Data Center Operations Leader | Strategy & Service Delivery

H5 Data Centers, LLC; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

H5 Data Centers, LLC is seeking a VP of Operations to lead day-to-day operations and set strategic direction for our colocation facilities. You will report to the SVP Operations and ensure reliability, security, and service delivery while driving continuous improvement.

You will oversee infrastructure, manage budgets, and drive safety, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance across sites to meet SLAs and client expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Business Administration, or other related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven experience (7+ years) in data center operations management, with a track record of success in leading teams and driving operational excellence.
• Experience with P&L management and negotiating with vendors to contract signature
• In-depth knowledge of data center infrastructure, including power distribution, HVAC systems, networking technologies, controls, and physical security protocols.
• Strong understanding of industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in data center operations and management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on driving continuous improvement and innovation.
• Certifications such as CDCDP or CDCMP are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the operational functions of colocation data centers.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and standards to ensure optimal performance and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability among operational teams with an obsession towards superior customer service.
• Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of all physical infrastructure, including power systems, cooling systems, networking equipment, and security systems.
• Coordinate with engineering and facilities management teams to ensure uninterrupted operation of critical infrastructure.
• Interface with construction teams to engineer, propose, and build/ expand data centers.
• Implement best practices for safety programs, operational integrity, energy efficiency, sustainability, and environmental management.
• Ensure the highest levels of service availability and reliability for clients, meeting or exceeding SLAs.
• Collaborate with sales and service delivery teams to understand client requirements and deliver customized solutions.
• Monitor KPIs and operational metrics to identify areas for improvement and optimize service delivery processes.
• Responsible for maintaining high customer retention, satisfaction, and managing customer expectations.
• Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for colocation datacenter sites, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and financial targets.
• Monitor financial performance against budgeted targets, analyzing variances and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure all tenant improvement costs are passed through to clients.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate threats to data center operations.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and certifications relevant to colocation data center operations (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA).
• Recruit, train, and mentor high-performing teams of operational professionals, fostering their professional growth, development, and retention.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for team members, promoting a culture of continuous learning, improvement, and customer service.

Skills

Operational Leadership

Facility Management

Service Delivery

Budgeting & P&L

Vendor Negotiation

Regulatory Compliance

Data Center Infrastructure

Team Development

Strategic Planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

H5 Data Centers, LLC is seeking a VP of Operations to lead day-to-day operations and set strategic direction for our colocation facilities. You will report to the SVP Operations and ensure reliability, security, and service delivery while driving continuous improvement.

You will oversee infrastructure, manage budgets, and drive safety, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance across sites to meet SLAs and client expectations.