[Hiring] VP, Data Center Solutions @Daikin Applied Americas

Role Description

Join the world's largest HVAC company, named by Forbes as one of America's Best-In-State Employers 2025! The VP, Data Center Solutions develops and deploys the vertical market strategy and priorities to capitalize on the company’s strengths, build the business unit and successfully expand DAA’s data center solutions business in North America. The Data Center GM will act as a thought leader for the Data Center business globally, working with Daikin affiliates around the world. Will own and direct the Data Center strategy in support of DAA’s overall Fusion 30 strategy.

This position can be based anywhere in the US. Travel will be 50% if based in Plymouth, MN; 75% if based anywhere else.

What you will do:

• This leader must understand the data center market, customer drivers, operating businesses, and keys to positioning Daikin Applied as a market leader.
• The individual in this role must have deep business and financial acumen, as well as exceedingly strong people leadership skills.

Portfolio Management

• Know and anticipate the Customer, driven by a rich understanding of customer insights, market trends and the competitive environment.
• Create and drive the Global Data Center Solutions strategy and value proposition.
• Identify growth opportunities for the Data Center business through market assessment, trend analysis and competitive insights.
• Define and oversee industry leading data center product and solutions portfolio, including strategic roadmap and priorities for NPI and business model innovation.
• Lead commercialization strategies and key programs for Data Center products and solutions.
• Own and drive organic and inorganic innovation and growth opportunities, including potential acquisitions, partnerships, etc.
• Proactively identifies potential risks and challenges impacting the Data Center Solutions strategy and develops contingency plans to mitigate these risks.

General Management

• Lead the Data Center solution strategy from organization assessment through creation, alignment and execution of the data center vision, mission and strategies focused on customer, workforce and business needs, in support of DAA’s 5-year Fusion plan.
• Deliver annual operating plans – revenues and OI.
• Be the Business leader for the ongoing integration efforts at recent data center relative acquisitions.
• Lead the Data Center team, with direct reports within the company, as well as in the recent acquisitions.
• Build out the Data Center Solutions team to include designing the organization and acquiring, developing, engaging and retaining best in class talent.
• Build capability within teams by coaching leaders, strengthening accountability, and driving a performance culture.
• Create internal business/product/process alignment, by providing vision and leadership to ensure the company executes on its data center strategy.
• Define and measure key financial indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the Data Center Solutions operations, making data-driven adjustments as needed.
• Analyze financial and operational data to inform decisions, identify opportunities, and mitigate risks.
• Partner with finance to develop business cases, assess return on investment, and support budgeting or forecasting efforts.
• Maintains effective communication and collaboration across the business, acquisitions, the Global Data Center Committee, partnerships, and professional associations like ASHRAE to support the data center strategy.
• Serve as a role model for leadership excellence—demonstrating resilience, calm under pressure, and sound judgment.
• Create strong partnerships across the organization, influencing without formal authority.

Business Development

• Collaborate internally with key and national accounts to help develop selling opportunities.
• Build out rep network for Data Center offerings.
• Provide the Executive Team with North America Data Center market data, competitive landscape, and keys to customer and market share expansion.

Qualifications

• Success in this role will primarily be measured by data center product sales revenue, operating income, market share growth, and customer satisfaction.
• Inherent in this global enterprise is periodic interface with corporate leaders in Japan to collaborate and communicate regarding key initiatives and to gain support for strategies and priorities.
• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent Experience.
• 10+ years experience managing vertical markets; including 5+ years people leadership experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of Data Center market experience.
• Demonstrated success leading cross functional strategies resulting in sales growth and positive customer satisfaction scores.
• Commercial building industry experience preferred.

Benefits

• Non-decaled company vehicle with most expenses paid.
• Multiple medical insurance plan options + dental and vision insurance.
• 401K retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off and company paid holidays.
• Paid sick time in accordance with the federal, state and local law.
• Tuition Reimbursement after 6 months of continuous service.