Critical Environment Ops Supervisor

JLL•Chicago, IL

5d•$107,100 - $125,000•Remote

About The Position

The US Critical Environments Operations Supervisor provides direct operational support to the US Critical Environments Operations Manager and assists in managing mission-critical engineering services across a designated client’s critical environments. This role serves as a critical link between critical environments field operations and critical environments management, ensuring 24/7/365 reliability of critical infrastructure systems including UPS, generators, HVAC, power distribution, and building automation systems. The Operations Supervisor coordinates daily activities across data centers, trading floors, LAN rooms, disaster recovery space, and other critical environments while supporting vendor management and developing the technical and leadership capabilities necessary to advance into the Operations Manager role. This position requires hands-on engagement with critical environments operations teams while building strategic oversight skills to ensure 100% uptime, infrastructure reliability, cost efficiency, and superior client satisfaction in high-availability environments.

Requirements

Vocational degree program in electrical systems, HVAC/refrigeration, or critical facilities management
Comparable work experience in mission-critical environments
7 years trade experience in critical environments (data centers, telecom facilities, hospitals, trading floors, or similar)
3 years engineering/supervisory experience in critical facilities
Applicable codes, laws and regulations (NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 75, TIA-942, Uptime Institute standards)
Critical infrastructure systems architecture and redundancy configurations (N, N+1, 2N, 2N+1)
Critical load management and power quality requirements
UPS systems, battery plants, and emergency power generation
Precision cooling systems (CRAC, CRAH, in-row, rear-door heat exchangers)
Electrical distribution systems including switchgear, PDUs, RPPs, and branch circuits
Building Management Systems (BMS) and Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) platforms
Deep understanding of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire suppression systems specific to critical/mission-critical facilities
Proven ability to troubleshoot complex critical systems under time pressure
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple critical priorities simultaneously
Ability to make sound decisions quickly during infrastructure incidents or emergencies
Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical staff and executive-level client personnel
Self-motivated with ability to work independently during off-hours incidents and collaboratively during planned activities
Ability to read and interpret single-line electrical diagrams, mechanical P&IDs, and critical systems documentation
Proficiency with CMMS, MCIM, BMS platforms and Microsoft Office applications
Understanding of change management protocols and maintenance windows in 24/7 environments
Ability to remain calm and methodical during critical incidents and system failures
Valid state driver's license
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry certification
NFPA 70E Qualified Person certification for energized electrical work
Ability to bend, sit, kneel, squat, stand, reach and lay as required to access critical equipment components in confined spaces and elevated platforms
Ability to work in high-noise environments (generator rooms, mechanical spaces)
Ability to work exposed to temperature extremes in mechanical and electrical rooms
Availability for 24/7 on-call rotation and emergency response
Ability to respond to critical incidents within specified timeframes (typically 1-2 hours)
Regular travel to multiple critical facility locations within assigned region
Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays during planned maintenance windows

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology or related field
Minimum 3 years direct supervision of critical facilities operations with 24/7 responsibility
10 years trade experience in critical/mission-critical environments
5 years critical facilities engineering/supervisory experience
Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP) or similar
Certified Data Center Expert (CDCE)
Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)
Building Operator Certification (BOC) Level II
Universal EPA 608 Refrigerant Certification

Responsibilities

Assist CE Operations Manager in managing critical engineering operations across assigned facilities
Coordinate with JLL CE Management Leads, client Critical Environments Team, and engineering/operations teams to maintain 100% infrastructure availability
Monitor and respond immediately to critical facility alarms, incidents, and infrastructure issues
Support implementation and daily execution of 100% uptime Critical Environment Management program reflecting all client requirements and industry best practices
Ensure readiness and successful execution of JLL Client Assurance Program (JCAP) Audits for critical environments
Track and report on critical KPIs including uptime percentage, mean time between failures (MTBF), mean time to repair (MTTR), and critical load reliability
Maintain awareness of critical load requirements and N+1 or 2N redundancy configurations
Oversee daily execution of preventive and predictive maintenance on critical systems (UPS, generators, PDUs, CRAC/CRAH units, electrical distribution, fire suppression)
Ensure strict adherence to CMMS, MCIM Asset management system, Corrigo, and critical environment work order protocols
Proactively identify and eliminate single points of failure and risks to critical infrastructure
Provide technical guidance to Chief Engineers and critical environments staff on complex systems troubleshooting
Support 5+ year capital budget forecasting for critical infrastructure replacement and upgrades
Assist with Coordinating with Strategic Sourcing on critical vendor contracts, OEM service agreements, and emergency response contracts
Lead participation in root cause analysis for any critical incidents, near-misses, or infrastructure anomalies
Ensure all critical maintenance activities follow change management protocols and minimize risk to live environments
Assist to Identify and implement energy efficiency opportunities within critical cooling and power systems without compromising reliability
Supervise and provide day-to-day direction to Chief Engineers, Asst Chiefs and Critical Environments Engineers operating in mission-critical environments
Build effective working relationships with on-site critical operations teams, remote monitoring centers, and emergency response personnel
Schedule and prioritize critical maintenance windows, vendor activities, and emergency response with zero unplanned downtime
Foster culture of precision, accountability, and calm under pressure required for critical environment operations
Assist CE Operations Manager with performance management of critical environments engineering staff
Respond to and coordinate resolution of after-hours critical incidents and emergencies
Support EHS professional and CE Operations Manager in maintaining comprehensive safety program specific to critical environments
Ensure all personnel are trained and qualified for energized electrical work, arc flash protocols, and hot work in critical spaces
Enforce strict adherence to Safe Work practices for energized work up to 480V, working at heights on equipment platforms, and confined space entry in electrical/mechanical rooms
Monitor vendor pre-qualification for critical systems work and verify proper safety certifications
Conduct safety risk assessments before all maintenance activities in live critical environments
Maintain lockout/tagout (LOTO) program compliance and equipment isolation procedures
Promote safety-first culture while maintaining operational urgency in critical situations
Complete advanced training in critical infrastructure systems including data center operations, electrical power distribution, and cooling systems
Assist in training critical facilities staff on emergency procedures, system redundancy, and failover protocols
Support development and delivery of critical environment standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Participate in tabletop exercises and emergency response drills
Pursue industry certifications (CDCP, CDCE, CMRP, or equivalent) aligned with career progression to CE Operations Manager role
Contribute to critical environment best practices documentation and lessons learned
Recognize that client operations depend on uninterrupted infrastructure availability
Maintain professional, competent interaction with client critical environments stakeholders and IT leadership
Support client satisfaction through zero-defect service delivery and transparent communication
Provide timely incident reporting, root cause analysis summaries, and corrective action documentation
Conduct all activities with understanding that critical environment failures have significant business impact
Respond immediately to critical client concerns with appropriate urgency and technical expertise