Commissioning Manager in West Drayton

About VIRTUS

VIRTUS Data Centres is the UK’s fastest-growing data centre provider. We own, design, build, and operate some of the most energy‑efficient, flexible, and secure data centres in Europe. In 2023 we announced our expansion into continental Europe, starting with Berlin and Milan, with plans to grow further across the region. At VIRTUS we aim to be a positive force in the fourth industrial revolution—delivering innovative solutions while staying firmly rooted in our core values: Clarity & Quality, Accountability, Customer Commitment, Purposeful Innovation, and Capability & Growth.

Job Summary

The Commissioning Manager will play a critical role in ensuring all VIRTUS Data Centres, infrastructure upgrades, and engineering projects are commissioned, tested, and operationally ready to deliver the highest standards of reliability and resilience. Working across both new‑build projects and live operational environments, this role will support the successful commissioning, integration, and acceptance of critical infrastructure, ensuring systems operate in line with design intent and VIRTUS operational standards. The Commissioning Manager will work closely with the Engineering Director, Engineering SMEs, Project Managers, contractors, commissioning agents, and suppliers to ensure commissioning activities are delivered safely, consistently, and with minimal operational impact. This role will also support the continuous improvement of commissioning standards, processes, and technical capability across the VIRTUS estate.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Commissioning Delivery & Operational Readiness: Support the delivery and continuous improvement of VIRTUS commissioning processes across new data centres, upgrades, and critical infrastructure projects. Ensure systems are commissioned, tested, and transitioned into service safely and effectively. Support commissioning activities including FAT, SAT, IST, recommissioning, and operational acceptance testing. Work collaboratively with contractors, commissioning agents, and suppliers to resolve issues quickly and minimise programme or operational risk. Ensure commissioning activities align with operational readiness and reliability requirements.
• Technical Engineering Support: Develop strong working knowledge of electrical, mechanical, controls, monitoring, and integrated building systems across the VIRTUS portfolio. Support the Group Commissioning Director in the review, commissioning, and acceptance of new infrastructure and engineering changes. Assist in identifying opportunities to improve system performance, resilience, and operational efficiency. Provide technical guidance to Engineering teams, Project Managers, and operational stakeholders on commissioning activities.
• Commissioning Governance & Reporting: Support commissioning governance, standards, and best practices across design & build, engineering and project activities. Manage commissioning inspections, testing schedules, reporting, and KPI tracking. Produce accurate commissioning reports and dashboards to support visibility of progress, risks, and operational readiness, and or other metrics, as defined by the Group Commissioning Director. Ensure compliance with VIRTUS engineering, health & safety, fire, security, and ISO standards.
• Stakeholder Management & Collaboration: Partner closely with Engineering, Technical Operations, Design & Build, Project Management, and external suppliers to ensure commissioning success. Support Data Centre Managers and Engineering teams with commissioning‑related guidance and technical input. Collaborate with Engineering SMEs to ensure consistency and best practice across all commissioning activities.
• Team Leadership & Capability Building: Support and mentor commissioning engineers and operational teams to increase technical understanding and awareness of commissioning processes. Manage performance, objectives, and development of direct reports where applicable. Promote a culture of continuous learning, technical excellence, and operational reliability.

Qualifications & Experience

Degree in one or more of the following: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Building Services, Construction Management, or equivalent practical experience. 7+ years’ experience in engineering, commissioning, or mission critical environments. Experience within Data Centres, Mission Critical, Critical Infrastructure, or complex technical facilities. Strong knowledge of MEP systems, FAT, SAT, IST and integrated systems commissioning, Building services, controls, BMS, and operational testing.

Desirable

Professional certifications such as CCP, CxA, or Health & Safety qualifications. Membership of relevant professional bodies (CIBSE, CSA, CEng desirable). Familiarity with commissioning platforms, reporting tools, and AutoCAD.

Leadership & Soft Skills

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to work effectively across technical and operational teams. Strong organisational and problem‑solving capability. Collaborative approach with the ability to influence and support delivery in live operational environments. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, mission critical environment.

The successful applicant must be willing to undergo a BS7858 screening process. VIRTUS is an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment.