Area Lead, Data Center Ops — Multi‑Site Leadership

Google; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 205,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

Google is seeking an experienced Third-Party Data Center (3PDC) Area Lead to drive operational excellence across its global colocation footprint. You will lead and empower a team, oversee providers, and ensure adherence to design standards and schedules.

In this leadership role, you will coordinate with Google Data Center Engineering, Field Services, and Network Infrastructure to push continuous improvement, operability, and reliability while controlling costs and environmental impact.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or certified training in Industrial, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Management, Reliability Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 12 years of experience in electrical, mechanical/HVAC, or controls in industrial/commercial environments.
• 3 years of experience in developing and managing managers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and empower a team of Technical Operations Managers across North and South America with full tactical accountability for 3PDC facility operations, ensuring compliance with Google design standards and project schedules.
• Provide direct oversight to 3PDC operations providers, auditing compliance and monitoring critical systems to minimize risk and maintain equipment to global standards.
• Conduct operational assessments, risk analysis, and site selection evaluations, applying deep technical domain knowledge to influence next-generation data center designs and optimize future infrastructure.
• Act as the primary operational partner for key stakeholders, driving alignment, transparent communication, and continuous improvement across facility and maintenance programs globally.
• Oversee technical leads in executing critical maintenance and repairs while driving regional strategies to minimize operational costs, maximize efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.

Skills

Leadership

Data center operations

Electrical/Mechanical knowledge

Budget forecasting

Stakeholder communication

Education

Associate's degree or certification in engineering/related field

Bachelor's or Master's degree (preferred) in engineering/related field

Job description

Google is seeking an experienced Third-Party Data Center (3PDC) Area Lead to drive operational excellence across its global colocation footprint. You will lead and empower a team, oversee providers, and ensure adherence to design standards and schedules.

In this leadership role, you will coordinate with Google Data Center Engineering, Field Services, and Network Infrastructure to push continuous improvement, operability, and reliability while controlling costs and environmental impact.