Manager Data Center Operations

About the Role

The Manager Data Center Operations oversees the execution of local data center operations at one or more data center properties, ensuring 100% uptime and compliance with all customer SLAs.

Responsibilities

• Execute all aspects of data center operations, including operation, maintenance, and repair of mission-critical equipment and systems supporting a 24x7 data center.
• Supervise construction activity and installations to ensure adherence to operational standards, including witnessing equipment testing during commissioning.
• Manage provisioning of data center services such as colocation, connectivity, raised floor services, and deployment.
• Oversee local customer installations, coordinating with Sales Engineering, Design & Construction, and Colocation Operations for move-ins and turn-ups.
• Supervise installation, maintenance, and repair of network infrastructure supporting Digital Realty and customer connectivity.
• Lead the local engineering team to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures, maintenance standards, and Digital Realty’s periodic maintenance program.
• Develop, implement, and audit local standard operating procedures and maintenance standards in compliance with industry best practices.
• Supervise local change management processes, including review and approval of Method of Procedures (MOPs) for maintenance and emergency repairs.
• Manage maintenance and repair contracts, ensuring vendor compliance with performance standards and scopes of work.
• Ensure timely execution of data center services such as remote hands, customer installations, and service requests.
• Supervise security personnel and manage security systems, ensuring adherence to security policies and compliance programs.
• Act as the primary technical and operational contact for data center customers, serving as the lead during emergencies and day-to-day operations.
• Develop knowledge of customers’ core business and the function of their local data center operations.
• Manage technical and operational incidents, including emergency response, resource coordination, customer communication, root-cause analysis, and post-event remediation.
• Identify trends and analyze risks to assess implications and impact on data center operations.
• Track operational metrics for oversight and long-term trend analysis, providing data to Senior Management.
• Identify process improvements to generate operational and financial efficiencies, including developing and presenting business cases.
• Support the Property Manager with expense management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting by providing capital and expense justifications.
• Support the pre-sales process, including conducting sales tours and reviewing lease proposals for compliance with Digital Realty standards.
• Support accreditation initiatives such as SSAE16, SOC2, ISO 27001, and others as required.
• Maintain compliance with local health & safety (OSHA) standards and national electrical and building codes.

Requirements

• 10 years of related facility management experience in data center operations (or a related electrical/mechanical engineering field), with at least 5 years managing or leading data center operations teams in a large-scale mission-critical environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering preferred.
• Proven experience in construction, commissioning, acceptance, and operation of mission-critical systems, including electrical distribution, UPS, emergency standby generation, fire alarm/suppression, and monitoring systems.
• Extensive knowledge of structured cabling systems, networking and connectivity standards, and hardware installation requirements.
• Experience in colocation operations, including cage, rack, and cable infrastructure deployment, power circuit installation, and power monitoring.
• Experience working with and deploying telecom and network providers, particularly in Meet Me Room and POP room environments.
• Experience managing a change control environment.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills, with the ability to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Knowledge of industry data center standards, policies, and methodologies.
• Familiarity with performance management and critical awareness methods.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience managing budgets and analyzing expenses.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; familiarity with Microsoft Project, Visio, or AutoCad.
• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM), and power metering systems.

About Us

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL®, the company’s global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx®) solution methodology for managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty’s global footprint includes 300+ facilities in 50+ metros across 25+ countries on six continents.

Benefits

Digital Realty offers a highly competitive compensation package, excellent benefits, and a supportive, inclusive environment. Employees have opportunities to develop technical skills, take on varied tasks, and grow their careers. The company fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous development.