Manager of Critical Facilities Operations

Uniti is a premier insurgent fiber provider dedicated to enabling mission‑critical connectivity across the United States. With a steadfast commitment to customer service, operational excellence, and superior network capabilities, Uniti builds, operates and delivers critical fiber‑based communications services to connect and empower people and businesses. About the Role The Manager, Critical Facilities Strategic Operations leads the strategy, governance, and cross‑functional execution of programs that ensure the reliability, compliance, and operational excellence of critical facilities (e.g., central offices, data centers, huts, headends, POPs). This role drives standardized processes, performance metrics, risk reduction initiatives, and long‑range planning across the critical facilities portfolio to support network uptime and business continuity. What You’ll Do Develop and execute a multi‑year critical facilities operational strategy aligned to reliability, safety, and business continuity goals. Establish and maintain operational governance (standards, KPIs, reporting cadence, and continuous improvement routines). Identify systemic risks (power, HVAC, fire suppression, building, security) and lead mitigation programs to reduce outages and service impacts. Oversee root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for critical facility incidents and near‑misses. Own and improve standards for maintenance, inspections, testing, and documentation (e.g., generator load testing, UPS maintenance, ATS testing). Partner with Safety, Security, and Compliance teams to ensure adherence to applicable requirements (e.g., OSHA, NFPA, local codes, internal audit needs). Lead enterprise programs such as preventive maintenance optimization, asset lifecycle planning, spares strategy, vendor performance management, and site standardization. Manage project intake/prioritization for operational upgrades and reliability improvements; ensure schedule, scope, and quality. Define and track metrics (uptime/availability, MTTR, PM completion, alarms, incident trends, cost/asset performance). Use data to drive prioritization, budget justification, and operational improvements. Coordinate with Network Operations, Field Operations, Real Estate/Facilities, Engineering, Procurement, and Finance to align execution. Support incident response, major maintenance windows, and disaster recovery preparedness (playbooks, drills, readiness reviews). Select, manage, and evaluate vendors for critical infrastructure services (generator, UPS, HVAC, electrical). Ensure SLAs, safety requirements, and documentation standards are met; drive cost‑effective performance. Develop and manage operating budgets for strategic operations programs. Support capital planning for lifecycle replacements and reliability upgrades with business cases and prioritization recommendations. Do You Have? Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent relevant experience). 5+ years of experience in critical facilities operations (data center/telecom/industrial), including power and cooling infrastructure. Demonstrated experience leading cross‑functional programs, operational governance, and incident/RCA processes. Strong knowledge of critical systems: UPS, generators, ATS/STS, switchgear, grounding, HVAC, monitoring/alarms, fire suppression. Ability to work occasional after‑hours support for major incidents, maintenance windows, and emergency response. Ability to travel to critical facilities as needed (percentage varies by territory/portfolio). Even Better Experience in telecom central office environments or large distributed critical facilities portfolios. Certifications such as CFM, PMP, CEM, CDCP/CDCS, or equivalent. Familiarity with NFPA standards (e.g., NFPA 70/70E/110), building codes, and safety compliance practices. Experience with CMMS (maintenance systems), BMS/DCIM/monitoring platforms, and asset lifecycle planning. Reliability mindset; structured problem solving (RCA/CAPA). Program/portfolio management; prioritization and execution discipline. Strong written communication (standards, SOPs, reporting, executive summaries). Data‑driven decision making and KPI management. Vendor management and contract/SLAs oversight. Calm, effective leadership during incidents and escalations. Physical Tasks Standing Occasionally: 0-33% | Walking Occasionally: 0-33% | Sitting and Stationary: Continuously: 67-100% | Bending: Occasionally: 0-33% | Crouching: Occasionally: 0-33% | Carrying: Occasionally: 0-33% | Reaching: Occasionally: 0-33% | Lifting -Lowering >1-15 lbs: Occasionally: 0-33% | Repetitive Hand Action: Medium Dexterity: Continuously: 67-100% | Fine Manipulating: Frequently: 34-66% Audio Visual Needs Hearing: Continuously: 67-100% | Near Vision: Continuously: 67-100% | Far Vision: Occasionally: 0-33% | Peripheral Vision: Occasionally: 0-33% Equipment Used in Job Performance Computer, Printer, Fax, Telephone, Basic Office Supplies, Copier Our Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance Plans. 401K Plan. Health & Flexible Savings Account. Life and AD&D, Spousal Life, Child Life Insurance Plans. Educational Assistance Plan. Uniti is an equal opportunity employer. At Uniti, we celebrate the authenticity and uniqueness of our people and their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, protected veteran status, current military status, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law, and to give full consideration to qualified disabled individuals and protected veterans. Actual base pay for this job will depend on the candidate's primary work location and other factors, such as relevant skills and experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr