Data Center Operations Director

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Data Center Operations Director based in the United States.

As a Data Center Operations Director, you will provide strategic leadership for large-scale data center infrastructure programs and deployments serving hyperscale and enterprise clients. You will oversee end-to-end delivery across multiple concurrent programs, ensuring projects meet demanding standards for schedule, budget, quality, safety, and client satisfaction. Acting as the primary executive contact for key clients, you will coordinate multidisciplinary teams spanning engineering, project management, field services, procurement, and operations. You will also own program financial performance, resource planning, risk management, and long-term delivery strategy. Beyond operational execution, you will drive continuous improvement, strengthen organizational capabilities, and develop high-performing teams. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced program management professional with a strong track record delivering complex, high-value data center initiatives.

Accountabilities

You will lead the operational strategy and execution of major data center programs, ensuring consistent delivery performance, strong client relationships, financial accountability, and scalable operational practices.

Program & Operational Leadership

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

Client Relationship & Business Management

• Serve as the primary executive contact for assigned clients, maintaining alignment on scope, schedules, risks, performance, and expectations.
• Lead regular client reviews covering program progress, financial performance, operational issues, risks, and strategic opportunities.
• Collaborate with account management teams to identify client needs and develop scalable solutions and service offerings.
• Identify opportunities to expand services, strengthen partnerships, and generate additional business within existing accounts.

Program Execution & Delivery Excellence

• Guide the development, review, and approval of program and project plans, including work breakdown structures (WBS), organizational breakdown structures (OBS), requirements, cost estimates, material plans, and risk and communication strategies.
• Oversee installation and infrastructure build activities, ensuring compliance with design specifications, safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Coordinate with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure materials are sourced and delivered according to project schedules.
• Develop Statements of Work (SOWs) and negotiate pricing with subcontractors and installation partners.
• Lead Day 2 support operations across multiple active data center environments.
• Maintain effective project controls covering scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk.

Financial & Performance Management

• Hold full profit and loss (P&L) responsibility for assigned programs, ensuring profitability and financial accuracy.
• Oversee revenue forecasting, cost management, margin performance, and financial reporting.
• Evaluate SOWs, pricing models, and proposals during pre-sales activities.
• Support contract negotiations involving master service agreements (MSAs), SOWs, licensing arrangements, and post-installation support agreements.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensure program results meet established business objectives.

Organizational Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Coach, mentor, and develop Project Coordinators, Project Managers, Senior Project Managers, and operational personnel.
• Lead improvements in delivery methodologies, operational processes, and project management office (PMO) standards.
• Promote best practices in workforce management, resource planning, and operational scalability.
• Influence cross-functional teams and support organizational change across multiple locations.
• Drive operational maturity and consistent delivery excellence throughout the data center organization.

Requirements

The ideal candidate is a seasoned data center delivery leader with extensive experience managing complex, high-value infrastructure programs. You should combine strong financial and operational management capabilities with executive-level client engagement, team leadership, and the ability to deliver results across geographically distributed organizations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Business, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• 10–12 years of overall professional experience.
• 8–10 years of project management experience, including 4–5 years in program management.
• Proven experience managing at least three programs valued at $100 million or more each.
• Demonstrated experience leading matrixed teams across multiple geographies.
• PMP certification.
• Extensive knowledge of data center operations and hyperscale or large-scale infrastructure deployments.
• Strong program and project management capabilities, with a track record of delivering complex, multi-site initiatives.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate diverse teams across functional and geographic boundaries.
• Experience managing substantial budgets, aggressive timelines, and complex delivery requirements.
• Strong client relationship management skills, including executive-level communication and consultative engagement.
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders, manage organizational change, and resolve complex operational challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.

Technical & Systems Proficiency

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
• Experience using Microsoft Project, project portfolio management (PPM) tools, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, workforce management platforms, and cloud-based technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• PgMP certification or an equivalent advanced program management qualification.
• Academic background in Engineering, IT, Business, or Project Management.

Benefits

• Senior leadership opportunity overseeing large-scale data center infrastructure programs.
• Opportunity to work with hyperscale and enterprise clients.
• Broad strategic and operational ownership, including program delivery, financial performance, and client relationships.
• Opportunity to shape delivery standards, operational processes, and organizational growth.
• Leadership role with responsibility for mentoring and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Position available across Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and remote locations.

How Jobgether works

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

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