Data Center Operations Manager

A leading provider of data center and interconnection services is seeking a Data Center Operations Manager to lead 24x7 operations across multiple Columbus-area data center facilities. This role is responsible for the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of mission-critical environments while building and leading a high-performing, accountable operations team.

The Data Center Operations Manager ensures disciplined execution of operational standards, structured change management, strong interconnection governance, and reliable site readiness across electrical, mechanical, and telecommunications domains. This leader partners closely with Infrastructure, Engineering, IT, Security, and cross-functional teams to deliver industry-leading uptime and customer experience.

Success in this role requires strong technical acumen, operational rigor, and the ability to lead and develop non-exempt personnel across multiple shifts in a 24x7 environment.

Schedule

Monday–Friday (7am–3pm)

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead all aspects of 24x7 data center operations across assigned facilities.
• Develop and manage shift schedules to ensure consistent coverage and operational continuity.
• Establish clear performance expectations and drive accountability across shifts.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance evaluations, and development planning.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, ownership, documentation discipline, and structured shift turnover.
• Evaluate staffing models, overtime utilization, and contractor support to ensure operational effectiveness.

Mission-Critical Operations & Infrastructure Stewardship

• Ensure reliable daily operation of mission-critical electrical, mechanical, and supporting infrastructure systems.
• Coordinate repair and recurring maintenance activities with Infrastructure and Engineering teams while minimizing operational or customer impact.
• Participate in structured change management processes and provide operational approval for site-impacting maintenance activities.
• Ensure adherence to site-specific MOPs, SOPs, and EOPs.
• Maintain accurate operational documentation including capacity tracking, power distribution records, cabinet layouts, and related records.
• Maintain awareness of space, power, and cooling capacity and contribute to capacity planning discussions.

Customer & Interconnection Operations

• Plan and coordinate customer installations including cage designs, cabinet assignments, and power provisioning.
• Oversee customer installations, expansions, moves, adds, and decommissions.
• Ensure disciplined execution and documentation of customer work orders within ticketing systems.
• Maintain accountability for Meet-Me Room (MMR) operations and governance of fiber and copper cross-connect workflows.
• Ensure restoration coordination, labeling accuracy, and documentation integrity in a multi-tenant environment.
• Promote structured cabling standards and industry best practices.
• Oversee remote hands services, incident response support, and participation in IT and Security-related operational activities.
• Participate in customer tours and support pre-sales operational and technical discussions.

Change Management, Incident Response & Operational Governance

• Reinforce structured change management practices to ensure safe, organized, and well-documented site activity.
• Lead operational coordination during incidents impacting safety, uptime, customer service, or site readiness.
• Ensure clear escalation, accurate communication, and disciplined follow-through.
• Participate in operational reviews and manage to defined performance metrics.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, mitigate risk, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture aligned with OSHA and company safety standards.
• Coordinate vendor activities including maintenance contractors and service providers to ensure compliance with site procedures.
• Ensure operational readiness during weather events and off-hours conditions.
• Participate in site audits and operational reviews to reinforce compliance and governance standards.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and professional site presentation.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in data center, colocation, telecommunications, or mission-critical facility operations.
• 2+ years leading technical teams in a 24x7 environment.
• Experience leading operations in mission-critical facilities with complex electrical and mechanical infrastructure, including generators, ATS, UPS systems, switchgear, power distribution, chillers, and cooling systems.
• Experience operating within multi-tenant or carrier-neutral data center environments.
• Working knowledge of structured cabling systems, fiber/copper cross-connect workflows, and interconnection services.
• Ability to read and interpret single-line diagrams and technical documentation.
• Experience with change management, incident response, and structured operational processes.
• Proven ability to lead non-exempt technical teams with consistency and professionalism.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in colocation and interconnection-focused facilities.
• Familiarity with NFPA 70E and electrical safety best practices.
• Familiarity with TIA-942 and/or BICSI structured cabling standards.
• Experience contributing to capacity planning and operational performance metrics management.

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate:

• Demonstrates sound judgment in high-pressure situations.
• Builds credibility and trust with frontline technicians and cross-functional partners.
• Balances operational rigor with coaching and team development.
• Communicates clearly and consistently across all levels of the organization.
• Drives accountability while maintaining a professional and respectful work environment.
• Understands that effective data center operations require stewardship of power, cooling, and connectivity — with disciplined execution across all three.

What Success Looks Like

• Strong operational execution with minimal repeat incidents.
• High team engagement and clear shift accountability.
• Consistent adherence to safety, procedural, and change management standards.
• Accurate and disciplined execution of interconnection and customer installation activities.
• Reliable site readiness across all facilities.
• A team that takes ownership of the full site — power, cooling, and connectivity.