Engineering Manager - Data Center Operations

Position Title: Operations Engineering Manager, c£80,000 + Package + Bonus

Reports To: Data Centre Manager

Department: Operations

Locations: London(West) | Dublin | Jakarta | Abu Dhabi

Role Summary

The Operations Engineering Manager is responsible for overseeing all engineering and facilities functions within a high-performance data centre environment. This includes direct management of engineering teams, facilities service delivery, compliance, and continuous operational improvement.

As a key leadership figure on site, the Engineering Manager ensures all systems and services operate to the highest standards of uptime, safety, compliance, and efficiency—aligned with company standards and regulatory requirements.

Core Responsibilities

1. Site Operations & Engineering Management

• Set and implement strategic engineering and operations objectives in collaboration with HQ.
• Lead engineering teams to ensure full competence in first-response and fault resolution to minimise downtime risk.
• Drive a robust Change Management System to safeguard against service disruption.
• Uphold and promote a strong Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) culture across site operations.
• Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance reliability, compliance, and performance.
• Ensure full compliance with all operational standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee all building infrastructure systems, including BMS/CAFM, mechanical, and electrical systems.
• Act as Senior Authorised Person (SAP) for High and Low Voltage systems, ensuring safe systems of work (SSOW).
• Manage the Permit to Work (PTW) system and verify all RAMS are in place for maintenance activities.
• Oversee planned preventative maintenance (PPM), reactive maintenance, and contractor works to ensure minimal service impact.
• Review incident reports and lead root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
• Coordinate and evaluate incident response training and scenario exercises for site teams.
• Monitor operational KPIs and prioritise resolution of critical issues.
• Manage third-party vendors and service providers, ensuring service delivery meets expectations and budgets.

2. Customer Service & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers, embedding a culture of Service Excellence.
• Attend regular service review meetings and provide performance updates and reporting.
• Manage all customer communications related to planned/unplanned maintenance or operational issues.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure timely delivery of all customer reports and documentation.
• Respond to customer concerns, ensuring resolution in line with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure service levels and contractual obligations (SLAs) are consistently met or exceeded.

3. Financial Oversight & Budget Management

• Collaborate with Group Finance to plan and manage operational and capital expenditure (OPEX/CAPEX).
• Provide timely and accurate financial reporting and variance analysis.
• Oversee procurement and vendor payments, ensuring appropriate cost controls are in place.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and process efficiencies across site operations.
• Leverage economies of scale in multi-site procurement where applicable.

4. Vendor, Contractor & Team Management

• Directly manage engineering teams and site-based contractors.
• Coordinate activities of internal staff, external contractors, and vendors to ensure safe and efficient work execution.
• Ensure compliance with company procurement policies, including the use of RFPs, cost tracking, and PO systems.
• Support contract negotiations in collaboration with Procurement to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality delivery.
• Monitor and review vendor performance against SLAs and service agreements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven track record in engineering leadership roles within data centres, critical infrastructure, or mission-critical environments.
• Strong working knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems (UPS, HVAC, BMS, Generators, etc.).
• HV/LV AP certification (SAP preferred).
• Deep understanding of HSE legislation, risk management, and compliance standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams, budgets, and third-party vendors.
• Strong customer service ethos with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
• Ability to manage and prioritise under pressure in a 24/7 operational environment.