Manager, Critical Operations

Rowan Digital Infrastructure; Frederick (MD); Hybrid; USD 126,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Education opportunities

Health benefits

401k company contributions

Unlimited PTO

Parking reimbursement

Bonus plan

Job summary

Rowan Digital Infrastructure in Frederick, MD seeks a Manager, Critical Operations to oversee the safety, reliability and regulatory compliance of landlord-owned infrastructure across exteriors, substations, electrical distribution, and building services. You will lead maintenance programs, coordinate vendor activities, and drive risk mitigation to minimize disruptions.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years in facilities operations, 3+ years in leadership, strong knowledge of electrical, mechanical

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in facilities operations, critical environments, or industrial infrastructure management.
• 3+ years in a leadership role overseeing maintenance teams or vendor operations.
• Strong technical knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and structural systems in critical environments.
• Experience managing vendor contracts, budgets, and compliance processes.
• Proficiency with CMMS platforms and data-driven maintenance tracking.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards, risk management, and emergency response protocols.
• Strong communication and leadership skills for cross-functional teams and tenant relationships.

Responsibilities

• Governance and compliance management: maintain regulatory and safety compliance and audit readiness.
• Maintenance & technical operations: implement maintenance programs and manage exteriors infrastructure.
• Vendor & financial management: oversee vendor performance and budgets.

Skills

Leadership

CMMS

Vendor management

Regulatory compliance

Tools

CMMS

Job description

At Rowan Digital Infrastructure, we are transforming data center delivery for speed and scale. Our mission is to deliver best‑in‑class data center solutions to hyperscale customers who share our commitment to sustainability, and to do so with an unwavering focus on efficiency, quality, and flexibility. Our data center solutions are tailored to our customers’ needs and delivered by our exceptional end‑to‑end team. Rowan is assembling a strategic portfolio of data center sites in Tier 1 markets across the United States at various stages of development, and we’re looking for incredible and passionate people to help us advance our company and our commitment to building a more sustainable future.

Role Summary

As a Manager, Critical Operations, you will be responsible for the property’s overall condition and operational integrity, ensuring the reliability, maintenance, and compliance of all landlord‑owned infrastructure. This includes substations, electrical distribution systems, roofing, stormwater management, exterior lighting, roadways, and all infrastructure extending to the facility’s exterior. You will oversee maintenance programs, vendor management, and risk mitigation strategies, ensuring the infrastructure remains operationally sound, compliant with regulatory standards, and aligned with tenant needs. This role requires strong technical expertise in critical infrastructure management, a proactive approach to asset maintenance, and the ability to coordinate with vendors, internal teams, and regulatory agencies. You will play a key role in minimizing disruptions, optimizing infrastructure performance, and maintaining the safety and efficiency of all landlord‑maintained assets.

Travel

Ability to travel up to (20%) for company gatherings.

Location

Frederick, MD

Compensation

$126K – $150K (Offers Bonus)

Essential Responsibilities

Governance and Compliance Management

• Ensure regulatory and safety compliance. Oversee maintenance activities and vendor operations to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, environmental laws, and building codes. Maintain documentation of inspections, permits, and compliance reports to ensure audit readiness.
• Manage contract adherence. Verify that vendor contracts align with company policies and regulatory requirements. Track service level agreements (SLAs), monitor contract performance, and document deviations or corrective actions.
• Support internal and external audits. Participate in scheduled compliance reviews and audits, ensuring that operational and safety standards are consistently met. Escalate identified risks or non‑compliance issues for resolution in collaboration with senior leadership.

Maintenance & Technical Operations

• Develop and implement maintenance programs. Execute a structured maintenance program, integrating preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance strategies to enhance asset longevity and operational reliability.
• Oversee critical infrastructure performance. Manage the operation and maintenance of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and structural systems on the exteriors of the buildings. Conduct condition assessments, troubleshoot performance issues, and coordinate necessary repairs or upgrades.
• Utilize maintenance tracking systems. Leverage a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track work orders, manage service requests, and analyze maintenance trends. Ensure efficient operations and data‑driven decision‑making.

Vendor & Financial Management

• Oversee vendor relationships and performance. Coordinate vendor selection, ensuring contractors meet technical qualifications, safety standards, and performance expectations. Track vendor work quality, enforce service agreements, and provide performance feedback.
• Manage operational budgets. Monitor maintenance and operational budgets, ensuring expenses align with financial planning objectives. Identify cost‑saving opportunities while maintaining infrastructure integrity and service quality.
• Support capital expenditure planning. Contribute to the planning and execution of capital projects by assessing infrastructure conditions, reviewing vendor proposals, and coordinating project timelines and deliverables.

Risk Management & Emergency Preparedness

• Conduct proactive risk assessments. Regularly assess infrastructure vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies to prevent disruptions in critical environments. Analyze maintenance data, vendor reports, and past incidents to identify trends that require attention.
• Implement emergency response protocols. Ensure all emergency response procedures align with business continuity and safety requirements. Coordinate drills, scenario planning, and on‑site incident management.
• Serve as an on‑site emergency lead. Act as the first point of contact for infrastructure‑related emergencies, ensuring swift coordination with internal teams, emergency responders, and regulatory agencies.

Stakeholder & Tenant Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary tenant liaison. Communicate with tenants regarding maintenance activities, service disruptions, and infrastructure updates, ensuring clear expectations and minimal operational impact.
• Conduct regular tenant engagement meetings. Schedule routine check‑ins with tenants to gather feedback, address concerns, and proactively manage infrastructure dependencies.
• Ensure transparency in service delivery. Provide timely updates on service requests, project timelines, and escalation pathways, ensuring tenants remain informed and confident in operational processes.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication

• Coordinate with internal and external teams. Work closely with procurement, legal, security, and sustainability teams to align operational priorities with business objectives.
• Ensure clear and proactive communication. Establish structured communication channels, ensuring all stakeholders remain informed about ongoing activities, planned maintenance, and potential service impacts.
• Support leadership in strategic initiatives. Provide data‑driven insights and operational updates to senior leadership, contributing to infrastructure planning and organizational improvements.

Education, Skills, And Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in facilities operations, critical environments, or industrial infrastructure management.
• At least 3 years in a leadership role overseeing maintenance teams or vendor operations.
• Strong technical knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and structural systems in critical environments.
• Experience managing vendor contracts, budgets, and compliance processes.
• Proficiency in CMMS platforms and data‑driven maintenance tracking.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards, risk management, and emergency response protocols.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage cross‑functional teams and tenant relationships.

Benefits

At Rowan, we want to make sure you can do great work. We offer competitive benefits focused on helping you be and achieve your best.

• Hybrid working environment
• Team building and educational opportunities
• Generous benefits package including robust health benefits and a 401(k)-company contribution
• Unlimited PTO
• RTD ECO pass or parking reimbursement
• Competitive compensation, bonus, and an incentive plan

Equal Opportunity Employer

Rowan Digital is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all aspects of our workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.