Critical Operations Manager

STACK Infrastructure•Elk Grove, IL

9h•Onsite

About The Position

STACK Infrastructure is seeking a Critical Operations Manager to lead operations at a local data center campus. The manager is responsible for the facility’s operational performance and uptime, including mechanical, electrical, fire life safety, base building, and other internal data center systems. The role implements STACK’s Data Center Operations Program and programs focused on safety, team development, availability, communication, and knowledge. All site data center operations staff report to this position, including an Assistant Critical Operations Manager and Critical Operations Technicians; the expected span of control is 4 to 12 direct reports. The manager oversees staff performance, training, and qualifications; conducts regular team meetings and individual one-to-one sessions; and develops individual training plans. The role manages site-level capital and operating budgets, forecasting, projects, vendors, service contracts, procurement, and billing. It also coordinates construction and commissioning activities so they do not disrupt existing critical operations, supports customer inquiries, leads incident reporting and root-cause analysis, and manages internal and external audits. This position is based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and typically requires approximately 20% travel to events and STACK locations. Work hours may vary with business needs, and the manager must be available for on-call emergency response. The role may require work outside normal business hours, including weekends, late nights, and holidays. Compensation range: $174,420–$193,428.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 5–7 years of experience in data center or other related mission-critical operations.
3–5 years of experience administering and managing facility preventative maintenance programs.
3–5 years of experience in vendor and project management.
Knowledge of data center (hyperscale, enterprise, and colocation) and telecommunications industries.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications and database housing software.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and work effectively in stressful situations.
Expert understanding of data center electrical and mechanical systems, including UPS, transformers, PDUs, RPPs, chillers, CRAH, CRAC, STS, ATS, and pre-action systems.
Expert knowledge of NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, compliance issues, and building codes related to fire life safety.
Expert knowledge and experience in data center trending and analysis, with the ability to rapidly learn and use PC-based site monitoring systems.
Proficiency in data center commissioning standards.
Ability to occasionally stand, walk, sit, handle objects, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop or kneel, talk, see at close range, and hear for extended periods.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Willingness to work outside normal business hours, including weekends, late nights, holidays, and on-call support.
Must pass comprehensive background screening.
Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Lead and implement a standardized culture of working safely across STACK data centers.
Serve as the data center subject matter expert for electrical, mechanical, fire life safety, and other data center systems.
Advise the Senior Director, Critical Operations on the status of site-level preventative and corrective maintenance programs.
Operate, monitor, and maintain facility systems and respond to abnormal conditions.
Implement site-level efficiency projects and maintain overall site design PUE.
Ensure the preventative and predictive maintenance program is executed.
Train and mentor junior staff.
Manage vendor relationships and service contracts, including procurement and billing processes.
Develop and manage site capital expenditure and operating expenditure budgets and forecasts.
Create detailed technical procedures for maintenance events, emergencies, and standard site evolutions.
Ensure construction and commissioning activities do not affect existing critical operations.
Develop and maintain individual employee training plans aligned with STACK’s training and development program.
Act as a customer liaison for site-level inquiries and provide day-to-day customer service and support.
Lead incident reporting and root-cause analysis for abnormal data center occurrences.
Conduct expert technical reviews of procedures, company standards, and policies.
Manage site audits and ensure compliance with applicable standards.
Manage systems to avoid unplanned, customer-impacting outages.
Manage data floor and back-of-house mechanical loading capacity to support cooling system efficiency.
Use CMS, EPMS, and BMS systems.
Be available on call to respond to data center emergencies.
Perform other duties as required by STACK.