Account Director, Data Center Operations

Account Director

The Account Director will lead a national critical facility maintenance program supporting a data center client. This role requires deep expertise in mission critical facility operations, including leading world-class teams across multiple data center portfolios, developing standardized programs to ensure client success, and overseeing change control, capital replacement projects, preventative maintenance, emergency response, security, and safety. The Account Director is responsible for ensuring continuous uptime of IT services and redundancy of critical infrastructure 24/7/365, while driving operational excellence, relationship growth, financial performance, and compliance with industry, regulatory, and safety standards.

The Account Director leads a multi-site operations team delivering integrated facilities services across mission critical environments, including data centers, cleanrooms, and office spaces. This role blends strategic leadership, business development, operational execution, project management, and financial acumen to drive efficiency, continuous improvement, and contract adherence. With a relentless focus on uptime, resiliency, and customer satisfaction, the Account Director manages budgets, client communications, and internal performance metrics to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for key data center client(s), and their end users where appropriate, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Ensure client satisfaction across all projects, financial, schedule, and KPI metrics
• Utilize feedback from client business reviews to refine methodologies.
• Lead innovation and adoption programs for emerging technologies in the mission critical infrastructure space.
• Ensure compliance with all Change Control, SOPs, MOPs and other client and ABM required processes and procedures
• Review and enhance QA/QC processes to improve consistently delivery and reduce client risk
• Manage regimented site mobilization plans and standards to ensure rapid service delivery.
• Create focus on asset life cycle management to drive proactive capital planning and enable a multi-year risk abatement plan.
• Serve as executive sponsor on key project opportunities to develop a programmatic approach to minimize client impact.
• Work with cross-functional teams to meet project timelines, budgets, and compliance standards.
• Drive a "Zero Harm" safety culture, ensuring compliance with OSHA, EPA, NFPA, and industry-specific safety standards.
• Implement ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives, focusing on energy management, waste reduction, and sustainability.
• Lead audits and risk assessments to ensure operational compliance and reduce environmental impact.
• Manage P&L, budgeting, and financial forecasting to optimize cost-effectiveness and ensure contract profitability.
• Oversee service partner and supplier contracts and service agreements, ensuring performance-based KPIs and SLAs are met.
• Utilize data analytics and technology-driven insights to enhance operational efficiencies.
• Provide strategic oversight of the client's critical physical infrastructure, ensuring all operations are executed with precision and minimal disruption to mission critical environments
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, including directors and senior managers, fostering accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence
• Oversee workforce planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to ensure consistent service delivery across all sites
• Set priorities, delegate responsibilities, and monitor team performance to meet quality standards and service timelines
• Serve as the single point of contact for facility-related matters requiring coordination across staffing, budgeting, and project execution
• Monitor training compliance and audit readiness, ensuring all team members meet internal and regulatory standards
• Leverage operational data to identify trends, drive continuous improvement, and support strategic decision-making
• Promote a customer-first culture through proactive service recovery and retention strategies
• Identify and implement opportunities for operational and financial optimization across the portfolio

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering strongly preferred or equivalent experience
• 15 years of relevant facility management experience, with 10 years in mission critical operations
• 5 years in a senior management role with direct oversight of large teams
• Proven experience managing data center operations, including change control, emergency response, project management, and capital planning
• Strong understanding of OSHA safety regulations
• Experience managing a wide array of services including technical maintenance, utility systems, fire/life safety, cleaning, EV charging, janitorial, and workplace services
• Strong understanding of technical systems: HVAC, electrical, fire/life safety, utility systems, and building automation
• Experience with CMMS platforms (e.g., Maximo)
• Proficiency with Building Automation, control, and monitoring systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated ability to lead multifunctional teams and negotiate with labor unions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level stakeholder engagement
• Proven track record of cost savings and operational improvements
• Experience in the data center industry is required

Certifications and Licenses

• Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM), or equivalent — preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred
• Current or former tradesperson license — preferred