Manager Engineering Operations

Role Overview

The Manager Engineering Operations is responsible for directing all activities concerning the critical physical infrastructure of the data center site. This role ensures that all tasks are performed to high standards without adversely affecting internal or external customers. The MEO offers specialized technical guidance to manage the data center's equipment, systems, and infrastructure to guarantee operational excellence while prioritizing safety and risk mitigation. Acting as a mentor and quality controller for Lead Engineers, Site Engineers, and vendors, the MEO enforces compliance with operational standards and drives continuous improvement through a formal change management process. This position also participates in improvement initiatives and provides second-level support for complex issues. Collaborating with experts in design, construction, and manufacturing, the MEO holds direct responsibility for on-site safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Data Centre Manager as a deputy by providing strategic and operational leadership on site.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Lead Engineers and Site Engineers to achieve high operational standards.
• Oversee line management of on-site personnel and subcontractors, balancing resource availability and workload and escalating operational challenges.
• Deliver specialized support and training to engineering teams on specific projects or technical issues.
• Participate in customer site tours upon request from sales and customer success teams.
• Ensure all staff and subcontractors complete comprehensive site inductions and adhere to procedural, technical, and safety standards.
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise all mechanical and electrical operations, maintenance activities, and energy management programs on site, ensuring minimal risk and compliance with safe work procedures.
• Manage job initiations and site activities in line with company policies, standards, and operating procedures.
• Guarantee adherence to local codes, government regulations, and multiple ISO standards (9001, 14001, 27001, 50001) as well as organizational directives for building operations.
• Serve as the Senior Approved Person on-site for complex maintenance tasks, focusing on risk reduction.
• Supervise the handover process from Implementation services to Service Operations, approving all completed installations.
• Balance reactive and preventive maintenance, monitor maintenance backlogs, prioritize tasks, and maintain documentation.
• Engage in infrastructure projects and participate in change approvals and incident management alongside other teams.
• Act as escalation contact for incidents threatening service quality or SLAs, leading mitigation efforts.
• Monitor and adjust local maintenance plans for ongoing improvements.
• Maintain records of maintenance and customer activities, reporting regularly to management.
• Optimize the use of the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for accurate data tracking.
• Coordinate the upkeep of as-built drawings with technical drafting support.
• Manage vendor relationships to ensure consistent maintenance performance, using KPIs and frequent meetings for oversight.
• Promote a culture that emphasizes Quality, Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (QHSSE) compliance on site.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated experience in mission-critical mechanical and electrical environments, especially within large organizations; IT or telecom sectors preferred.
• Essential experience working in data centers or related facilities.
• Strong understanding of engineering design and operational principles of building systems.
• Familiarity with essential data center infrastructure components, including UPS, generators, and cooling systems.
• Ability to interpret and ideally work with complex electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Highly committed and self-motivated, with a willingness to go beyond expectations.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Adaptable to change, open to new responsibilities, and capable of handling pressure effectively.
• Proactive approach with a positive mindset and sound delegation skills.
• Excellent communication abilities, including listening, clear speaking, accurate reporting, and instructing others efficiently.
• Strong decision-making skills founded on risk analyses.
• Comprehensive and detailed knowledge of plant operations and full campus infrastructure management.

About the Company

Digital Realty specializes in providing extensive data center, colocation, and interconnection services globally. Its PlatformDIGITAL offers a secure and innovative data space, facilitating connectivity across 300+ data centers in more than 25 countries.

What We Offer

Employees join a dynamic, courageous team environment encouraging innovation and collaborative problem-solving. The inclusive culture supports employees to express their full identity, promotes cross-functional interaction, and invests in professional growth and career development.

Training and Development

New team members receive comprehensive onboarding to enable immediate contribution, along with structured career pathways and ongoing training opportunities for sustained advancement.

Safety and Compensation

Safety is a foundational value, with a culture dedicated to protecting people, assets, and data. The company offers competitive remuneration and rewarding benefits aligned with corporate values and employee achievements.