Manager, Utility Asset Management

QTS Realty Trust; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Bonus eligibility

Generous PTO

Stock Purchase Plan

Paid Holidays

Insurance options

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

QTS Realty Trust is seeking a Manager of Utility Asset Management to lead regional programs ensuring safe, reliable operation of high‑voltage utility assets across QTS data centers. You will collaborate with Facilities Operations, Engineering, OSC, and external vendors to drive maintenance governance and successful turnover of substations.

The role emphasizes program development, governance, and lifecycle strategies, with focus on safety, reliability, and cost-effective asset management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Energy Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in utility operations, utility asset management, power generation, transmission, distribution, renewable energy, or related industries.
• Minimum five (5) years of direct experience supporting the operation, maintenance, commissioning, engineering, construction, or asset management of high-voltage substations operating at 69kV or greater.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational readiness and turnover activities for utility infrastructure transitioning into operations.
• Develop and maintain utility operations, maintenance, and governance programs that support safe and reliable asset performance.
• Manage third-party operations and maintenance providers, including contract administration, vendor qualification, performance management, and service-level compliance.
• Develop and oversee utility training and workforce qualification programs.
• Partner with Facilities Operations, Engineering, Utility Development, EHS, Procurement, and external partners to support operational objectives.
• Support asset reliability, maintenance planning, lifecycle management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and drive corrective actions to improve safety, reliability, and availability.
• Provide subject matter expertise related to high-voltage utility operations, maintenance, and asset management practices.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning efforts associated with utility operations and maintenance programs.

Skills

Strong communication

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Energy Management, or a related technical discipline

Tools

ServiceNow

CMMS

Enterprise asset management

Job description

Who we are: As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be.

The Manager, Utility Asset Management is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of utility infrastructure supporting QTS data center operations. This position serves as the primary liaison between Utility Development, Facilities Operations, Engineering, Operations Support Center (OSC), and third-party service providers to ensure utility assets are operated and maintained in accordance with established safety, operational, and business objectives.

This role will lead regional utility asset management programs and operational readiness initiatives, ensuring effective maintenance governance, contractor oversight, and successful turnover of high-voltage substations and utility infrastructure throughout the QTS portfolio. The Manager drives operational excellence by developing standards, improving processes, and supporting long-term reliability and lifecycle management strategies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Other duties may be assigned.
• Lead operational readiness and turnover activities for utility infrastructure transitioning into operations.
• Develop and maintain utility operations, maintenance, and governance programs that support safe and reliable asset performance.
• Manage third-party operations and maintenance providers, including contract administration, vendor qualification, performance management, and service-level compliance.
• Develop and oversee utility training and workforce qualification programs.
• Partner with Facilities Operations, Engineering, Utility Development, EHS, Procurement, and external partners to support operational objectives.
• Support asset reliability, maintenance planning, lifecycle management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and drive corrective actions to improve safety, reliability, and availability.
• Provide subject matter expertise related to high-voltage utility operations, maintenance, and asset management practices.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning efforts associated with utility operations and maintenance programs.
• Travel as required to support operational activities, project turnover, vendor oversight, and site assessments.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Energy Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum seven (7) years of experience in utility operations, utility asset management, power generation, transmission, distribution, renewable energy, or related industries.
• Minimum five (5) years of direct experience supporting the operation, maintenance, commissioning, engineering, construction, or asset management of high-voltage substations operating at 69kV or greater.
• Demonstrated experience managing utility infrastructure assets in energized environments.
• Experience managing service providers, maintenance contracts, and external vendors.
• Strong understanding of utility operations, maintenance programs, operational readiness, and commissioning processes.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders across multiple business functions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting hyperscale data center, utility, transmission, generation, or large industrial electrical infrastructure.
• Experience developing technical training and qualification programs.
• Experience with ServiceNow, CMMS platforms, or enterprise asset management systems.
• Professional Engineer (PE), PMP, NETA, NICET, or other industry-recognized certification.
• Experience managing geographically dispersed asset portfolios.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of high-voltage electrical systems and substation operations.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, NFPA 70E, NESC, and utility industry safety standards.
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and implement operational processes, standards, and governance frameworks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and business reporting tools.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to travel up to 30%.
• Ability to access operational substation and construction environments.
• Ability to wear applicable personal protective equipment (PPE) and safely perform site assessments in energized electrical environments.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and industrial settings as required.

In accordance with applicable law, the following represents a reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation for this role if hired in Virginia. Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location. The estimated pay range for this role, if based in Virginia, is: $107,812.50 - 164,874.06

Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.

In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees:

• Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Every employee is bonus or commission eligible
• Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays
• Stock Purchase Plan (SPP)
• 11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when worked
• Pet and Legal Insurance
• Q-Rest Sabbatical Program
• Q-Anniversary Service Award Program
• Parental Leave
• Military Benefits Package
• QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
• QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
• QTS Crisis Fund
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

QTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Learn more: Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.

We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.

The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here: Know Your Rights (English) Know Your Rights (Spanish)

The pay transparency policy is available here: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster-Formatted

QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.