Technical Operations Manager
Data Centre Operations | Harlow | Mission-Critical Environment
An established and fast-growing data centre operator is seeking a Technical Operations Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day technical and operational management of a critical data centre site in Harlow.
This role sits within the wider Operations leadership structure and reports into a Senior Engineering / Technical Director-level leader, acting as the senior on-site authority for technical operations, service delivery and incident response.
The position is heavily focused on hands-on operational leadership, supplier management and customer-facing delivery, ensuring the site operates safely, efficiently and with 100% availability.
The Role
As Technical Operations Manager, you will oversee 24/7/365 site operations, leading internal teams and managing outsourced facilities partners to ensure all critical infrastructure performs to the highest standards.
You will play a key role in:
* Managing live operational environments
* Acting as a senior escalation point for incidents
* Owning operational processes, reporting and compliance
* Driving operational excellence at site level
This is a technically strong, site-based leadership role, ideal for someone who enjoys being close to the operation while still contributing to wider strategy and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
* Act as the senior on-site technical authority, supporting delivery across all customer contracts and operational obligations
* Ensure 100% availability of all mechanical, electrical and life safety systems
* Oversee day-to-day operation and monitoring of all critical M&E infrastructure, including understanding of Sequences of Operation
* Manage and hold accountable the outsourced facilities management provider, ensuring SLAs and KPIs are consistently met
* Own and maintain a robust library of SOPs and EOPs, ensuring operational readiness at all times
* Ensure all work carried out on site is compliant, high quality and non-disruptive to customers
* Act as second-line escalation for major incidents and participate in on-call rota arrangements
* Maintain HV/LV AP awareness, with expectation to renew or maintain authorisation
* Own the BMS / controls strategy for the site, including accuracy of graphics, alarms, data points and system backups
* Manage specialist suppliers responsible for BMS, controls and associated field equipment
* Support maintenance activities where required to ensure engineering standards and system resilience
* Define, track and report critical operational KPIs, SLAs and facilities health metrics
* Contribute to CAPEX planning, lifecycle replacements and operational budgeting
* Work closely with internal stakeholders including construction, design, customer services, compliance, security and QHSE
Background & Experience Required
* Chartered Engineer or equivalent experience in a mission-critical environment
* Strong technical background in data centre or critical infrastructure operations
* In-depth knowledge of:
* Cooling generation and distribution
* LV & MV electrical systems
* UPS and generators
* Fire detection and suppression
* BMS / controls systems
* Physical security and connectivity
* Proven experience managing outsourced FM providers in live environments
* Experience leading operational or engineering teams within large, complex facilities
* Strong understanding of asset, maintenance, change, incident, event and energy management processes
* Comfortable owning budgets and financial accountability at site level
* Confident customer-facing operator with a track record of service excellence
* Strong IT literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, MS Project, SharePoint)
* Able to work on-site in Harlow, with occasional travel to other UK locations if required
Why Apply?
* Join a high-growth data centre platform supporting advanced computing and AI workloads
* Work in a technically complex, high-availability environment
* Clear progression pathway into senior operational or technical leadership
* High level of autonomy and ownership at site level
* Competitive salary, bonus and comprehensive benefits package