Data Center Operations Lead

Data Center Operations LeadLocation: Charlotte, NC (Onsite)Role SummaryThe Data Center Operations Lead will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day physical data center operations, ensuring the availability, reliability, and integrity of critical infrastructure. This role provides hands-on leadership for rack and stack activities, cabling, hardware deployments, vendor coordination, incident response, and operational governance while supporting ongoing data center growth and transformation initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesData Center Infrastructure OperationsLead and execute rack and stack activities for servers, storage, network, and security devices.Oversee structured cabling, cable management standards, labeling, and documentation.Manage physical installation, relocation, decommissioning, and inventory tracking of data center equipment.Ensure adherence to data center standards, procedures, and best practices.Operational Support & TroubleshootingServe as the primary point of contact for on-site infrastructure support and operational issues.Perform and coordinate first-level troubleshooting for server, storage, network, power, and environmental incidents.Coordinate with engineering teams, vendors, and OEM support for advanced issue resolution.Support infrastructure upgrades, hardware refreshes, and migration activities.Facility & Environmental ManagementMonitor data center environmental conditions, including power, cooling, humidity, and physical security.Ensure compliance with facility standards and operational readiness requirements.Coordinate planned maintenance activities with facility and vendor teams.Support disaster recovery and business continuity readiness activities.Vendor & Stakeholder ManagementCoordinate with hardware vendors, service providers, and cross-functional infrastructure teams.Manage hardware deliveries, installation schedules, and maintenance windows.Provide regular operational status updates to infrastructure and leadership teams.Ensure vendor SLAs and service commitments are met.Governance & Process ImprovementMaintain accurate documentation, asset inventories, rack layouts, and cabling diagrams.Develop and standardize repeatable operational procedures and runbooks.Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and process optimization.Ensure compliance with security, safety, and audit requirements.Leadership ResponsibilitiesLead on-site operational activities and coordinate work across multiple teams.Provide technical guidance for data center technicians and support resources.Drive operational excellence, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives.Support capacity planning and infrastructure expansion projects.Required Skills & Experience7+ years of data center operations and infrastructure support experience.Strong hands-on experience with rack and stack, structured cabling, and hardware deployment.Knowledge of server, storage, network, and power infrastructure.Experience supporting enterprise data center environments.Understanding of physical security, cooling, power distribution, and environmental monitoring.Experience coordinating with vendors and managing maintenance activities.Strong troubleshooting, organizational, and communication skills.Ability to work independently in a fast-paced mission-critical environment.Preferred QualificationsExperience in enterprise or hyperscale data center environments.Familiarity with ITIL processes and change management practices.Knowledge of DCIM tools, asset management systems, and infrastructure monitoring platforms.Experience supporting data center migration, consolidation, or modernization initiatives.