Senior Operations Director, Data Centers

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.  

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong.  Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.   

Senior Operations Director, Data Centers

What this job involves -

The Senior Operations Director is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the operations and performance of data centers. This position will leverage your deep understanding of data center operations and critical infrastructure, as well as strong leadership and strategic thinking abilities. The role involves managing a team of professionals and driving operational excellence to ensure the highest levels of efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction. The key to success in this role is to be an open, transparent, and consistent communicator to all stakeholders. In this role, you have the opportunity to shape a portion of the digital economy as well as the careers and lives of the teams' supporting operations.

Your day-to-day tasks will include -

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives and operational plans to drive efficiency, scalability, and resilience across the data center operations. Align operational strategies with overall business objectives and industry best practices.

• Provide leadership and direction to a team of Facility Managers, Regional Facility Managers, and other operational staff across multiple data center sites. Foster a high-performance culture, promote collaboration, and ensure effective resource allocation and capacity planning.

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of data center operations, ensuring adherence to service level agreements, key performance indicators, and operational metrics. Mitigate risks through regular assessments, implement improvements, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the data center operations to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and minimize risks. Implement best practices, develop standardized processes, and leverage automation technologies to optimize operations.

• Oversee the financial aspects of data center operations, including budget planning, forecasting, and cost control. Monitor expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure financial objectives are met while maintaining operational integrity.

• Act as a primary point of contact for senior management, clients, partners, and vendors. Ensure effective communication, manage expectations, and build strong relationships to facilitate collaboration and drive operational success.

• Manage relationships with strategic vendors and contractors, ensuring service level agreements are met, contracts negotiated, and services delivered as per agreed terms. Conduct performance reviews and drive continuous improvements in vendor performance.

• Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends related to data center operations. Evaluate and implement innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, scalability, security, and sustainability within the data center operations.

• Ensure adherence to all applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies. Stay updated on changes in regulations, implement necessary measures, and manage audits and compliance assessments effectively.

• Develop and maintain robust business continuity plans for data center operations, including disaster recovery procedures, incident management, and crisis response. Ensure data center operations can quickly recover and resume normal operations during disruptive events.

• Perform additional job duties as required.

Desired experience and technical skills -

Requirements:

• Directly supervise the Regional Facility Managers. Responsible for all onsite employees.

• Directly supervise the CE Program Teams on the account.

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the policies enumerated with Jones Lang LaSalle and applicable laws.

• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees.

• Planning, assigning, and directing work.

• Appraising performance.

• Rewarding and disciplining employees.

• Addressing complaints and resolving problems.

• Systems, emergency generators, and switchgears.

• High School diploma or GED equivalent

• 10+ years work experience in data centers.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, or governmental regulations and codes.

• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

• Ability to speak effectively before leadership groups, tenants or employees.

• Ability to use drawings, specifications, shop math and various measuring or testing instruments.

• Working knowledge or the capability of developing proficient knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Microsoft Access and any other software packages recommended.

• Demonstration of leadership ability, presentation capabilities and organization skills.

• Ability to travel to locations throughout the United States.

• Traversing large, campus-like settings.

• Frequent walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, lifting, stooping, and working/extending overhead.

• Ability to read and interpret technical diagrams, equipment labels, and facility documentation. Strong visual acuity is necessary for accurately assessing equipment conditions, identifying potential issues, and ensuring compliance with specifications.

• Climbing stairs and navigating rooftops to access equipment.

Preferred:

• Data Center Dashboard products

• Corrigo Experience.

• MCIM / Salesforce Experience.

• Zendesk Experience.

• Service Now Experience.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or construction preferred.

This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Estimated compensation for this position:

141,000.00 – 205,300.00 USD per year

This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.

Location:

On-site –Eagan, MN, Minneapolis, MN

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements.  We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:

JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:

• 401(k) plan with matching company contributions

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care

• Paid parental leave at 100% of salary 

• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays

• Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.

Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at [email protected]. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.

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Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

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Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.