Data Center Operations Manager

Job Summary: The Data Center Operations Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing field and project operations related to data center deployment services across multiple project sites and customers. This role oversees workforce management, project execution, operational readiness, customer coordination, safety compliance, quality performance, and continuous improvement initiatives in mission-critical environments. The Operations Manager provides leadership for field operations including rack and stack deployments, structured cabling, low voltage and electrical installations, equipment deployment, and infrastructure build activities while ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer and Company standards. The ideal candidate will be located in Northern Virginia. 

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 
•    Lead field and project operations for data center deployments, expansions, fit-outs, upgrades, and infrastructure installation projects 
•    Oversee rack and stack deployments, structured cabling, low voltage installations, electrical systems, conveyance systems, grounding, power distribution equipment, HVAC support activities, and related mission-critical infrastructure work 
•    Manage field teams, deployment leads, subcontractor coordination, and vendor activities to support successful project execution 
•    Forecast labor requirements and workforce scaling needs based on project pipeline and deployment demand 
•    Balance workforce utilization, crew structures, training initiatives, and bench management to support operational efficiency and deployment readiness 
•    Partner with project management, quality assurance, customers, vendors, and field leadership teams to support project execution and operational performance 
•    Translate project scope and customer requirements into executable field deployment plans, schedules, logistics coordination, and readiness activities 
•    Enforce Company safety policies, OSHA requirements, NFPA 70E standards, and customer safety expectations across all project sites 
•    Ensure execution of JSOs, JHAs, lockout/tagout procedures, PPE requirements, hot work controls, and stop work authority procedures 
•    Support quality assurance initiatives and partner with quality leadership to reduce punch list items, rework, and installation deficiencies 
•    Monitor and manage operational KPIs, labor costs, productivity metrics, resource utilization, and project financial performance 
•    Track operational performance metrics including cost per rack, port, row, room, cable installation productivity, installation quality, and rework reduction initiatives 
•    Serve as an escalation point for operational, customer, scheduling, and field execution issues 
•    Build and maintain relationships with customers, general contractors, OEMs, vendors, and project stakeholders 
•    Participate in customer meetings, OAC (Owner-Architect-Contractor) meetings, operational reviews, and deployment planning sessions 
•    Develop and maintain deployment standards, operational playbooks, workflows, installation methods, and best practices to support scalable field operations 
•    Support expansion into new deployment services, technologies, regions, and operational capabilities 
•    Oversee operations in live data center and mission-critical environments while ensuring adherence to operational controls, change management procedures, and contingency planning requirements 
•    Support multi-site deployments, multi-team builds, and large-scale rack deployment projects across regional and national markets 
•    Utilize operational and project management tools including Microsoft Project, Procore, Smartsheet, Excel, JIRA, ServiceNow, Autodesk, and related systems 
•    Follow all Company safety policies, customer site requirements, and established safe work practices at all times 
•    Maintain accurate operational reporting, forecasting, and administrative records 
•    Travel regularly to job sites, which may include overnight stays 
•    Other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required.

 

Education: Associate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited four-year college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience

 

Experience: 
•    Eight to twelve years of experience in data center construction, deployment, commissioning, telecommunications, electrical, or mission-critical environments 
•    Experience managing field operations, deployment teams, or multi-site projects 
•    Experience supporting rack and stack, structured cabling, electrical infrastructure, low voltage systems, fiber installations, mechanical systems, or mission-critical infrastructure projects 
•    Experience working in enterprise, colocation, hyperscale, telecom, modular, or edge data center environments 
•    Experience managing multiple field crews and subcontractors across concurrent projects 
•    Experience supporting operational planning, workforce forecasting, and resource management 

 

Technical Skills:
•    Computer and Microsoft Office proficiency 
•    Strong understanding of data center infrastructure, mission-critical environments, and deployment operations 
•    Knowledge of rack and stack deployments, structured cabling systems, electrical infrastructure, low voltage systems, fiber backbone installations, grounding, and power distribution systems 
•    Understanding of operational controls, change management, contingency planning, and live environment work practices 
•    Knowledge of OSHA, NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout procedures, PPE requirements, and data center safety standards 
•    Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, floor plans, one-line diagrams, schedules, and project documentation 
•    Experience using Microsoft Project, Procore, Smartsheet, Excel, JIRA, ServiceNow, Autodesk, and related operational management tools 
•    Understanding of commissioning coordination, turnover readiness, QA processes, and installation quality standards 
•    Familiarity with BIM (Building Information Modeling) concepts 

 

Soft Skills:
•    Consistently demonstrates reliability, professionalism, and accountability 
•    Strong leadership and operational management skills 
•    Excellent communication with customers, subcontractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders 
•    Strong organizational, planning, and workforce coordination abilities 
•    Ability to effectively manage competing priorities in fast-paced deployment environments 
•    Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in field and operational settings 
•    Ability to identify operational risks and drive resolution of field issues 
•    Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence and quality execution 
•    Ability to lead and develop field teams and operational processes 
•    Ability to build collaborative relationships across multiple functional teams and stakeholders

 

Physical Requirements: 
•    Must be able to pass pre-employment screening that includes background and drug testing
•    Must have a valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets Company requirements
•    Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly 
•    Ability to stand, bend, climb, and work overhead for extended periods
•    Ability to safely use ladders, lifts, and basic hand tools  
•    Ability to work in active construction and live data center environments
•    Ability to wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE)
•    Ability to work long and unpredictable hours and flexible schedules, including nights and weekends as required 
•    Ability to travel regionally and nationally up to 75% of the time