Director of Data Center Operations
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
Hunton Services, a division of Hunton Group, is seeking a Director of Data Center Operations to lead the transition of a large-scale, mission-critical data center from commissioning through hypercare and into steady-state operations. This role serves as the operational leader responsible for stabilizing critical infrastructure, building scalable processes, and establishing a high-performing 24/7 operations team. The Director will play a key role in transforming a newly built environment into a structured, reliable, and repeatable operation. This is not a traditional facilities or maintenance role-this position sits at the intersection of construction, commissioning, and full operations, requiring a leader who can successfully operate in that transition space. Come work for an industry leader recognized both locally and nationally as one of the Top Places to Work!, Hypercare & System Stabilization
- Lead system stabilization efforts following commissioning, ensuring reliable and consistent operations
- Drive alarm rationalization, redundancy validation, and KPI baseline development
Partner with commissioning teams to support transition into operational ownership * Build and lead a 24/7 operations organization, including supervisors and technical staff
- Establish structure, accountability, and operational discipline across shift teams
- Develop operating rhythms, escalation protocols, and performance expectations
- Develop and implement preventative maintenance (PM) programs and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Oversee daily system monitoring, logs, and early-stage maintenance activities
- Ensure long-term asset reliability and operational readiness
- Provide leadership across central plant systems (HVAC, chilled water) and supporting infrastructure
- Maintain awareness of electrical systems, power distribution, and redundancy (N+1, 2N concepts)
- Ensure coordination between mechanical and electrical systems in a mission-critical environment
- Establish KPIs, dashboards, and reporting processes to drive operational transparency
- Monitor system performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
- Transition operations from reactive to structured, data-driven performance management
- Serve as the primary operational interface with the client
- Support the transition from project-based support to full operational ownership
- Collaborate with internal leadership to align operations with long-term business goals, * This position is not limited to maintenance or operations alone-it is a bridge role responsible for guiding a facility from construction * commissioning * hypercare * steady-state operations.
- The Director will have the opportunity to build the operational foundation from the ground up, directly impacting the long-term success and reliability of a large-scale data center.
Requirements
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8+ years of experience in data center operations, mission-critical facilities, or industrial/central plant environments.
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Proven experience leading 24/7 operations teams in high-availability environments.
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Background supporting commissioning, startup, or system stabilization environments.
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Strong knowledge of HVAC / chilled water / central plant systems, electrical infrastructure, and redundancy concepts.
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Experience developing
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Preventative maintenance programs
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SOPs and operational procedures
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KPI tracking and reporting systems, * Experience in data center or critical facilities environments
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Exposure to BMS / CMMS systems, alarm management, and system monitoring tools
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Experience working in hypercare or post-construction stabilization environments
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Familiarity with redundancy design (N+1, 2N) and uptime-critical systems
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Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)