VP Date Center Infrastructure
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) is growing fast and building faster. Driving that is a global team delivering some of the largest, most complex data center projects in the world. We caught up with Matt Souders, VP of data center infrastructure, about the kind of people his team is hiring, how he leads, and what it takes to thrive when the bar is so high.
Matt, tell us, what’s your team’s mission and how does it tie into Oracle’s huge cloud growth?
Our mission is to ensure some of the largest and most complex data center projects in the world are delivered on time! We solve hard problems, remove roadblocks, and partner closely with internal and external stakeholders during one of the most demanding periods our industry has ever seen.
What’s the most exciting project that shows the kind of pace and scale your team is operating at right now?
Abilene, without a doubt right now. I joined OCI shortly after the project mobilized, and the scale and speed are truly unfathomable. There are over 8,000 construction workers supported by hundreds of OCI team members driving delivery. The campus is massive, the pace is relentless, and it’s the first of many projects of this magnitude. It’s the blueprint for how our future gigawatt-scale campuses will be executed.
How would you describe your leadership style, and what can new team members expect?
My leadership style is highly relationship driven. We solve our toughest problems by starting with trust—respecting one another and having each other’s backs. Credibility matters to me. We earn it by doing what we say we will and working hard. I also believe in surrounding myself with talented people who bring perspectives and expertise that make the team stronger!
A project of that scale demands a lot of talent and expertise. What roles are you hiring for right now, and what do you look for in your ideal candidate?
We’re hiring seasoned data center construction and delivery professionals at all levels across the globe. In particular, our team is looking for leaders who are accountable, self-starting, driven, and passionate about solving complex projects. Above all, we value people who genuinely care about doing great work and have the aptitude and experience to tackle problems creatively.
What’s different about doing this kind of work at Oracle?
Oracle is operating at a unique pace and scale, delivering some of the largest, fastest, and most complex data center projects in the world. To be successful here, teams need to take initiative, collaborate across teams, and move quickly to solve problems and keep work on track – whether that be in diligence, design, equipment, construction, scheduling, quality, hardware coordination, or commissioning.
What’s the culture like on the ground at a facility as crucial as an Oracle data center?
Because the environment runs 24/7, people take the responsibility seriously and move quickly when priorities shift. It’s not a siloed or transactional culture: teams rely on each other, communicate constantly, and solve problems together in real time. We balance this by building strong relationships, trusting one another, and supporting each other when things get challenging.
What does this kind of deep collaboration look like day to day?
Our teams partner closely with design engineering, network, capacity planning, procurement, security, hardware, and operations. At its best, collaboration looks like shared ownership, clear communication, and early engagement. You bring partners in before issues become problems. The strongest teams understand each function’s priorities and constraints, communicate transparently, and work together to make timely decisions.
What kinds of challenges will new hires get to solve on your team?
Everything that’s not in the textbook! New hires will solve real, high-impact problems from day one. That includes navigating complex site diligence, accelerating design and procurement, coordinating massive construction efforts, integrating hardware and commissioning, and resolving issues across multiple teams and partners. It’s a fast-paced environment where things can change quickly, and the stakes are real—success requires sound judgment, creativity, and a willingness to take ownership from start to finish.
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