Data Center Operations Director

Salute Inc. • Barstow, TX

4d • $135,000

About The Position

The Director of Data Center Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and performance of mission-critical data center operations supporting advanced AI infrastructure. This role provides strategic and day-to-day oversight of operational delivery, critical infrastructure reliability, team leadership, client relationship management, financial performance, and compliance with company and customer standards.

The Director of Data Center Operations ensures safe, reliable, efficient, and customer-focused operation of critical mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure while driving operational excellence across staffing, processes, risk management, and service delivery. This role requires a highly effective leader with strong business acumen, technical credibility, and the ability to manage complex operations in a high-availability environment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in data center operations, mission-critical facilities, corporate engineering, Network Operations Center, or related technical environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing operations teams in a 24x7 critical environment.
• Proven experience with multi-million budget management, financial oversight, and operational planning.
• Strong client-facing experience with responsibility for relationship management, service delivery, and issue resolution.
• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in engineering, facilities management, business, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant experience may be considered.
• Strong knowledge of critical mechanical and electrical infrastructure in high-availability facilities.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to interpret technical, operational, and financial information and translate it into practical action.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Proficiency with standard business software and reporting tools, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to frequently sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to tour active data center, industrial, and construction-support environments.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate a computer, tablet, phone, and other office equipment.
• Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb stairs or ladders, as business needs require.
• Ability to visually inspect equipment, read documents, and work at a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Must be able to respond to site conditions, emergencies, and operational issues that may require presence in equipment rooms, rooftops, exterior yards, or similar environments.
• Must be able to pass any pre-employment screenings required by company policy or customer site requirements.
• Must be able to satisfy site access, badging, and security clearance requirements, as applicable.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license if driving is required as part of the role.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in hyperscale, colocation, or AI-focused data center operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for day-to-day data center operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient performance of mission-critical infrastructure and support services.
• Direct and support site managers, engineers, technicians, and operations personnel in execution of operational objectives and service commitments.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability standards, and operating disciplines across the organization.
• Drive continuous improvement in operational execution, service quality, responsiveness, and team performance.
• Ensure proper staffing, scheduling, escalation coverage, and operational readiness for a 24x7 environment.
• Oversee operation and maintenance of critical infrastructure systems, including but not limited to UPS systems, backup generators, cooling systems, HVAC equipment, electrical distribution systems, and associated support systems.
• Ensure infrastructure is operated in accordance with approved procedures, maintenance standards, and risk management practices.
• Review system health, operational trends, and site risks to identify opportunities for reliability improvement and issue prevention.
• Ensure adherence to approved Methods of Procedure (MOPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs), and change management requirements.
• Support major maintenance, repairs, outages, testing, commissioning, and operational turnover activities as required.
• Develop, manage, and monitor site and operational budgets, including labor, materials, maintenance, and contracted support services.
• Review and analyze financial performance, operating costs, and resource utilization to identify cost efficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Support forecasting, annual planning, headcount planning, and financial reporting processes.
• Ensure sound financial stewardship and alignment of operational spending with approved budgets and business objectives.
• Prepare and present operating and financial updates to leadership as required.
• Serve as a senior operational representative in support of client relationships and customer service delivery.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients through consistent communication, issue resolution, and operational performance.
• Partner with clients and internal stakeholders to support business objectives, service expectations, and long-term account success.
• Lead operational reviews, service discussions, and performance updates with customers and leadership teams.
• Ensure site operations are aligned with contractual commitments, service expectations, and company standards.
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain high-performing operations leaders and technical personnel.
• Conduct performance management activities, including coaching, evaluations, development planning, and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, technical discipline, and collaboration.
• Ensure employees are properly trained and equipped to perform their duties safely and effectively.
• Support workforce planning and organizational development to meet current and future business needs.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety programs, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Promote and reinforce a strong safety culture throughout all operations activities.
• Lead or support audits, inspections, operational assessments, and quality reviews as required.
• Identify operational, financial, and compliance risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure operational documentation, maintenance practices, and reporting standards are maintained at a high level of quality.

Benefits

• Enjoy 8 company-paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, and PTO so you can rest, celebrate, and take care of what matters most.
• Including Medical, Dental, and Vision that you can enroll in starting on Day 1. Coverage begins the first of the month following 30-days of employment.
• The Employee Assistance Program is available to all employees, even if you do not participate in the benefits package.
• Enjoy our employer-supported 401(K) with immediate 100% vesting, plus a 3% employer match and a 50% match on the next 2%.
• Access to HSA, mental health resources, and gym discounts—because your health matters.
• Through discounted group programs, such as legal services, home & auto insurance, pet insurance, and ID theft protection for life’s unexpected moments.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: High school or GED