Commissioning Manager in Oxford

CloudHQ designs, builds, and operates globally scalable, energy-efficient, and resilient data centers that power the world’s digital infrastructure. Our facilities are designed for hyperscale efficiency, technical precision, and reliability across key markets worldwide.

As we expand across Europe, we are seeking a Data Centre Commissioning Manager to represent CloudHQ during the full commissioning lifecycle of new developments ensuring all systems meet specification, performance, and operational readiness standards. You will initially be based on our project in Didcot, Oxfordshire with travel across EMEA to other potential sites as and when needed.

The Data Centre Commissioning Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing the end-to-end commissioning process across CloudHQ’s EMEA data center projects. Acting on behalf of CloudHQ, this role ensures that all mission-critical infrastructure — electrical, mechanical, controls, and ICT systems — are thoroughly tested, verified, and delivered to operational excellence before handover.

The successful candidate will have proven technical engineering and commissioning experience in large-scale (hyperscale or colocation) data centers, with deep knowledge of electrical and mechanical infrastructure, control systems, and data center operations.

• Commissioning Strategy & Planning
  • Develop and execute CloudHQ’s commissioning standards and strategic plans across multiple projects.
  • Define the commissioning scope, schedule, and methodology during design development.
  • Collaborate with design and construction teams to ensure designs are “commissioning-ready” incorporating testability, safe isolation, and system reliability.
  • Prepare and manage commissioning documentation, including commissioning plans, pre-functional checklists, integrated test procedures, turnover packages, and final validation reports.
• Execution Management
  • Oversee the commissioning process for all major building systems:
  • Electrical Infrastructure: Utility interface, MV/LV switchgear, generators, UPS systems, load banks, and power distribution systems.
  • Mechanical Infrastructure: Chillers, CRAHs/CRACs, cooling towers, pumps, and associated control valves.
  • Building Controls and Monitoring Systems: SCADA, BMS, EPMS, and integration to DCIM.
  • Security and ICT Systems: Access control, CCTV, networking, and structured cabling interfaces.
  • Monitor and control commissioning activities to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational performance expectations.
  • Witness and validate Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), Site Acceptance Tests (SATs), and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) on behalf of CloudHQ.
  • Maintain accurate test documentation and ensure all commissioning deliverables meet CloudHQ specifications and regulatory standards.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination
  • Act as CloudHQ’s commissioning representative during coordination meetings with design consultants, contractors, and third-party commissioning agents.
  • Review contractor commissioning plans, test scripts, and results prior to execution.
  • Oversee the resolution of punch lists, deficiencies, and non-conformances.
  • Ensure seamless knowledge transfer between construction teams and operations teams post-commissioning.
  • Manage stakeholder expectations, providing clear reporting and progress updates to CloudHQ’s technical leadership.
• Client Representation & Governance
  • Uphold CloudHQ’s standards and interests throughout the commissioning process.
  • Validate and sign off all commissioning milestones and handover documentation to verify readiness for operational acceptance.
  • Enforce commissioning governance through compliance audits and procedural adherence.
  • Serve as a technical liaison between CloudHQ and third-party commissioning firms to maintain consistency and quality across all sites.
• Operational Readiness
  • Ensure systems are commissioned for reliability, redundancy, and maintainability per CloudHQ and industry standards (Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, NFPA, IEC).
  • Support MEP and operations teams in performance tuning and energy optimization during handover.
  • Coordinate training and turnover documentation for the operations team, ensuring facility readiness at Day 1 operation.
  • Verify the integration and functionality of alarm, monitoring, and controls systems across facility disciplines.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Analyze lessons learned and feedback from completed projects to refine commissioning processes.
  • Drive standardization and continuous improvement across CloudHQ’s data center commissioning programs in EMEA.
  • Evaluate emerging commissioning technologies, tools, and analytics software to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Minimum 10+ years’ technical experience in commissioning or construction management within mission-critical facilities (hyperscale data centers highly preferred).
• Deep expertise in:
• Electrical and mechanical systems design, installation, and integrated testing.
• Commissioning of control systems such as SCADA, BMS, and EPMS.
• Understanding redundancy principles (N+1, 2N) and critical path sequencing.
• Familiarity with DCIM integration and operational acceptance planning.
• Thorough understanding of commissioning fundamentals, methodologies, and documentation standards.
• Proven ability to manage complex multi-vendor environments and conflicting priorities.
• Strong command of safety management, statutory compliance, and quality assurance procedures.
• High proficiency in interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and one-line diagrams.
• Outstanding project management, coordination, and stakeholder communication skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Building Services Engineering.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CxA (Certified Commissioning Authority), LEED AP, or equivalent.
• Prior experience working with data center developers, hyperscale cloud providers, or major colocation operators.
• Understanding of international building codes, electrical standards (IEC/NFPA/IEEE), and data center commissioning best practices.

• Technically experienced and detail-oriented with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Strong leader with the ability to manage complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communicator with an ability to interface confidently across all organizational levels.
• Customer-focused, ensuring CloudHQ’s commissioning requirements are met on time and to specification.
• Passionate about operational excellence and continuous improvement.

At CloudHQ, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering the world’s frontline data center infrastructure. You will work alongside global experts in engineering, operations, and technology to ensure our facilities deliver industry-leading reliability and performance. Your expertise will directly shape the operational readiness and success of hyperscale projects across Europe.