Vice President, Data Center Operations

Montera • San Francisco, CA

16h • Remote

About The Position

Montera is seeking a Senior Vice President of Data Center Operations to build and lead our global operations platform as we scale a next-generation hyperscale data center portfolio. Reporting directly to COO, this individual will be responsible for developing the operational strategy, standards, systems, and teams required to deliver industry-leading reliability, safety, efficiency, and customer experience across our growing fleet. The ideal candidate brings deep experience leading hyperscale or mission-critical infrastructure operations, with a proven track record spanning operational readiness, facility operations, engineering, reliability programs, construction-to-operations transitions, and large-scale organizational leadership. This executive will partner closely with Development, Design & Construction, Delivery, Procurement, Finance, and Commercial teams to ensure Montera's facilities operate at the highest standards of performance while supporting rapid growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, or a related technical field.
• 20+ years of experience leading mission-critical infrastructure, data center operations, semiconductor facilities, or large-scale industrial operations.
• 10+ years of executive leadership experience managing multi-site operations organizations.
• Demonstrated success operating hyperscale data centers supporting cloud, AI, or high-density compute environments.
• Experience leading operations across multiple campuses, regions, or global portfolios.
• Deep understanding of critical infrastructure systems, including electrical distribution, UPS, generators, cooling systems, controls, and mechanical systems.
• Proven experience developing operational readiness, commissioning, and construction-to-operations transition programs.
• Strong knowledge of reliability engineering methodologies, including RCM, FMEA, root cause analysis, and risk management frameworks.
• Experience implementing CMMS/EAM platforms and enterprise maintenance programs.
• Track record of building and leading large-scale operational organizations consisting of facility managers, engineers, technicians, and support personnel.
• Experience managing significant operating budgets, capital programs, and operational P&L responsibilities.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance operational performance, customer outcomes, and financial objectives.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting hyperscale customers, AI infrastructure environments, or large-scale cloud deployments preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE), PMP, Uptime Institute, AFCOM, or related certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Montera's long-term operations strategy for a rapidly expanding hyperscale data center portfolio.
• Build and lead a high-performing operations organization responsible for critical facilities, engineering, maintenance, reliability, and operational readiness.
• Establish operational standards, governance models, policies, procedures, and best practices across all sites.
• Lead the transition from design and construction through commissioning, turnover, operational readiness, and live operations.
• Develop and implement reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), asset management, and lifecycle management programs across critical infrastructure.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives focused on uptime, efficiency, safety, capacity utilization, sustainability, and customer experience.
• Establish KPIs, reporting frameworks, and performance management systems to measure operational effectiveness across the portfolio.
• Partner with development and delivery teams to ensure operational requirements are embedded into facility design standards and future deployments.
• Oversee CMMS/EAM platforms, work management systems, maintenance strategies, and operational technology programs.
• Lead vendor management, service partner relationships, and operational procurement activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce risk, improve reliability, and optimize operating costs.
• Support customer engagement activities with hyperscale, AI, cloud, and enterprise clients as a senior operational representative.
• Manage annual operating budgets and support capital planning activities across the portfolio.
• Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop future operations leaders across the organization.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: We pay 90% of health premiums for employees and their dependents.
• Generous Time Off: Up to 8 weeks of paid time off per year, which includes holidays, PTO, and sick time.
• Parental Leave: Up to 8 weeks of paid time off after 6 months of employment.
• Financial Security: 401(k) plan with immediate eligibility, no vesting requirement, and employer match contributions up to 6%.
• Learning & Development Reimbursement: Up to $3,500 reimbursed annually for approved courses, certifications, conferences and professional development opportunities.
• Extra Support: Remote work stipend to help you stay connected.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive