Senior Director, Data Center Operations Colo/Hyperscale

JLL•Chicago, IL

2d•Remote

About The Position

Join a global leader at the forefront of shaping the future of real estate for a better world. Our Critical Environment Management practice is the trusted partner to the world's most innovative companies, ensuring the resilience and performance of the data centers that form the backbone of the digital economy. This is not a typical site management role; it is a strategic linchpin position for a seasoned expert ready to define operational excellence across our most vital client portfolios. As a Senior Data Center Manager, you will operate as a high-impact subject matter expert and trusted advisor. Your mandate is to provide programmatic leadership, strategic oversight, and mentorship to teams managing complex data center ecosystems. This role moves beyond day-to-day, hands-on delivery; your focus will be on elevating operational standards, guiding strategy, and ensuring unparalleled service quality across a portfolio of enterprise, colocation, and, most critically, hyperscale environments. You will be the essential bridge between executive-level client strategy and on-the-ground technical execution. Your deep engineering knowledge will earn you credibility in the server room, while your polished communication will build confidence in the boardroom. You are the expert we deploy to solve the toughest challenges, guide our largest transitions, and mentor the next generation of critical environment leaders.

Requirements

A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in critical environment and data center facility operations, with a significant and demonstrable track record in hyperscale data center environments .
Demonstrable mastery of critical MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) infrastructure, rooted in a strong engineering background (e.g., a degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent deep technical experience) that forms the bedrock of your credibility.
Proven experience in a program leadership, regional oversight, or senior advisory capacity, where you were responsible for operational strategy across multiple sites or a large, complex portfolio.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the proven ability to command a room of executives and simultaneously earn the respect of technical engineering teams.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% to client and company sites as required to drive program success.

Nice To Haves

Advanced industry certifications (e.g., CDCP®, CDCS®, DCEP).
Direct experience leading complex portfolio transitions and large-scale technical due diligence projects.
Strong financial acumen, with experience managing operational budgets and articulating the financial impact of technical decisions.
Deep understanding of the full data center lifecycle, from greenfield development and commissioning to the complexities of mature, business-as-usual operations.

Responsibilities

Serve as the ultimate subject matter expert for hyperscale and complex data center operations, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and decisive guidance to on-site leadership teams across a national portfolio.
Act as a trusted advisor to C-suite stakeholders , both internally and with our clients, translating complex technical challenges and engineering concepts into clear business implications, risks, and strategic recommendations.
Navigate the complexities of new client engagements with diplomatic skill and sensitivity, while fostering a culture that builds and retains high-performing technical teams in a fiercely competitive talent market.
Masterfully orchestrate program management across a diverse portfolio, balancing conflicting priorities and stakeholder demands to ensure seamless service delivery, from technical due diligence to full operational maturity.
Drive a culture of 100% uptime and operational excellence by influencing and guiding teams, not through direct command, but through expert consultation, the implementation of best-in-class programs, and rigorous quality assurance.