At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to ensure operational excellence at our new data centre.
- Company: Join Equinix, the world’s digital infrastructure company, fostering innovation and connectivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health benefits, and 25 days holiday plus more.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a cutting-edge data centre and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in technical operations and experience managing multi-disciplinary teams.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet. A place where bold ideas are welcomed, human connection is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to shape their future.
Joining our operations team means being at the center of everything – maintaining and evolving critical infrastructure that powers the digital world and delivers real impact for our customers, communities and society. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.
We’re looking for a strong, influential leader to take ownership of operations at LD14, our newest data center on the Slough campus. This is a leadership role requiring someone who can set high standards, inspire technical teams, and bring people with them on the journey to ensure operational excellence.
LD14 is a purpose-built, five-storey International Data Centre in the Slough Trading Estate. Opening in 2027 alongside our established Slough sites, LD14 is designed to support high-density workloads, cloud connectivity, and mission-critical financial infrastructure. Sustainability is built in, including the ability to supply waste heat for district heating in the local community. This is a rare opportunity to lead a new site from commissioning through to steady-state operations, and to shape its team, culture, and ways of working from day one.
This is not an IT management role. Instead, we’re seeking someone with a background in engineering, technical operations, or facilities leadership. While data center experience is an advantage, we also welcome candidates from telecommunications, infrastructure, and other mission-critical technical environments. You will have been accountable for running an operation, responsible for the delivery outcomes, operating costs, and the complexities of engaging with multiple stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Leadership & People Management
- Lead, inspire, and develop teams of experienced technical professionals and/or subordinate managers
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Oversee full people management responsibilities, including hiring, coaching, development, and performance reviews
- Act as a visible, hands-on leader who sets the tone and brings others along on the journey
- Operational Management
- Define and deliver on operational objectives, policies, and procedures to ensure site performance meets or exceeds Equinix standards
- Drive operational efficiency, reliability, and safety across the site
- Manage budgets, cost controls, and resource planning effectively
- Partner closely with senior stakeholders on site capacity planning and infrastructure strategy
- Project & Infrastructure Oversight
- Plan and deliver site infrastructure projects on time, within scope, and on budget
- Oversee technical maintenance, system upgrades, and facility expansions
- Collaborate with engineering and design teams during new facility handovers
- Vendor & Performance Management
- Ensure vendors consistently deliver to agreed KPIs and SLAs
- Build strong supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Incident & Risk Management
- Act as the senior incident lead during critical events, coordinating teams and ensuring timely resolution
- Lead root cause analysis and ensure corrective actions are implemented quickly
- Oversee compliance, MOP approvals, and testing protocols to ensure operational resilience
Qualifications
- Proven leadership in technical operations within complex, high-availability environments (data centers, telco, engineering, or large-scale infrastructure)
- Experience leading and developing technical or multi-disciplinary teams
- Strong background in engineering, facilities management, or mission-critical operations
- Track record of raising performance standards and delivering operational excellence
- Comfortable managing budgets, technical projects, and senior stakeholder relationships
- Long term relevant experience or equivalent progressive leadership roles
The Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for someone who can:
- Inspire and influence — lead people, not just manage them
- Raise the bar — set ambitious standards for safety, quality, and performance
- Be technically credible — engage confidently with engineers, vendors, and technical teams
- Thrive under pressure — operate effectively in mission-critical, high-availability environments
And has:
- Leadership experience — must have managed more than 10 direct reports
- New site experience — ideally a strong understanding of opening a new site, as this role will support the launch of LD14, our newest site
- Senior-level influence — has worked with budgets and stakeholders at a senior level
- A positive mindset — brings energy, resilience, and a can-do attitude to the team
Why Should You Apply?
- Competitive Salary: Attractive compensation package
- 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional days (pro rata for shift positions)
- Comprehensive Insurance & Health Benefits: Life Assurance, Income Protection, Critical Illness Insurance, Private Healthcare, Eye Care Coverage, and Gymflex Membership
- Investment Opportunities: Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Company Pension Plan
- Travel Benefits: Cycle to Work Scheme and Annual Season Ticket Loan
- Career Growth: Excellent opportunities for growth and advancement within the company
Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form. Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Data Centre Operations Manager employer: Equinix
Equinix is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for a Senior Design Manager to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge datacenter projects in vibrant locations like London, Dublin, and Frankfurt, while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions and empowers you to shape the future of digital infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Centre Operations Manager
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Data Centre Operations Manager role you’re after at Equinix.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Equinix a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Equinix.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Data Centre Operations Manager at Equinix, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Centre Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Data Centre Operations Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Equinix a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Equinix specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Equinix
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Equinix, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Equinix want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.