Salute is a leading provider of cutting-edge Data Center Infrastructure Services, dedicated to serving data center clients worldwide. We pride ourselves on delivering sustainable solutions, unparalleled reliability, and outstanding customer service. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Data Center Operations to join our team and drive our relationships with hyperscale clients to new heights.

Director of Data Center Operations: NOTE THAT THIS ROLE REQUIRES CANDIDATES TO LIVE WITHIN THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA AREA OR TEXAS

The Director of Data Center Operations will give you the opportunity to expand your skills and experience working on mission-critical infrastructure service delivery for diverse wholesale and colocation data center clients. This role coordinates and manages the technical, telecom, security, mechanical, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems and operations for Salute’s diverse portfolio. You will work with the VP of Data Center Operations, and collaborate with peers, subordinates, superiors, clients, vendors, and other relevant stakeholders to drive and implement consistent programs at all datacenters for which you are responsible.

With your team, you will enable the build out, onboarding and operationalization of new datacenter capacity and you will be expected to actively participate in the incident and outage process to ensure proper root cause analysis and appropriate follow-up with affected site contacts. This role requires a balance of leadership, influence skills, supportive individual contributions, and expertise in large-scale, enterprise-level operations. You must be able to work well under pressure and deadlines, as well be able to support some regional.

Responsibilities: 

· Empowering a culture of safety, security, compliance, and transparency in all aspect of datacenter activities

· Leading a team of high-performing individual contributors and their ongoing talent development

· Overseeing datacenter site services, logistics, and deployment across the data centers for the client

· Collaborating and coordinating with multiple internal business groups to ensure the successful delivery of service levels

· Analyzing production operations and initiate corrective actions to ensure operational stability

· Initiate and establish quality standards for the Datacenter teams and manage those initiatives through to completion

· Learn, live, and coach the Salute culture and values. Lead through change and challenge by bringing clarity, generating energy, and delivering success

· Ensure the data center operates at maximum operational efficiency, including analyzing existing operating conditions, recommending new technologies, and improving overall efficiency and cost reduction.

· Responsible for data center white space and back-of-house electrical loading and capacity, including client installations and systems. 

· This position may require unusual hours of work approximately once every other week to meet critical maintenance windows and scheduling. 

· Directly manage contractors and consultants for daily operations and critical maintenance (UPS systems, generators, switchgear, and chiller maintenance). 

· Provide applied electrical, mechanical, integrated control, and technical expertise for the entire data center. 

· On-call to respond to emergency situations at the data center (as required). 

Additional responsibilities will include but not limited to:

· Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously

· Estimate cost of client installations

· Analyze and interpret complex project documents such as AutoCAD and Visio

· Analyze and propose solutions with limited information

· Interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form

· Advanced analytical and quantitative skills

· Excellent verbal and written communications skills to effectively respond to sensitive and complex issues

· The ability to create effective presentations and communicate with both internal and external customers

· A demonstrated commitment to customer service for both coworkers and customers

· Experience developing operating and maintenance standards and project tracking/management documents

· Knowledge of applicable laws and ordinances in performing data, communications, and MEP projects

· The skill to provide oversight to team members for guidance and coaching

· Experience working well under pressure with a proactive approach

· Excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a willingness to accept new ideas and procedures

· Experience using Microsoft office tools like Excel, PowerPoint, and Word to create presentations and reports

· Enhance existing skill sets

· Direct site managers to ensure established processes and procedures are followed

· Oversee and manage the periodic audits of maintenance MOPs, equipment SOPs and Emergency Operator Procedures (EOPs) to ensure quality, accuracy, and conformance with company standards and industry best practice

· Perform periodic audits of site Change Management activity, to ensure accuracy of information and quality of supporting documentation

· Collect and report operating metrics for sites to track and monitor site performance and efficiency

· Coordinate major activities among sites and track major outstanding issues to resolution

· Provide input for and drive the development of client improvement solutions to include accurate descriptions, savings potential, and cost estimates

· Oversee development of operating standards, processes, and procedures, rules, and regulations

· Review drawings and perform site surveys to identify mechanical, electrical, and control systems and facility operational characteristics

· Manage relationships with customer, property management and internal teams and external stakeholders, where applicable and required

Basic Requirements:

· A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and a minimum of 3 years of related experience, or 5 years of data center related experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree

· Expertise in the operations of critical MEP infrastructure, including UPS Systems, emergency generators, various critical cooling systems, computer room air handlers, and air conditioners, and electrical distribution

· Excellent understanding of various infrastructure redundancy configurations, and the related limitations of each

· A comprehensive understanding of critical environment management and the challenges of multi-tenant data center occupancy

· At least 5 years enterprise-level experience managing physical operations in an IT and/or Critical Environment infrastructure

· At least 3 years of experience leading and motivating a diverse, technical workforce

Preferred Requirements:

· Enterprise-level experience in managing large-scale and complex projects/programs

· Working knowledge of audit and compliance requirements in a large global enterprise

· Financial Management experience and good business acumen

· Strong problem-solving skills, analytical capabilities, data analysis, and attention to detail

· Strong verbal and written communication and organization skills

· Must be able to multi-task and project manage many tasks simultaneously

· College or university degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or equivalent experience

· Military experience preferred

If you are a motivated and results-driven individual with a passion for data center services and a knack for building strong client relationships, we want to hear from you. Join us in revolutionizing the data center industry and apply today!

Salute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.