Director of Data Center Operations

Responsibilities

• Lead system stabilization efforts following commissioning, ensuring reliable and consistent operations.
• Drive alarm rationalization, redundancy validation, and KPI baseline development.
• Partner with commissioning teams to support transition into operational ownership.
• Build and lead a 24/7 operations organization, including supervisors and technical staff.
• Establish structure, accountability, and operational discipline across shift teams.
• Develop operating rhythms, escalation protocols, and performance expectations.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance (PM) programs and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Oversee daily system monitoring, logs, and early-stage maintenance activities.
• Ensure long-term asset reliability and operational readiness.
• Maintain awareness of electrical systems, power distribution, and redundancy (N+1, 2N concepts).
• Ensure coordination between mechanical and electrical systems in a mission-critical environment.
• Establish KPIs, dashboards, and reporting processes to drive operational transparency.
• Monitor system performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary operational interface with the client.
• Serve as the primary operational interface with the client.
• Support the transition from project-based support to full operational ownership.
• Collaborate with internal leadership to align operations with long-term business goals.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in data center operations, mission-critical facilities, or industrial/central plant environments.
• Proven experience leading 24/7 operations teams in high-availability environments.
• Background supporting commissioning, startup, or system stabilization environments.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC / chilled water / central plant systems, electrical infrastructure, and redundancy concepts.
• Experience developing preventative maintenance programs, SOPs, and operational procedures.
• Knowledge of KPI tracking and reporting systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in data center or critical facilities environments.
• Exposure to BMS / CMMS systems, alarm management, and system monitoring tools.
• Experience working in hypercare or post-construction stabilization environments.
• Familiarity with redundancy design (N+1, 2N) and uptime-critical systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).