Data Center Regional Operations Director

Aurora, IL - Onsite $170,000 - $190,000 Base 20% Performance Bonus 20% LTI Up to $20K Relocation

Data Center Experience Required

This role operates in a fast-paced, mission-critical data center environment requiring close coordination across 24/7 operations, technical teams, and customer-facing functions. The individual will regularly interact with cross-functional stakeholders including operations staff, engineering teams, senior leadership, vendors, contractors, and enterprise or hyperscale customers to ensure seamless service delivery. The position requires experience working within unionized environments, including managing union labor, adhering to collective bargaining agreements, and maintaining effective labor relations while driving operational performance.

? Critical Requirements

• Data center experience is required
• Union management experience required
• Safety programs and safety culture implementation experience required (including lockout/tagout and critical situations)

What You Will Do

Facilities & Operations Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of critical infrastructure systems including power, cooling (air production & distribution), fire/life safety, and access control
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance programs to ensure system reliability and uptime
• Monitor and report on SLA performance and operational KPIs
• Ensure all facilities operate in accordance with established policies, procedures, and best practices

Customer Implementation & Service Delivery

• Partner with Implementation teams to ensure smooth onboarding and transition of customers into operations
• Review and interpret customer contracts, SLAs, and service requirements
• Serve as Implementation Manager for key accounts, ensuring successful project execution and service delivery
• Track project progress including costs, purchase orders, vendor coordination, and overall project health

Environmental & Monitoring Systems

• Oversee deployment and management of environmental monitoring systems across all facilities
• Ensure effective monitoring and alerting through the Network Operations Control Center (NOCC)
• Collaborate with Operations and Leadership to ensure environmental risks are properly managed and communicated
• Support delivery of environmental services including scoping and proposal development

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, develop, and manage operations teams including hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and career development
• Establish staffing plans and optimize scheduling for 24/7 operations
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and recognition to drive team performance

Security & Access Management

• Oversee all aspects of facility access control and security operations
• Partner with Security leadership to ensure monitoring, compliance, and incident response
• Manage access permissions for customers, vendors, and employees
• Conduct incident reviews and post-mortems to improve future security outcomes

Asset & Capacity Management

• Manage asset tracking systems and reporting for both internal operations and customer requirements
• Monitor and forecast capacity utilization across power, cooling, and space
• Provide regular reporting on current and future capacity thresholds

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure adherence to regulatory and audit requirements including SOC 2, SOX, and related standards
• Maintain and update business continuity plans and operational documentation
• Lead audit preparation, execution, and remediation efforts

Incident & Problem Management

• Act as the primary owner for customer issue resolution and escalation management
• Oversee incident response, root cause analysis, and post-mortem reporting
• Ensure effective communication during critical events and customer transitions

Financial Management

• Own and manage annual operating (OpEx) and capital (CapEx) budgets
• Develop and present capital project proposals to leadership and capital committees
• Identify and implement cost optimization strategies while maintaining service quality

Strategic Leadership

• Lead and execute strategic initiatives to improve operational performance and service delivery
• Define operational roadmaps and align teams to achieve business objectives
• Drive continuous improvement across all areas of operations

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, or related field (equivalent work experience may be substituted)
• 7+ years of experience managing critical facilities, preferably within data center environments
• 10+ years of leadership experience managing teams and operational functions
• Experience with union management and collective bargaining agreements
• Experience with safety programs and safety culture implementation including lockout/tagout and crisis management
• Strong understanding of data center infrastructure systems (power, cooling, fire/life safety, security)
• Experience managing customer implementations and service delivery in high-availability environments
• Proven experience with budgeting, P&L analysis, financial planning, and cost management (OpEx/CapEx)
• Experience supporting compliance frameworks (SOC 2, SOX, audits)
• Strong ability to develop procedures, train teams, and drive operational standardization
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across all organizational levels
• Customer-first mindset with strong ownership of service delivery
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in high-pressure environments
• Sound judgment in decision-making, conflict resolution, and escalation management
• Very calm and polished demeanor to handle crisis situations
• Proactive in identifying potential customer issues and driving resolution
• Committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence
• Ability to direct and manage work groups at all organizational levels
• Strong work ethic with a commitment to doing things the right way
• 25% travel required

What Success Looks Like

? High facility uptime and SLA adherence

? Strong customer satisfaction and successful service delivery

? Efficient, well-trained, and engaged operations teams

? Effective cost management and budget performance

? Continuous improvement in operational processes and systems

Why Join Us

Be part of the rapidly growing data center industry powering the world's digital infrastructure

Collaborative environment focused on commitment, accountability, respect, and excellence

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; mental health resources and EAP

Competitive pay, performance bonus, and 401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off and holidays

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