operational accountability models, and escalation protocols with third-party data center operators
• Lead cross-functional alignment across real estate, network engineering, capacity planning, and infrastructure operations to ensure leased site strategies support long-term compute and connectivity requirements
• Develop and own the operating model for leased data center lifecycle management, from site onboarding and commissioning through steady-state operations and exit planning
• Identify systemic risks across the leased data center portfolio and design mitigation strategies that improve resilience, redundancy, and operational continuity
• Translate complex infrastructure and operational data into executive-level strategic recommendations, influencing decisions on portfolio composition, vendor selection, and capital allocation
• Drive standardization of operational practices across geographically distributed leased sites, enabling consistent performance benchmarking and continuous improvement
• Partner with legal, procurement, and finance teams to shape contract structures and commercial terms that reflect operational requirements and long-term strategic objectives
• Mentor and provide strategic guidance to other operations and program management professionals across the data center organization
• Evaluate emerging trends in the colocation and leased data center market to inform portfolio strategy and identify opportunities for operational innovation

Minimum Qualifications:

• 12+ years of experience in data center operations, infrastructure strategy, or colocation portfolio management
• Experience defining and executing operational strategy for large-scale, geographically distributed data center environments including leased or colocation facilities
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives that span vendor governance, infrastructure operations, capacity planning, and real estate or facilities functions
• Experience developing executive-level strategic frameworks, business cases, and recommendations that influence organizational direction and capital decisions
• Experience managing complex vendor relationships and negotiating operational accountability structures with third-party data center operators

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience building or transforming operational governance models across a global portfolio of third-party managed facilities
• Experience operating within hyperscale or large-scale cloud infrastructure environments with significant leased or colocation capacity
• Familiarity with data center critical systems (power, cooling, network interconnect) and how operational constraints inform strategic portfolio decisions
• Track record of driving standardization and continuous improvement programs across multi-site data center operations

About Meta:

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today-beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at [email protected].

$211,000/year to $272,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.