Join Kao Data as a Senior Technical Operations Manager - Drive Excellence in AI-Focused Data Centres!
Kao Data leads the industry, pioneering the development and operation of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing. With a hyperscale-inspired and industrial scale platform, we provide our customers with a secure, scalable, and sustainable home for their compute.
The Kao Data Operations team, particularly the Data Centre Operations team, fully own and manage all operation live environments, ensuring all critical infrastructure supporting client systems remain secure, reliable and always available. The team oversees power, cooling, fire suppression, cabling and environmental stability, while proactively managing capacity and leading all preventive and corrective maintenance through rigorous change management process working with all internal/external stakeholders.
They manage the Engineering Services Provider to guarantee 100% uptime and work across Kao Data to uphold compliance, governance and stakeholder satisfaction. With responsibility for CAPEX delivery, lifecycle replacements and financial accountability, Operations also partner with Design and Construction teams to ensure seamless project handovers. They work closely with our Customer Service, QHSE, Compliance, Security and Implementation teams delivering operational excellence and are the first point of escalation for incidents, the function ensures accurate reporting, transparent communication and uninterrupted service for customers.
About the Role
We are looking for a Senior Technical Operations Manager to play a key leadership role within our Operations team. You will be providing support to the Operations Director in the leadership of the Data Centre Operations and overall Integrated Facilities Management teams. You will be the principal technical leadership authority for all mechanical, and electrical systems within the data centre environment. You will ensure the resilience, reliability, and efficiency of critical infrastructure to achieve 100% service availability.
You will support and oversee the 24/7/365 operations of our facilities, providing strong technical direction and contributing to the organisation’s strategic planning. You’ll also take responsibility for managing capital and operational budgets, ensuring efficiency and value across all operational activities.
As an experienced leader, you’ll maintain and enhance customer relationships while working in partnership with our outsourced facilities management provider to deliver best-in-class performance. Your technical insight and collaborative approach will be key in driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
* Report to and support the Operations Director enabling the successful delivery to the client including satisfaction throughout the duration of the customer contract and to exceed in the delivery of all contractual reporting obligations in a timely and efficient manner.
* Understand all aspects of the data centre critical physical infrastructure. Ensures that all work performed within the space is high quality and without impact to internal/external customers in accordance with Kao Data’s processes and procedures.
* Work with all relevant internal stakeholder to development of a Safe System of Works.
* Work with the Operations Director, Lead and develop multidisciplinary operations teams, fostering a culture of accountability, recognition, and continuous improvement. Oversee performance management, skills development, and succession planning.
* Provide leadership and input into the ongoing strategic vision for Kao Data’s operational framework across multiple facilities, ensuring scalability, sustainability, and alignment with emerging industry standards.
* Provide Senior Technical governance and support for all operational and capital expenditure budgets, drive cost optimisation, and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
* Identifies, develops, or implements critical metrics necessary to manage and monitor the performance of data centre operations.
* Ensure the teams meet established Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s). Including Review potential SLA violations and ensure accurate financial impact reporting.
* Lead and demonstrate development of key metric reporting to demonstrate facility health and operational integrity through structured reporting and regular reviews.
* Work with the Outsourced Facilities provider and internal stakeholders to evaluate, mitigate, and manage operational risk across all programmes and projects.
* Ensure compliance with Kao Data’s standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements while maintaining operational readiness.
* Support the development and implementation of asset-specific Business Continuity and Incident Response Plans. Be available 24/7/365 to manage major incidents, serving as the point of senior escalation for client-facing operational issues.
* Ongoing management of/and leads vendor relationship to maintain day-to-day operations and strategic goals for operations and deliverables with a focus on cost.
What We’re Looking For:
* Chartered engineering status, engineering degree or suitably qualified experience
* Senior lead experience and can demonstrate experience in managing critical infrastructure across a number of properties.
* Senior data centre and senior technical operational management experience in the outsourcing market or related technology service provider fields within mission critical environments.
* Experience in managing operations and support teams for large enterprise with FTSE 250, Fortune 500 and Hyperscale clients
* Understand P&L accountability at asset level.
* Budgetary management.
* A proven track record in demonstrating success in customer and operational service delivery.
* Track record of driving excellence and a customer centric culture within a diverse business.
* Strong proficiency with applications including Word, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, MS Project and SharePoint.
* Strong Organisational and time management skills
* Excellent team working and stakeholder management skills
Why Kao Data?
* Be part of an innovative and rapidly growing AI data centre leader.
* Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
* Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
* Engaging team events that strengthen workplace culture and connections
* Private Medical – private health insurance including dental and optical cover.
* Holiday – 25 days annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays
* Pension – Salary Sacrifice Pension
* Parental Leave – Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave
* Life Assurance & Income Protection
* Mental health support - 24/7 access to mental health support via our employee assistance programme, and a trained team of Mental Health First Aiders
* Giving back – 2 Charity volunteering days a year.
* Electric Vehicle - Salary Sacrifice Scheme
* Optical Benefit
* Access to Unum’s Help@Hand