Vantage Data Centers
Director, Site Operations, EMEA
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Director, Site Operations, EMEA
Director, Site Operations – LHR Campus
Location: London (Onsite – LHR Data Center Campus)
About Vantage Data Centers
Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects, and connects the technology of the world’s leading hyperscalers, cloud providers, and large enterprises. With global operations across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific, we pioneer data center design to deliver reliability, efficiency, and sustainability in scalable, mission-critical environments.
The Site Operations Department ensures the health of all mechanical and electrical systems, building maintenance, and performance of data modules across our facilities. Our 24x7 onsite team of Critical Facilities Engineers (CFEs) drives business continuity, operational excellence, and customer success while maintaining high standards of safety, reliability, and service.
About the Role
The Director, Site Operations leads the operational performance and strategic direction of one or more data center campuses. Reporting directly to senior leadership, this role ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of critical infrastructure while delivering an exceptional customer experience.
Key responsibilities include:
- People leadership: Managing a team of Critical Facilities Engineers (CFEs) and managers in a 24x7 mission-critical environment.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Partnering with Reliability Engineering, Design, Security, ICT, Customer Success, and other teams.
- Operational excellence: Driving safety, compliance, customer satisfaction, capacity planning, vendor management, and budget ownership.
- Strategic growth: Supporting campus expansion, continuous improvement initiatives, and operational readiness for future projects.
- Emergency response: Acting as the primary escalation point during incidents and crises.
This is an onsite leadership position based at our LHR data center campus in London—no remote work permitted.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Operational Management
- Define and execute the operational strategy for one or more campuses.
- Ensure alignment with business goals, customer needs, and market demand.
- Oversee facility reliability, availability, and capacity targets.
- Lead crises, business continuity planning, and incident response.
Team Leadership & Development
- Provide direction and coaching to senior engineers and managers.
- Foster a high-performance, customer-focused culture with safety, accountability, and continuous improvement principles.
- Develop talent pipelines, conduct performance reviews, and implement succession planning.
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Compliance, Safety & Quality
- Ensure full compliance with regulatory, customer, and internal policies (safety, security, IT, quality).
- Maintain standards for motion, procedure, and emergency operations (MOP, SOP, EOP).
- Lead ISO certification and quality initiatives for the campus.
Facility & Infrastructure Oversight
- Lead preventive maintenance (PM) and work order programs.
- Schedule, coordinate, and supervise maintenance vendors/contractors for planned/emergency work.
- GAIA of electrical and mechanical systems, asset management, and sustainability (e.g., Power Usage Effectiveness – PUE).
- Drive energy efficiency initiatives and sustainability objectives.
Vendor & Budget Management
- Manage service contracts, SLAs, and vendor relationships (scope, tenders, performance, and compliance).
- Monitor budgets (operational and capital) and allocate resources effectively.
- Conduct cost-benefit analysis for facility upgrades and improvements.
Performance & Reporting
- Develop and communicate operational KPIs, reports, and performance metrics.
- Track risk assessments, continuity planning, and facility utilization to support short- and medium-term growth.
- Support new build projects and infrastructure deployments at the campus.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the primary customer liaison for technical due diligence, audits, and site visits.
- Address customer concerns and issues promptly, maintaining business continuity and trust.
- Represent Vantage globally while ensuring local genomic compliance.
Essential Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, business, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 10 years in facility engineering, plant engineering, or mission-critical operations (data centers, critical infrastructure, or high-reliability environments).
- Minimum 10 years of team leadership experience (managing 10+ staff) within a 24x7 demands environment.
- Experience leading through operational transitions (technological, safety, or organizational changes).
- Proven record in cost-efficient facility management with a focus on efficiency, reliability, and service delivery.
Technical & Soft Skills
- Deep understanding of electrical, mechanical, and HVAC systems in mission-critical facilities.
- Knowledge of safety protocols, compliance, business continuity, and risk management.
- Strong vendor and contractor relationship management skills.
- Excellent customer service across internal/external stakeholders, including customers, senior management, and engineering teams.
- Tactical planning, organizational, and prioritization skills for fast-paced, high-impact environments.
- Proficiency in building automation systems and MS Office Suite.
- Fluency in corporate travel (up to 5% of time, potentially more).
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Strong Preferred Qualifications
- Data center-specific industry experience (fast neutron, security, cooling technology, or facility infrastructure).
- Experience in managing cross-campus locations under one director.
- Familiarity with ISO certifications, audit readiness, and customer due diligence processes.
- Adaptability in regulated compliance environments (health, environmental, or safety collisions).
Core Values & Cultural Fit
Vantage thrives on seen teamwork, innovation, and accountability. The ideal candidate embodies:
- A growth mindset that embraces learning and change.
- Continuous commitment to perfect service and improvement.
- Integrity in delivering results for customers and teams.
- Enjoyment of collaboration and community building.
About the Benefits (because scope treats people right)
- Mission-driven purpose – Every occupation contributes to the world’s digital future.
- Above-market compensation – Total rewards package exceeding local norms.
- Holistic benefits package:
- Comprehensive healthcare, retirement planning, and paid time off.
- Development programs and career growth opportunities.
- Employee recognition programs to celebrate contributions.
- Culture-driven: Fun, inclusive, and ego-free—you’ll work with others while being valued for your strengths.
- Location bonus: Combined with London living incentivising, serving as a facility operations professional in one of the world’s most exciting tech hubs.
The Details (Non-Negotiables)
⚠️ Not for remote positions: This role requires onsite presence at our LHR campus in London.
🚫 Headhunter Rules: No third-party résumé submissions accepted. Fees will not be paid to unsolicited agencies.
✨ Fit matters more than a checklist! Don’t meet every requirement? Still apply if you align with our mission and culture. We’re proactive, passionate, and grown with anyone that lights up our values.
Vantage is an Equal Opportunity Employer.**
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