Manager - Data Center Operations

Manager – Data Center OperationsGavinHeath is partnering with a client in Chicago, IL looking to add a Manager – Data Center Operations to their team. The role is a Direct Hire position.Responsibilities:Oversee daily data center operations, ensuring the reliability, operational integrity, and regulatory compliance of electrical, mechanical, fire/life safety, and communications infrastructure.Serve as a technical subject matter expert for critical facility systems.Monitor, operate, and maintain critical facility systems, responding to abnormal operating conditions and implementing corrective actions to minimize operational risk.Manage electrical infrastructure from utility and generator switchgear through UPS systems and downstream power distribution to customer loads.Oversee mechanical infrastructure, including chilled water systems, cooling equipment, HVAC systems, humidification, and associated controls.Manage communications infrastructure, including IDF/MDF/MMR spaces, structured cabling, supporting systems, and customer space requirements.Maintain operational efficiency through energy consumption monitoring, performance trending, capacity management, and identification of opportunities for cost reduction.Develop and implement operational strategies that improve facility performance and energy efficiency without increasing the risk of customer-impacting outages.Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs, coordinating technicians and vendors to ensure timely execution and adherence to established schedules.Develop, review, and approve detailed technical procedures, including Methods of Procedure (MOPs), emergency operating procedures, and standard operating procedures.Manage commissioning activities, equipment upgrades, and infrastructure projects from initial planning and scope development through execution and completion.Oversee vendor relationships, service agreements, contractor activities, and procurement processes, including scopes of work, proposals, purchase requisitions, and invoice processing.Support the development and management of facility operating (OpEx) and capital (CapEx) budgets, forecasts, and project return-on-investment analyses.Supervise and develop technical personnel, including shift scheduling, work assignments, performance evaluations, coaching, and ongoing training.Serve as a shift manager, ensuring appropriate staffing, operational readiness, and effective coordination of daily activities.Develop and deliver technical training while ensuring technicians remain qualified and informed of applicable code revisions, safety requirements, and operational standards.Manage internal and external facility audits, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, industry standards, company policies, and established compliance procedures.Oversee data floor and mechanical infrastructure capacity to maintain effective cooling performance and support customer requirements.Utilize computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and facility monitoring platforms to track maintenance activities, system performance, and operational requirements.Ensure service-related activities meet established Service Level Agreements (SLAs), including accurate and timely documentation within applicable operational support systems.Provide technical guidance and support to internal teams, customers, contractors, and service providers.Promote a safety-focused, process-driven operating environment, emphasizing risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.Participate in emergency response activities and provide on-call support when required.Perform additional operational and facility-related projects as assigned.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.7+ years of experience in mechanical or electrical operations within critical facilities, preferably data centers, hospitals, power generation facilities, or similarly complex environments.Minimum of 5–7 years of hands-on experience installing, maintaining, operating, or troubleshooting large commercial or industrial electrical and mechanical systems.3–5 years of experience managing facility preventive maintenance programs and associated budgets.3–5 years of experience in vendor management and project management, including scope development, scheduling, budgeting, and contract administration.3–5 years of experience developing technical procedures, operational policies, and maintenance documentation.3–5 years of people management experience, with demonstrated success supervising, training, mentoring, and evaluating technical personnel.Expert-level knowledge of critical electrical systems, including transformers, switchgear, generators, automatic transfer switches (ATS), static transfer switches (STS), power distribution units (PDUs), static UPS systems, and 480/277V and 208/120V electrical distribution.Expert-level knowledge of mechanical systems, including chilled water systems, large centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, water treatment systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), pumps, HVAC equipment, CRAC/CRAH units, and humidification systems.Strong technical knowledge of building management systems (Client), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), integrated controls, and critical facility monitoring platforms.Experience with emergency standby diesel generators, fuel and oil systems, and associated electrical infrastructure.Expert knowledge of fire/life safety systems, including wet sprinkler systems, double-interlock pre-action sprinkler systems, detection devices, and associated controls.Expert knowledge of communications infrastructure, including fiber optics, structured cabling, IDF/MDF/MMR environments, and applicable industry best practices.Comprehensive knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, applicable building codes, and fire/life safety compliance requirements.Strong understanding of industrial safety practices, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc flash protection, OSHA requirements, and applicable state safety regulations.Demonstrated proficiency in electrical, mechanical, protection, and controls systems commissioning.Expert ability to develop, evaluate, and execute Methods of Procedure (MOPs) and other technical operating documentation.Strong knowledge of energy efficiency practices, system performance analysis, operational trending, and facility optimization.Proven experience managing contractors, service providers, maintenance agreements, and infrastructure improvement projects.Demonstrated ability to manage facility budgets, forecasts, project schedules, procurement activities, and financial performance.Proficiency with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), integrated facility monitoring systems, and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to respond effectively to complex technical issues and operational emergencies.Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities while maintaining operational reliability and compliance.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with customers, technical teams, contractors, vendors, and senior leadership.Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to foster a collaborative, safety-conscious, process-driven team environment.Ability to safely operate standard hand tools, power tools, and electrical diagnostic equipment, including multimeters and infrared cameras.Ability to work the designated second-shift schedule and provide after-hours or emergency support as needed.Ability to successfully complete an extensive background screening, which may include criminal history, employment and education verification, professional references, motor vehicle records, and credit history, as permitted by applicable law.GavinHeath is an equal opportunity employer. GavinHeath will extend equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, disability, age, creed, ancestry, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.