Job Description

Data Center Operations Director

Position Summary

The Data Center Delivery Leader provides strategic leadership, drives operational excellence, and ensures the successful delivery of large-scale data center programs and deployments for hyperscale and enterprise clients. The role is responsible for ensuring that all data center projects and operational activities are completed on schedule, within budget, to the highest quality standards, and with exceptional client satisfaction.

Serving as the primary executive contact for clients, the Delivery Leader coordinates leadership across engineering, project management, field services, supply chain, and support organizations. The role is accountable for operational performance, revenue forecasting, profitability, resource planning, quality assurance, and risk management across multiple concurrent programs.

The Data Center Delivery Leader is also expected to serve as a thought leader within the Data Center organization by advancing operational maturity, continuous improvement, and best-in-class delivery practices. In addition, the role mentors and leads Project Coordinators, Project Managers, Senior PMs, and cross-functional delivery teams.

Primary Roles & Responsibilities

Program & Operational Leadership

• Applies standards, processes, and methodologies to data center program planning, deployment, and operational management.
• Directs end-to-end delivery of hyperscale or large-scale data center infrastructure programs, including structured cabling, network infrastructure, power and space planning, and Day 2 operations.
• Creates and maintains multi-year program roadmaps aligned with client requirements and growth strategies.
• Provides direct leadership and oversight for project managers, field supervisors, installation teams, and operational support staff.
• Builds program governance structures, including organizational charts, RACI matrices, communication plans, and stakeholder management frameworks.

Client Relationship & Business Management

• Serves as the primary executive contact for assigned clients, maintaining alignment on scope, schedule, risks, and expectations.
• Collaborates with account management to identify client needs and develop scalable solutions and service offerings.
• Leads recurring client reviews focused on program performance, risks, issues, financials, and strategic opportunities.
• Expands services and identifies new business opportunities within existing accounts.

Program Execution & Delivery Excellence

• Guides the development and approval of program and project plans, including WBS/OBS structures, requirements management, cost estimates, material planning, and risk and communication plans.
• Oversees installation and build activities to ensure compliance with design standards, safety requirements, and quality expectations.
• Works with Supply Chain and Procurement teams to ensure materials are purchased and delivered on time.
• Prepares Statements of Work (SOWs) and negotiates pricing with subcontractors and installation partners.
• Leads Day 2 support operations across multiple active data center environments.

Financial & Performance Management

• Holds P&L responsibility for assigned programs, ensuring profitability and financial accuracy.
• Oversees revenue forecasting, cost tracking, margin performance, and financial reporting.
• Maintains compliance with core project controls covering scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk management.
• Evaluates SOWs, pricing models, and proposals during pre-sales cycles.
• Assists with contract negotiations, MSAs, SOWs, licensing agreements, and post-installation support agreements.

Organizational Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Coaches and develops project management and operational staff throughout the Data Center organization.
• Advances continuous improvement in delivery methodologies, operational processes, and PMO standards.
• Promotes the adoption of best practices for workforce management, resource planning, and operational scalability.
• Meets performance targets for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) established by leadership.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities

• Extensive expertise in data center operations, including hyperscale or large-scale infrastructure deployments.
• Strong program and project management skills, supported by demonstrated success with complex, multi-site programs.
• Exceptional leadership ability, with a proven capacity to inspire and mobilize diverse global teams.
• Strong client relationship management and consultative communication capabilities.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and lead organizational change.
• Demonstrated ability to meet aggressive timelines and manage large budgets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office, SharePoint, MS Project, PPM tools, ERP systems, Salesforce, workforce management platforms, and cloud-based technologies.
• Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Preferred areas of study include Engineering, IT, Business, Project Management, or a related discipline.

Certifications

• PMP certification is required.
• PgMP or an equivalent advanced program management certification is preferred.

Experience

• 10–12 years of overall work experience.
• 8–10 years of project management experience, including 4–5 years in program management.
• Demonstrated experience managing at least three programs valued at $100M or more each.
• Experience leading matrixed teams across multiple geographies.