HVAC Contract Manager - Data Centres

ZipRecruiter; England; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in mission-critical infrastructure seeks a Data Centre Manager to oversee a major engineering contract. This role requires strong leadership, financial management, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will drive service innovation and ensure compliance while managing a skilled team. Opportunities for career growth and recognition await in this dynamic sector.

Benefits

Private Health

Car Allowance

Pension

25 Days Holiday

Qualifications

• Proven experience in contract or operations management within data centres.
• Strong understanding of commercial contracts and compliance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimise a flagship engineering contract in a live data centre.
• Oversee contract financials, including budgets and forecasts.
• Provide leadership and direction to an engineering team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Financial Literacy

Education

Relevant Degree or Equivalent Professional Qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Contract Management Tools

Job description

Job Description

Progressive Contract Manager / Data Centre Manager

£75,000 Plus Bonus 20% / Plus Private Health / Car Allowance Plus Pension / 25 Days Holiday

Data Centres / Mission Critical Engineering

Location - Hertfordshire / North Essex

Drive the Future of Mission-Critical Infrastructure. Lead Boldly. Deliver Exceptionally.

An exciting opportunity awaits an experienced and ambitious Data Centre Engineering Contracts Manager to lead one of the UK’s largest domestic data centre engineering and maintenance contracts. This role is central to the data centre and critical engineering sector — a fast-growing, high-performance industry powering the digital world.

We are looking for a technically minded management candidate with experience in a DC / Mission Critical environment. Experience with SAP / High Voltage is highly advantageous, and a technical qualification is essential. The role requires leadership and strong management skills, overseeing a team of approximately 11-14 people, with profit and loss and financial responsibilities for the contract.

The site team includes: Contract Support, Engineering Supervisor, Engineering Manager, Shift Technicians/Leads.

Operational management experience leading a team is essential, with ownership of the contract’s P&L.

This is an opportunity to step into a leadership role within a globally integrated organisation, offering career growth, constant challenges, and a chance to make a significant impact daily.

Success is recognized; performance is rewarded; growth is inevitable.

Your Mission:

Lead and develop a high-value, high-visibility contract within the UK’s mission-critical infrastructure sector. Responsibilities include operational excellence, team leadership, strategic client relationships, and financial performance.

• Manage and optimise a flagship engineering contract in a live data centre environment.
• Ensure contractual compliance while driving service innovation and operational improvements.
• Interpret and analyse service agreements, negotiate terms, and manage supplier relationships.
• Oversee proposals, contract renewals, and performance-based initiatives.
• Provide leadership and direction to an experienced engineering team and contractors.
• Manage contract financials, including budgets, forecasts, and reporting.
• Engage with the client to build trust and alignment at all levels.
• Promote a safety-first, high-reliability culture across operations.

Requirements for the Position:

• Proven experience in contract or operations management, ideally within data centres, critical systems, or technical facilities.
• A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Strong understanding of commercial contracts, business law, and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with stakeholder management experience.
• Financial literacy, capable of analysing and delivering on complex commercial objectives.
• A collaborative leadership style with a passion for team development and operational excellence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and contract management tools.

Why this could be the Job for the right Candidate:

• Work on cutting-edge, mission-critical assets that sustain the digital world.
• Be part of a global organisation that values talent development and internal progression.
• Engage in impactful work where performance is recognized and rewarded.
• Access industry-leading tools, systems, and support.
• Join a sector offering stability, growth, and ongoing challenges.

Opportunity on offer:

If you're seeking a dynamic leadership role in a rapidly growing sector, this is your chance. Elevate your career — lead where it matters most.

There are numerous opportunities within this organisation; excelling in this role can lead to unlimited progression and career development.