Global Head of Data Centre Strategy and Operations

As a global leader in facilities services, we connect people and places to make the world work better. Whether directly or indirectly, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our placemakers in delivering exceptional workplace experiences for our customers. Together, we make space for people and businesses to thrive.

Location: Preferred London / Any other location in UK can be discussed during the interview

Application deadline: 31 May 2025

Main Purpose Of The Position

The Global Head of Data Centre Strategy and Operations will lead the strategic vision, governance, and operational excellence for data centre management across the organization’s global portfolio. This role is responsible for driving best practices in data centre management, enhancing governance frameworks, optimizing processes, and fostering innovation to ensure world-class performance, sustainability, and compliance. The role, reporting to the Global Head of Engineering, will deliver strategic product development for data centre solutions, aligning with organizational objectives and client expectations, while ensuring operational resilience, energy efficiency, and cutting-edge technology deployment.

What You’ll Do

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a global strategy for data centre operations, focusing on innovation, scalability, and sustainability to support business growth.
• Governance and Process Optimization: Establish and assure global best practices, governance frameworks, and standardized processes to enhance operational uptime, efficiency and compliance.
• Innovation and Product Development: Drive the development and integration of innovative technical solutions, including next-generation energy efficiency measures and advanced data centre technologies.
• Supplier and Vendor Management: Oversee global supplier relationships insofar as they relate to mission critical facilities, ensuring competency, compliance, and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Portfolio Management: Ensure consistency, high service standards, and operational excellence across the global data centre portfolio.
• Capital Investment Strategy: Lead a unified approach to capital project management, prioritizing strategic investments that enhance performance and scalability.
• People Leadership: Provide strategic direction, technical expertise, and mentorship to global teams, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Risk and Compliance Management: Ensure all data centres adhere to global regulatory standards, safety protocols, and group risk management frameworks.

Who You’ll Work With

• Global Technical Leadership Teams
• Regional Data Centre Managers
• Executive Leadership
• Strategic Partners and Vendors
• Innovation and R&D Teams
• Data and analytics

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Building Services Engineering or similar
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in data centre management or critical operations, with at least 5 years in a senior strategic leadership role.
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing global data centre strategies, with a focus on innovation and operational excellence.
• Deep knowledge of risk management frameworks, compliance standards, and global regulations for data centre operations.
• Strong technical expertise in data centre engineering, energy efficiency optimisation, and emerging technologies (e.g., AI-driven infrastructure, liquid cooling).
• Chartered member of a relevant professional institution (e.g., CIBSE, IET, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale, complex property portfolios or critical environments in a global context.

Personal Skills You Excel In

• Strategic vision with the ability to translate organizational goals into actionable data centre strategies.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with a track record of motivating diverse, high-performing teams in dynamic environments.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and align C-level stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Adaptability to evolving organizational and client needs, with a proactive mindset for driving change.
• Expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments and implementing robust governance frameworks.
• Passion for innovation, with a proven ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions in critical environments.

Why ISS

At ISS, we are more than just a service provider of cleaning, food, workplace and technical services, we are a partner in our customers’ success. By creating exceptional service moments and transforming workplaces into spaces where employees feel valued, engaged and productive, we enhance productivity and help our customers to attract talent and grow their businesses. This begins with our own people through training, career development, and a supportive culture – empowering them to deliver outstanding service. We know that when our people thrive, they create spaces where our customers’ employees and businesses thrive too.

ISS is a Place to Be You. Be who you are. Become what you want. Be part of something bigger. Become more. Become ISS.

How You’ll Apply

Apply directly via the link on this page by submitting a cover letter, CV and other relevant documents for the position you are applying for. We look forward to receiving your application as soon as possible.

ISS seeks to BE a place of belonging and CREATE places where every person is welcomed, embraced, and valued for exactly who they are. Places where people feel safe, respected, represented, and supported as their authentic selves.