Data Center Account Director II

Data Center Account DirectorLumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Together, we are building a culture and company from the people up committed to teamwork, trust and transparency. People power progress. We're looking for top-tier talent and offer the flexibility you need to thrive and deliver lasting impact. Join us as we digitally connect the world and shape the future.The RoleThe Data Center Account Director will be responsible for driving sales and business development efforts for our data center operator customer base. This role involves identifying and qualifying new data center opportunities, building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, and developing tailored fiber optic solutions to meet customer needs. The specialist will also be responsible for managing the entire sales process, from initial contact to contract closure.The Main ResponsibilitiesBusiness Development: Prospecting and Lead Generation: Identify and qualify new data center build opportunities for that best align to the company's financial and coverage objectives. Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with data center owners, operators, and key decision-makers. Market Analysis: Understand the data center market landscape, including trends, competitive dynamics, and customer needs. Solution Development: Work with engineering and product teams to develop tailored fiber optic solutions and finished tenant services that meet customer requirements.Sales: Sales Cycle Management: Manage the entire sales process, from initial contact to contract closure. Negotiation: Negotiate contracts and pricing with data center operators. Negotiate payment of fiber extensions to increase Lumen's coverage of the data center space in a self-funded environment. Presentation and Communication: Effectively communicate the value proposition of Lumen fiber facilitation to Data Center Operator community inclusive of DCO's, Data Center land acquisition and development companies, data center construction firms, and Data Center VC firms.Technical Knowledge: Fiber Optics: Possess a strong understanding of fiber optic technologies, standards, and applications in data centers. Data Center Infrastructure: Understand the infrastructure requirements of data centers, including general understanding of power, cooling, networking, and product portfolios. Basic understanding of Cloud services & cloud on-ramp architecture Industry Trends: Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the data center and fiber optic industries.Other Skills: Strategic Planning: Develop and implement business development strategies to achieve sales targets. Complex Cross functional project management: Ability to work with various product, engineering, and offer management to facilitate Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are essential for success.What We Look For in a CandidateRequires at least 50% or more of time conducting sales activities outside of the office. Basic Qualifications: 7+ years of industry sales experience. Attention to detail with good organizational capabilities. Ability to prioritize with good time management skills. Demonstrated strong communication, written, and formal presentation skills as well as proficiency in selling to the close. Self-motivated, pro-active, results-oriented professional with an ability to work with minimum direction. Proficient in MS office products: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge and understanding of the telecom industry's competitive landscape. Experience with Salesforce.com preferred.CompensationThis information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors. Location Based Pay Ranges: $107,499 - $143,325 in these states: AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NM, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, WI, WV, and WY. $112,875 - $150,497 in these states: CO, HI, MI, MN, NC, NH, NV, OR, and RI. $118,251 - $157,658 in these states: AK, CA, CT, DC, DE, IL, MA, MD, NJ, NY, TX, VA, and WA. Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing.