Data Center Site Start-Up Manager [Texas]

Serverfarm; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401k

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Job summary

Serverfarm is seeking an experienced Data Center Mobilization Manager to lead the mobilization of new data center operations, including greenfield startups and the transition of acquired sites into the Serverfarm operating model. The role ensures operational readiness, risk control, and a seamless handover to site operations, collaborating with Development, Finance, Procurement, People and Product.

You will be a proven Program Manager with data center start-up experience, coordinating internal

Qualifications

• Proven experience in data center site start-ups, mobilization, or operational transitions.
• Strong understanding of mission-critical data center operations and risk management.
• Experience operating in a client-side or owner-operator role.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex transitions without service disruption.
• Strong Program Management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead mobilization strategy for new data center deployments and acquisitions.
• Establish mobilization plans, governance structures, and milestones.
• Coordinate internal teams and third-party partners to ensure deliverables align and complete.
• Ensure readiness for go-live and handover to site operations.
• Define and assure the target operational model and staffing/training requirements.
• Review and approve SOPs, MOPs, and EOPs.
• Lead readiness reviews and go-live approvals.
• Ensure compliance with NEC, NFPA, IEEE, CSA and local AHJ requirements.
• Oversee supplier governance and transition management.
• Handover to steady-state site operations and post-mobilization support.

Skills

Mobilization

Program management

Data center operations

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional coordination

Risk management

Transitions

Client-side/owner-operator

Leadership

Tools

DCIM

CMMS

Reporting platforms

Job description

Serverfarm is a leading developer and operator of data centers with over 750+ locations and key customer relationships in 45 countries. We're revolutionizing how data centers operate across North America, Western Europe, and Israel, serving the world's leading technology and hyperscale companies. With Manulife Investment Management's acquisition in 2023 and our award-winning InCommand platform we're positioned for explosive growth as AI adoption and cloud migration drive unprecedented demand for data center capacity.

A career at Serverfarm means being at the forefront of digital infrastructure innovation, where your work directly impacts how the world's data is managed and secured. As we target 4x growth over the next four years, you'll have unprecedented opportunities to take on new challenges, develop cutting‑edge skills, and grow your career across our expanding global operations.

Join our team of innovators and help shape the future of sustainable data centers while building a career without boundaries.

Serverfarm is seeking an experienced Data Center Mobilization Manager to lead the mobilization of new data center operations, either through greenfield site start-ups or the transition of acquired data centers into the Serverfarm operating model. The ideal candidate will be a Program Manager with experience in data center MEP Operations startup.

The role acts on behalf of the business to ensure operational readiness, risk control, and seamless handover into Business-as-Usual operations. Working cross-functionally with Development, Finance, Procurement, People, Product, and third‑party service providers, the Mobilization Manager will coordinate, track, and assure all mobilization activities and deliverables through to formal acceptance and handover to the site operational delivery team.

Key Accountabilities

• Mobilization Strategy & Governance
• Lead the mobilization strategy for new data center deployments and acquisitions
• Agree Acceptance Criteria for each subsystem and area with Operations Engineering / Development
• Establish mobilization plans, governance structures, and milestones
• Track progress against program timelines and ensure readiness for go‑live and handover
• Cross‑Functional Coordination
• Function as the central mobilization interface across Development, Finance, Procurement, People, Product, and Operations
• Coordinate internal teams and third‑party partners to ensure all mobilization deliverables are aligned and complete
• Ensure mobilization activities support Serverfarm's commercial, operational, and customer objectives
• Operational Readiness & Assurance
• Ensure all critical infrastructure is delivered, commissioned, and transitioned in line with Serverfarm design standards, availability targets, and redundancy philosophies
• Confirm readiness for 24/7 mission‑critical operations in alignment with contracted customer obligations as part of handover to site operations
• Define and assure the target operational model in line with Serverfarm standards
• Ensure staffing models, training, and competency requirements are met prior to handover
• Review and approve operational documentation including SOPs, MOPs, and EOPs
• Lead readiness reviews and formal go‑live approvals
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards including NEC, NFPA, IEEE, CSA (Canada), and local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements
• Confirm electrical switching procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and emergency operating procedures are in place and validated
• Ensure cooling designs support current and future IT loads, redundancy requirements, and operational efficiency targets
• Review commissioning results, seasonal testing strategies, and mechanical failure response procedures
• Supplier & Transition Management
• Define and mobilize suppliers required to meet warranties and Service Level Agreements
• Function as the primary point of governance with incoming and outgoing suppliers
• Ensure contract obligations, KPIs, SLAs, and mobilization requirements are met
• Support acquisition transitions, including staff transfer oversight where applicable
• Assets, Systems & Data Integration
• Oversee validation of asset registers, O&M documentation, warranties, and maintenance strategies
• Ensure MQTT telemetry data is available on time to operational systems
• Ensure BMS, EPMS, CMMS, & reporting tools are configured to Serverfarm standards
• Support lifecycle planning and fulfilment of critical spare obligations
• Health, Safety & Compliance
• Establish and enforce Serverfarm HSE standards across all contractors, FM providers, and vendors during mobilization
• Ensure compliance with all applicable OSHA (US), provincial/state safety regulations (Canada), NFPA, NEC, CSA, and local AHJ requirements
• Ensure clear HSE governance, roles, responsibilities, and escalation routes are defined and communicated
• Review and approve risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work
• Support audits, regulatory compliance, and assurance reviews
• Emergency Preparedness & Response
• Ensure site emergency plans are developed, tested, and aligned with local emergency services
• Support emergency drills, tabletop exercises, and failure scenario simulations
• Validate emergency communications, evacuation procedures, and muster arrangements
• Training, Competency & Safety Culture
• Ensure safety training and certification requirements are defined and met prior to go‑live
• Promote a strong safety‑first culture across all mobilization activities
• Encourage proactive hazard identification and continuous safety improvement
• Environmental & Sustainability Compliance
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to fuel storage, refrigerants, spill prevention, waste management, and emissions
• Oversee spill response planning and environmental incident readiness
• Support alignment with Serverfarm sustainability and ESG commitments
• Handover to Operations
• Lead the structured handover from mobilization into steady‑state site operations
• Confirm performance reporting, governance, and escalation frameworks are embedded
• Support early‑life operational stabilization and lessons‑learned reviews

Required Skills

• Essential
• Proven experience in data center site start‑ups, mobilization, or operational transitions
• Strong understanding of mission‑critical data center operations and risk management
• Experience operating in a client‑side or owner‑operator role
• Strong stakeholder management and cross‑functional coordination skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex transitions without service disruption
• Strong Program Management experience
• Desirable
• Experience supporting data center acquisitions and integrations
• Knowledge of FM service models and supplier governance
• Familiarity with DCIM, CMMS, and operational reporting platforms
• Personal Attributes
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Calm and decisive in live, high‑risk environments
• Confident, challenging suppliers and driving accountability
• Collaborative, pragmatic, and delivery focused
• Travel
• Role involves significant travel (approximately 70%)

Serverfarm is committed to providing an equal opportunity workplace and offers paid time off, paid holidays, 401k and FULL coverage medical, dental and vision. Our compensation philosophy rewards employees for achieving the values and objectives aligned with the company's goals and strategic initiatives.

The listed salary range for this position is an estimate based on the competitive job market. Final compensation will be based on your own individual skills, experience, and location.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this role. They are not intended to serve as an exhaustive list of all possible responsibilities and duties. We encourage you to apply even if your experience isn't an exact match to the job description.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.