Data Center Operations Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage data center operations teams responsible for uptime, equipment maintenance, installations, and incident response.

• Oversee day-to-day performance of critical IT and facility systems, including power, cooling, hardware deployments, structured cabling, monitoring, and ticketing workflows.

• Ensure consistent execution of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Method of Procedures (MOPs), Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs), and all regulatory and safety requirements.

• Monitor infrastructure health and environmental conditions using data center management tools and dashboards.

• Partner with Facilities and Engineering teams to coordinate preventive and corrective maintenance for mechanical, electrical, and cooling systems.

• Drive incident management, root cause analysis, communication protocols, and post-incident reviews.

• Manage staffing, scheduling, training, and performance development for operations personnel across all shifts.

• Maintain documentation, reporting, capacity tracking, asset inventory, and audit readiness for the site.

• Support commissioning, expansion projects, and continuous improvement initiatives in a start-up environment.

• Collaborate with IT, Security, Network Engineering, and leadership teams to align operational goals with business and customer needs.

• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, quality, and operational discipline.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in data center operations, mission-critical facilities, IT infrastructure, or a similar environment.

• 2+ years of leadership or operations management experience required.

• Strong knowledge of data center systems, including:

  • Power distribution, UPS, generators

  • Cooling systems (CRAC/CRAH, chillers, environmental controls)

  • Server hardware installation, cabling, and racking

  • Network and monitoring fundamentals

• Proven ability to lead teams in a 24/7 critical environment and solve complex operational issues.

• Exceptional communication, documentation, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work within secure, temperature-sensitive environments and perform physical tasks such as lifting up to 40 lbs and walking large facilities.

Preferred Qualifications and Working Conditions

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Engineering, Operations, or related field.

• Certifications such as CompTIA Server+, Network+, CDCP, CDCO, or similar.

• Experience developing and scaling processes in a start-up or rapidly evolving data center operation.

• Familiarity with lean principles and continuous improvement frameworks.

Working Conditions

• 24/7 mission-critical data center environment with teams operating across all shifts.

• Exposure to loud equipment rooms, varying temperatures, and high-security areas.

• Requires walking, standing, equipment inspections, and occasional lifting.

• Fast-growing start-up environment with rapidly changing priorities, processes, and infrastructure.