Data Center - Operations Manager IV

AFL; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AFL is seeking a Data Center Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day field operations across hyperscale data center sites. You will manage schedules, safety, quality, and performance metrics while coordinating between construction, splicing, and operations teams to ensure on-time delivery.

You will drive PMO processes, maintain dashboards, and serve as the main liaison with leadership and partners. Travel to sites will be required to ensure readiness and successful handoffs to operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of experience in data center operations, construction, or field management.
• Proven experience managing large-scale, fast-paced construction projects, preferably in hyperscale environments.
• Strong understanding of PMO principles and tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, Primavera).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to travel to data center sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all field operations activities across multiple scopes at data center sites.
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Monitor and report on site performance metrics and KPIs.
• Manage construction and splicing schedules in collaboration with general contractors and internal stakeholders.
• Track milestones, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure on-time delivery.
• Drive PMO processes including documentation, reporting, and governance.
• Support cross-functional coordination between engineering, construction, and operations teams.
• Maintain project dashboards, status reports, and executive summaries.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for field operations with internal leadership and external partners.
• Facilitate regular meetings, site walks, and progress updates.
• Ensure smooth handoff from construction to operations.
• Support commissioning activities and readiness testing.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new sites.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/ Construction Management

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Primavera

Job description

AFL provides industry-leading fiber optic products and services across the globe. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and now we manufacture over two thousand products, employ over 5,000 associates and consistently generate annual sales in excess of a billion-dollars in revenue. With our commitment to professional growth and employee development, let AFL “Connect” you to your next career opportunity!

Job Summary:

The Data Center Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, project schedules, and program management activities at hyperscale data center construction sites. This role ensures operational readiness, safety compliance, and seamless coordination between construction, splicing, and operations teams in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Daily Operations Management:

Lead and coordinate all field operations activities across multiple scopes at data center sites.

Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards.

Monitor and report on site performance metrics and KPIs.

Project & Schedule Oversight:

Manage construction and splicing schedules in collaboration with general contractors and internal stakeholders.

Track milestones, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure on-time delivery.

Program Management Office (PMO) Support:

Drive PMO processes including documentation, reporting, and governance.

Support cross-functional coordination between engineering, construction, and operations teams.

Maintain project dashboards, status reports, and executive summaries.

Stakeholder Communication:

Serve as the primary point of contact for field operations with internal leadership and external partners.

Facilitate regular meetings, site walks, and progress updates.

Operational Readiness:

Ensure smooth handoff from construction to operations.

Support commissioning activities and readiness testing.

Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for new sites.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).

7+ years of experience in data center operations, construction, or field management.

Proven experience managing large-scale, fast-paced construction projects, preferably in hyperscale environments.

Strong understanding of PMO principles and tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Primavera).

Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to travel to data center sites as needed.