Controls Lead (m/f/d)

DATA4'S MISSION

DATA4 creates Smart & Scalable digital facilities for our customers. Our network of highly connected, resilient and sustainable data center campuses underpins our customers’ digital growth in Europe.

DATA4 Group finances, designs, constructs and operates its own data centers. Delivered through our data center campus model, we provide our customers with secure, scalable and high-performance data hosting solutions.

DATA4 VALUES

At DATA4 we are driven by our values. These are the core of everything we do – from the proactivity we show in delivering great outcomes for our clients, to the responsibility we show as a key contributor to the digital economy. Our three values are:

1. To be entrepreneurial – we are teams of doers who make things happen - with autonomy, energy and a sense of responsibility
2. To always take responsibility – for our impact on the people we work with, the society we are part of, and the environment in which we operate
3. To constantly be adaptable – our business is designed to adapt, answering not only today’s challenges, but also anticipating what’s coming next.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Data Center Controls Lead to join our Design & Construction department. This transversal role focuses on Managing all controls aspects of data center design and construction projects. You will provide technical expertise, develop conceptual designs, oversee commissioning processes, represent the company in project meetings, and ensure the smooth implementation of our building management and control systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Design Leadership & Product Ownership

• Act as the discipline owner for Controls engineering within the Engineering organisation.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of DATA4 Controls design standards across all European campuses.
• Define and maintain design principles, technical specifications, standard details and approved solutions for data centre developments.
• Support the development of scalable and repeatable data centre products while driving consistency across projects and geographies.
• Ensure Controls strategy and designs align with operational, commercial, sustainability and customer requirements.

Conceptual Design

• Manage the design and development of conceptual and detailed controls systems for new and existing data centers.
• Manage the design and development of conceptual and detailed controls systems for new and existing data centers.
• Analyze power and cooling requirements to optimize efficiency, reliability, and sustainability through integrated controls strategies.
• Select and specify controls equipment and software based on industry best practices, project requirements, and interoperability considerations.
• Ensure controls system design seamlessly integrates with other systems (electrical, mechanical, IT, Security etc) through close collaboration with relevant teams.

Construction & Commissioning

• Oversee the commissioning process for new and upgraded controls systems, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Develop and execute comprehensive commissioning plans in accordance with industry standards and best practices alongside the commissioning team.
• Identify and resolve controls commissioning issues efficiently to maintain project progress.

 Technical Expertise and Representation:

• Stay at the forefront of the latest trends and technologies in data center controls.
• Serve as the company's internal expert on all controls aspects of data centers.
• Provide technical guidance and support to internal stakeholders across various departments.
• Represent the company in external project meetings, discussions, and negotiations with vendors and consultants.
• Communicate clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences, ensuring transparency and understanding.
• Manage and maintain technical documentation related to data center mechanical systems.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for improvement in data center controls systems and processes, and the systems with which they interface.
• Manage the implementation of new technologies and best practices to enhance reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Analyze data and performance metrics to identify areas for optimization.

RESPONSIBILITES IN TERMS OF IMS CERTIFICATIONS

Respect and enforce certification policies in terms of:

• H&S: Respect and enforce health and safety rules.
• Environment: Respect and enforce environmental policies.
• Information security: Respect and enforce information security policies
• Energy: Respect and enforce the policy of reducing energy consumption.

REQUIREMENTS

• Education and experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 7+ years of experience in data center design and construction or equivalent experience in critical infrastructure.
  • Proven track record of success in Managing and executing complex mechanical engineering projects.
  • English: fluent

• Technical skills
• • Experience on Controls Systems and disciplines with which they interface
  • Strong understanding of data center thermal management, power distribution, and fire suppression systems.
  • Experience with commissioning and startup of data center mechanical systems.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent.
  • LEED AP certification or equivalent in Engineering.
  • Experience with data center infrastructure management software (DCIM) focusing on electrical systems.
  • Experience with project management methodologies and best practices.

• Soft skills
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and Management skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Proactive: Takes initiative and ownership of tasks without needing constant direction.
  • Accountable: Admits mistakes, learns from them, and delivers on commitments.
  • Agile: Learns quickly and applies new knowledge in practical situations.
  • Collaborative: Works effectively with diverse teams and adapts communication styles accordingly.
  • Resilient: Maintains a positive attitude and composure under pressure.
  • Independent: Works autonomously and takes calculated risks.
  • Data-driven: Makes decisions based on evidence and analysis.