Data Center Operations Manager

About the role

You will lead field and project operations for data center deployments, expansions, fit-outs, and infrastructure installation projects across multiple sites. You will manage rack and stack deployments, structured cabling, low voltage and electrical installations, and ensure all work is executed safely and efficiently. You will oversee workforce management, forecast labor needs, and balance crew structures to meet deployment demand. You will partner with project management, customers, vendors, and field leadership to translate project scope into executable plans. You will enforce safety policies, coordinate logistics, and drive quality performance to reduce rework and punch lists. You will monitor operational KPIs, manage budgets, and serve as the primary escalation point for field issues. You will build relationships with stakeholders and contribute to the continuous improvement of operational playbooks and standards.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead field and project operations for data center deployments, expansions, fit-outs, upgrades, and infrastructure installation projects across diverse customer environments.
• Oversee rack and stack deployments, structured cabling, low voltage installations, electrical systems, conveyance systems, grounding, power distribution equipment, and HVAC support activities in mission-critical settings.
• Manage field teams, deployment leads, subcontractor coordination, and vendor activities to ensure seamless project execution and adherence to timelines.
• Forecast labor requirements and workforce scaling needs based on the project pipeline, deployment demand, and capacity analysis.
• Balance workforce utilization, crew structures, training initiatives, and bench management to support operational efficiency and maintain deployment readiness.
• Partner with project management, quality assurance, customers, vendors, and field leadership teams to align on project execution and operational performance goals.
• Translate project scope and customer requirements into detailed field deployment plans, schedules, logistics coordination, and readiness activities for complex environments.
• Enforce Company safety policies, OSHA requirements, NFPA 70E standards, and customer safety expectations across all project sites without exception.
• Ensure execution of Job Safety Observations, Job Hazard Analyses, lockout/tagout procedures, PPE requirements, hot work controls, and stop work authority procedures at every assignment.
• Support quality assurance initiatives and collaborate with quality leadership to minimize punch list items, rework, and installation deficiencies through proactive measures.
• Monitor and manage operational KPIs, labor costs, productivity metrics, resource utilization, and project financial performance to optimize delivery.
• Track operational performance metrics including cost per rack, port, row, room, cable installation productivity, installation quality, and rework reduction initiatives over time.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for operational, customer, scheduling, and field execution issues that impact project success.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, general contractors, OEMs, vendors, and project stakeholders to foster collaboration and trust.
• Participate in customer meetings, OAC (Owner-Architect-Contractor) meetings, operational reviews, and deployment planning sessions to ensure alignment.
• Develop and maintain deployment standards, operational playbooks, workflows, installation methods, and best practices that support scalable and repeatable field operations.
• Support expansion into new deployment services, technologies, regions, and operational capabilities as the business evolves and grows.
• Oversee operations in live data center and mission-critical environments while ensuring adherence to operational controls, change management procedures, and contingency planning requirements at all times.
• Support multi-site deployments, multi-team builds, and large-scale rack deployment projects across regional and national markets with varying complexity.
• Utilize operational and project management tools including Microsoft Project, Procore, Smartsheet, Excel, JIRA, ServiceNow, Autodesk, and related systems to maintain visibility and control.
• Follow all Company safety policies, customer site requirements, and established safe work practices at every stage of project delivery.
• Maintain accurate operational reporting, forecasting, and administrative records to ensure transparency and support decision-making.
• Travel regularly to job sites as required, which may include overnight stays to ensure effective oversight and stakeholder communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership to support organizational priorities and respond to evolving business needs.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess the following qualifications and meet these hard requirements.

• Be located in Northern Virginia as specified in the job summary and able to work remotely while maintaining close collaboration with regional teams.
• Demonstrate experience in planning, executing, and optimizing field and project operations for data center deployment services across multiple sites.
• Show a proven track record of managing rack and stack deployments, structured cabling, low voltage installations, and electrical systems in mission-critical environments.
• Exhibit strong leadership skills in managing field teams, deployment leads, subcontractor coordination, and vendor activities to drive project success.
• Display the ability to forecast labor requirements, balance workforce utilization, and manage bench resources to meet operational demands.
• Possess excellent communication and collaboration skills to partner effectively with project management, quality assurance, customers, vendors, and field leadership.
• Demonstrate the capability to translate project scope and customer requirements into executable deployment plans, schedules, and logistics strategies.
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety by enforcing Company policies, OSHA regulations, NFPA 70E standards, and customer safety expectations at all times.
• Show proficiency in using operational and project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Procore, Smartsheet, Excel, JIRA, ServiceNow, Autodesk, and related systems.
• Have the ability to travel regularly to job sites, including overnight stays, to provide on-site oversight and stakeholder engagement.
• Hold the ability to perform other duties as assigned to support changing priorities and business objectives without delay.

Nice to have

There are no preferred qualifications, skills, or experiences specified beyond the essential requirements in this job description. All listed criteria are mandatory for consideration.

Practical notes

Hours: Full Time

Travel: Travel is required and may include overnight stays.

Visas: This role may require the right to work in the country where the position is based, and candidates must meet all eligibility requirements as defined by local laws.

Deadlines: Please submit your application promptly to ensure full consideration.