Senior Operations Director, Data Centers

JLL; Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 141,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with matching

Medical, Dental & Vision care

Paid parental leave

Paid Time Off

Daily Pay

Job summary

JLL is seeking a Senior Operations Director for Data Centers in the United States, based in Eagan, MN. You will lead multi-site data center operations, drive strategic initiatives, and manage budgets, vendors, and regulatory compliance.

The role emphasizes leadership, communication, and delivery of reliable, scalable infrastructure. You will oversee a team of facility managers, align operations with business goals, and ensure safety and performance while pursuing continuous improvement and cost

Qualifications

• Directly supervise the Regional Facility Managers.
• Responsible for all onsite employees and CE Program Teams; enforce policies and training.
• Ability to travel to locations throughout the United States.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives for data center efficiency and resilience.
• Lead a multi-site team of Facility Managers and staff.
• Monitor SLAs, KPIs, and budgets; drive cost control and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Data Centers

Strategic planning

Communication

Budgeting

Vendor mgmt

Travel-ready

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree (Engineering or construction)

Tools

MCIM

Salesforce

Zendesk

ServiceNow

Job description

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented peopleand empowering them tothrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you've got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you're looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

Senior Operations Director, Data Centers

What this job involves -

The Senior Operations Director is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the operations and performance of data centers. This position will leverage your deep understanding of data center operations and critical infrastructure, as well as strong leadership and strategic thinking abilities. The role involves managing a team of professionals and driving operational excellence to ensure the highest levels of efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction. The key to success in this role is to be an open, transparent, and consistent communicator to all stakeholders. In this role, you have the opportunity to shape a portion of the digital economy as well as the careers and lives of the teams' supporting operations.

Your day-to-day tasks will include -

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives and operational plans to drive efficiency, scalability, and resilience across the data center operations. Align operational strategies with overall business objectives and industry best practices.
• Provide leadership and direction to a team of Facility Managers, Regional Facility Managers, and other operational staff across multiple data center sites. Foster a high-performance culture, promote collaboration, and ensure effective resource allocation and capacity planning.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of data center operations, ensuring adherence to service level agreements, key performance indicators, and operational metrics. Mitigate risks through regular assessments, implement improvements, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the data center operations to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and minimize risks. Implement best practices, develop standardized processes, and leverage automation technologies to optimize operations.
• Oversee the financial aspects of data center operations, including budget planning, forecasting, and cost control. Monitor expenses, identify cost‑saving opportunities, and ensure financial objectives are met while maintaining operational integrity.
• Act as a primary point of contact for senior management, clients, partners, and vendors. Ensure effective communication, manage expectations, and build strong relationships to facilitate collaboration and drive operational success.
• Manage relationships with strategic vendors and contractors, ensuring service level agreements are met, contracts negotiated, and services delivered as per agreed terms. Conduct performance reviews and drive continuous improvements in vendor performance.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends related to data center operations. Evaluate and implement innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, scalability, security, and sustainability within the data center operations.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies. Stay updated on changes in regulations, implement necessary measures, and manage audits and compliance assessments effectively.
• Develop and maintain robust business continuity plans for data center operations, including disaster recovery procedures, incident management, and crisis response. Ensure data center operations can quickly recover and resume normal operations during disruptive events.
• Perform additional job duties as required.

Desired experience and technical skills -

Requirements:

• Directly supervise the Regional Facility Managers. Responsible for all onsite employees.
• Directly supervise the CE Program Teams on the account.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the policies enumerated with Jones Lang LaSalle and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees.
• Planning, assigning, and directing work.
• Appraising performance.
• Rewarding and disciplining employees.
• Addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Systems, emergency generators, and switchgears.
• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• 10+ years work experience in data centers.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, or governmental regulations and codes.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before leadership groups, tenants or employees.
• Ability to use drawings, specifications, shop math and various measuring or testing instruments.
• Working knowledge or the capability of developing proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Microsoft Access and any other software packages recommended.
• Demonstration of leadership ability, presentation capabilities and organization skills.
• Ability to travel to locations throughout the United States.
• Traversing large, campus-like settings.
• Frequent walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting, stooping, and working/extending overhead.
• Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, equipment labels, and facility documentation. Strong visual acuity is necessary for accurately assessing equipment conditions, identifying potential issues, and ensuring compliance with specifications.
• Climbing stairs and navigating rooftops to access equipment.

Preferred:

• Data Center Dashboard products
• Corrigo Experience.
• MCIM / Salesforce Experience.
• Zendesk Experience.
• Service Now Experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or construction preferred.

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Estimated compensation for this position:

141,000.00 - 205,300.00 USD per year

This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location:

On‑site -Eagan, MN, Minneapolis, MN

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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