Manager Data Center Operations

Digital Realty•Chicago, IL

5d•$150,000 - $165,000

About The Position

The Manager Data Center Operations oversees local data center operations at one or more properties. The role covers engineering operations and core infrastructure maintenance; construction management, commissioning, and start-up; delivery of colocation, connectivity, raised-floor, and deployment services; installation and management of cable and network infrastructure; and technical event management, including root-cause analysis and infrastructure repair. The manager leads the operation, maintenance, and repair of mission-critical equipment and systems supporting 24x7 data center operations, with the goal of achieving 100% uptime and compliance with customer SLAs. The role supervises engineering, construction, installation, security, and vendor activities; manages customer services and installations; and serves as the primary technical and operational contact for customers. It also oversees incident response, change management, operating procedures, maintenance programs, operational risk and performance analysis, budgeting support, process improvements, sales support, accreditation initiatives, and health and safety compliance.

Requirements

10 years of related facility management experience in data center operations or a related electrical or mechanical engineering field.
At least 5 years of experience managing or leading data center operations teams in a large-scale mission-critical environment.
Experience with construction, commissioning, acceptance, and operation of mission-critical systems, including electrical distribution, static and rotary UPS, emergency standby generation, fire alarm and 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 installation and deployment, power-circuit installation, and power monitoring.
Experience working with and deploying telecommunications and network providers, particularly in Meet Me Room and POP room environments.
Experience managing a change-control environment.
Strong quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills, including ability to identify event root causes, performance shortfalls, and corrective actions.
Knowledge of data center industry standards, policies, and methodologies.
Knowledge of performance management and critical awareness methods and implementation standards.
Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Experience managing a budget 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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of mission-critical equipment and systems supporting 24x7 data center operations and customer SLAs.
Supervise construction activity and installations, coordinating internal and external resources and ensuring work meets operational standards.
Witness equipment testing during commissioning and validate sequences of operations and operational documentation.
Manage provisioning of colocation, connectivity, raised-floor, deployment, and other customer services.
Coordinate customer move-ins and turn-ups, including deployments, power-circuit installations, and connectivity requirements.
Oversee local installation, maintenance, and repair of network infrastructure supporting company and customer connectivity.
Supervise the local engineering team and ensure compliance with procedures, operational sequences, maintenance standards, and the periodic maintenance program.
Develop, implement, and audit local operating procedures, sequences of operations, and maintenance standards.
Supervise change management, including review and approval of maintenance and repair Method of Procedures (MOPs).
Manage maintenance and repair contracts and confirm vendors are qualified and follow performance standards and scopes of work.
Ensure timely delivery of remote hands, customer installations, and service requests.
Supervise security personnel and manage security systems, policies, and compliance programs as required by the Property Manager.
Serve as the primary technical and operational customer contact and local escalation point during emergencies and daily operations.
Manage technical and operational incidents, including emergency response, resource coordination, customer communication, root-cause analysis, and remediation.
Identify operational trends and risks; track metrics and provide senior management with snapshot and long-term trend analysis.
Identify process improvements that create 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 requirements and justifications.
Support presales activities, including sales tours and review of lease proposals and agreements for compliance with company standards and local requirements.
Support accreditation initiatives such as SSAE16, SOC2, and ISO 27001, as required.
Maintain compliance with local health and safety standards, including OSHA, and national electrical and building codes.

Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life and AD&D insurance
401(k) match
Disability benefits
Wellness benefits
Education benefits
Employee stock purchase plan
Paid time off
Holidays
Competitive compensation package; compensation may include cash bonus or commissions and equity awards depending on role.