Manager - Engineering Operations

Digital Realty; London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job description

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Job Description

Purpose
The Manager Engineering Operations (MEO) oversees all aspects of the site's critical physical infrastructure and ensures that all activities are carried out with high quality and no negative impact on internal/external customers. The MEO provides technical expertise to plan, coordinate, and manage the Data Centre's equipment, systems, and infrastructure to ensure operational excellence, prioritizing safety and risk reduction.

The MEO actively guides the Lead Engineer, Site Engineers, and suppliers on-site, supports them as needed, and checks the quality of work. The role contributes to standardizing site operations, driving continuous improvement through controlled change processes, participating in improvement projects, and providing second-level support for complex issues.

The MEO collaborates with design, construction, and manufacturing experts while being directly responsible for site safety.
Job Magnitude

• Latitude: Reports to the Manager Data Centre (MDC) and oversees work on the assigned site. Interacts internally with Technical Ops Planning and Service Design & Implementation and externally with suppliers and customers.
• Level of Impact: Works closely with the MDC to ensure site availability and operational efficiency.
• Budget: No direct budget responsibility.

Responsibilities and Duties Overall Responsibilities

• Provide strategic support and operational leadership as the deputy to the Data Centre Manager.
• Lead and mentor Lead Engineers and Site Engineers, fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee all mechanical/electrical operations, maintenance, and energy management programs on-site, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
• Act as the Senior Approved Person for complex maintenance jobs, ensuring quality and safety protocols are followed.

Leadership and Management

• Support the MDC by acting as deputy when required.
• Manage resources effectively, including staff and subcontractors, while addressing capacity challenges.
• Provide specialist training and guidance to engineers for specific projects/issues.
• Participate in customer site tours as requested by Sales and Customer Success teams.
• Ensure proper site inductions for all staff and subcontractors.

Operations Planning and Oversight

• Plan and oversee mechanical/electrical operations, maintenance, and energy management programs.
• Manage job kick-offs and ensure compliance with policies and standards.
• Maintain compliance with applicable codes, government regulations, ISO standards, and company directives.
• Ensure a balanced approach between reactive and preventive maintenance activities.

Project Management and Incident Resolution

• Participate in infrastructure projects and manage change approvals and incidents.
• Serve as the escalation point for incidents affecting SLAs or service quality.
• Execute local maintenance plans and identify areas for improvement.

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate maintenance records and update the MDC and Technical Ops Planning regularly.
• Maximize the capabilities of the CMMS control system.
• Coordinate with the Technical Draftsman Team to maintain as-built drawings.

Vendor Management and Compliance

• Build relationships with critical vendors and track performance using KPIs.
• Ensure adherence to the QHSSE Responsibilities Matrix.

Additional Duties

• Undertake special projects as directed by the MDC.
• Collaborate with supply partners to ensure effective delivery of outsourced services.

Qualifications and Competencies Hard Skills

• 3-5 years' experience in mission-critical mechanical & electrical environments, preferably in IT/Telecoms.
• Bachelor's degree in a technical/engineering field.
• Experience in data centres or similar environments is essential.
• Knowledge of key infrastructure components (e.g., UPS, Generators, Cooling systems).
• Proficient in reading and working with Electrical and Mechanical diagrams.
• Familiarity with maintenance systems; ITIL and/or ServiceNow experience preferred.
• Strong presentation skills for various audiences.

Soft Skills

• Commitment & Drive: Internally motivated and willing to go the extra mile.
• Adaptability: Open to change and able to handle pressure.
• Proactiveness: Can-do attitude with strong delegation skills.
• Communication: Clear and concise communicator with excellent reporting and listening skills.
• Problem-Solving: Analytical thinker capable of simplifying complex issues.
• Team Player: Collaborates effectively and mentors others.
• Decision-Making: Makes sound decisions based on risk analysis.

Company Values Customer Focus

• Listen: Understand customer needs.
• Adapt: Embrace change.
• Simplify: Continuously improve ways of working.

Teamwork

• Open: Transparent communication.
• Collaborative: Share knowledge across boundaries.
• Inclusive: Value diverse opinions.

Results-Driven

• Own It: Take responsibility for actions.
• Deliver: Meet commitments to customers and colleagues.
• Future-Focused: Balance short-term results with long-term investment.