Data Center Operations Leader 

Minneapolis, MN 

A leading organization in mission-critical infrastructure is seeking a Data Center Operations Leader to oversee facility performance, technical operations, and infrastructure reliability. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced professional who understands what it takes to keep complex data center environments operating safely, efficiently, and without interruption. 

The ideal candidate combines strong electrical and mechanical expertise with hands-on operational leadership. This individual will guide technical teams, strengthen maintenance and compliance practices, and take ownership of critical infrastructure decisions. Success requires someone who is comfortable working directly with technical personnel, solving complex operational challenges, and maintaining high standards in demanding environments. 

Benefits 

• Opportunity to lead critical infrastructure operations with meaningful responsibility for daily performance and reliability. 
• Work with experienced technical professionals and specialized engineering partners. 
• Exposure to advanced computing infrastructure and evolving cooling technologies. 
• Ability to influence maintenance strategies, operating procedures, and technical improvements. 
• Direct involvement in operational planning, infrastructure modernization, and complex technical projects. 

Responsibilities 

• Direct critical facility operations while maintaining high standards for infrastructure reliability, safety, and operational performance. 
• Lead technical teams responsible for facility maintenance, monitoring, troubleshooting, and emergency response. 
• Provide hands-on oversight of electrical and mechanical infrastructure, including backup power, power distribution, HVAC, and cooling systems. 
• Establish and improve preventive maintenance programs to reduce operational risks and support uninterrupted service. 
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, methods of procedure, and emergency operating procedures. 
• Lead technical troubleshooting and coordinate corrective action during equipment failures or service disruptions. 
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, incident reports, operational documentation, and compliance materials. 
• Oversee external contractors, engineering partners, equipment vendors, and specialized service providers. 
• Support infrastructure improvements, equipment replacements, commissioning activities, and facility modifications. 
• Monitor operational performance, customer service commitments, and incident response procedures. 
• Coordinate technical audits, compliance activities, and operational reporting. 
• Support advanced computing environments and evaluate the operational requirements of emerging cooling technologies. 
• Partner with internal stakeholders to prioritize maintenance expenditures, resources, and operational improvements. 

Qualifications 

• Extensive experience leading data center operations, critical facilities, or comparable mission-critical infrastructure environments. 
• Demonstrated responsibility for infrastructure uptime, operational reliability, preventive maintenance, and incident response. 
• Strong working knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems, including generators, UPS equipment, power distribution, and cooling infrastructure. 
• Proven ability to lead experienced technical teams while remaining actively involved in operational problem-solving. 
• Experience developing, implementing, and enforcing technical operating procedures and maintenance programs. 
• Ability to independently evaluate infrastructure issues, make sound decisions under pressure, and coordinate emergency responses. 
• Experience managing external contractors, service providers, and technical maintenance agreements. 
• Strong documentation skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with compliance and operational reporting requirements. 
• Experience working with building management systems, infrastructure monitoring tools, or computerized maintenance management systems. 
• Understanding of customer service-level agreements and operational performance expectations. 
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with technical personnel, customers, and organizational leadership. 
• Availability to support urgent operational escalations outside standard business hours. 

Preferred Experience 

• Leadership experience across multiple data center facilities or colocation environments. 
• Exposure to high-density computing environments and advanced thermal management technologies. 
• Familiarity with liquid cooling, direct-to-chip cooling, rear-door heat exchangers, or comparable technologies. 
• Experience supporting AI infrastructure or other demanding computing applications. 
• Familiarity with SOC compliance, customer audits, and security-related operational requirements. 
• Experience coordinating specialized trade contractors, infrastructure improvements, and facility upgrades. 
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About Blue Signal: 

Blue Signal is an award-winning recruiting firm specializing in connecting talented professionals with exceptional career opportunities. Our recruiters work closely with candidates to identify positions that align with their experience, goals, and long-term career interests. 

Learn more at www.bluesignal.com.