Union Data Center Team Lead

CBRE is seeking an experienced and dedicated Data Center Team Lead to oversee our critical operations within a dynamic data center environment. This leadership role is pivotal in ensuring the continuous operation and reliability of essential client infrastructure. If you possess a strong background in mission-critical facilities, a proven ability to lead technical teams, and a commitment to operational excellence, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

About CBRE:

At CBRE, we are a global leader in commercial real estate services and investment. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients through our commitment to integrity, safety, and innovation. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous improvement, supporting critical facilities that form the backbone of the digital world.

The Opportunity:

As the Data Center Team Lead, you will play a crucial role in managing the operation, maintenance, and reliability of all critical mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems within a cutting-edge data center. You will serve as the senior on-site technical authority, leading a team responsible for preventative maintenance and complex corrective repairs.

Key Responsibilities:

System Oversight & Reliability:

Direct the operation, maintenance, and reliability of all critical M&E systems, including chillers, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, PDUs, fire/life-safety systems, and building automation/BMS controls.

Advanced Troubleshooting:

Perform expert-level troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions on complex mechanical, electrical, and controls-related equipment to ensure 100% uptime of critical environments.

Maintenance Program Leadership:

Lead and execute preventative, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs in alignment with mission-critical facility standards, ensuring safe, thorough, and accurately documented work.

Emergency Response Management:

Respond to and manage emergency events, including system failures, alarms, and unplanned outages. Coordinate technical response, communicate impacts, implement remediation, and conduct detailed post-incident analysis.

Site Inspections & Risk Mitigation:

Direct daily site inspections of all M&E systems to verify proper operating conditions, identify potential risks, and ensure environmental stability across data halls, mechanical spaces, and electrical rooms.

Technical Guidance & Mentorship:

Provide expert-level support, coaching, and guidance to engineering and technician teams, fostering strong technical competency, safe work practices, and high-quality maintenance performance.

Technical Escalation Point:

Serve as the primary technical escalation point for issues involving mechanical, electrical, controls, and environmental systems, collaborating closely with internal teams, vendors, and facility management leadership.

Vendor & Contractor Management:

Oversee vendor and contractor activities to ensure full compliance with technical specifications, safety policies, and contractual requirements.

System Validation & Documentation:

Review, interpret, and validate critical system readings (e.g., UPS performance, breaker status, load levels, temperatures, water chemistry) and ensure accurate and complete documentation.

Inventory Management:

Maintain oversight of spare parts inventory, including critical spares for mechanical and electrical equipment, ensuring availability for emergency repairs and preventive tasks.

SOP Development & Enforcement:

Develop, refine, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Method of Procedures (MOPs), Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs), Job Hazard Analyses, and other critical facility documentation to meet corporate, regulatory, and industry standards.

Safety Program Management:

Manage permit-to-work and lockout/tagout (LOTO) safety programs, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols during maintenance and high-risk activities.

Continuous Improvement:

Support continuous improvement initiatives, including system optimization, energy efficiency enhancements, and automation improvements to enhance reliability and reduce operating costs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Collaborate with data center management and cross-functional teams to ensure facility readiness, operational excellence, and alignment with business objectives.

Safety & Values Leadership:

Model and reinforce safety-first behaviors while promoting

CBRE RISE

values, leading by example, and fostering a strong culture of operational discipline and accountability.

IT Support:

Provide support for in-house Data Center IT technicians needs and workload.

What We're Looking For:

Extensive experience in the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of critical mechanical and electrical infrastructure within a data center or similar mission-critical environment. Proven leadership experience, with the ability to effectively manage, mentor, and motivate a technical team. In-depth knowledge of data center systems, including chillers, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, PDUs, and BMS controls. Strong understanding and practical application of safety protocols, including LOTO, permit-to-work systems, and hazard analysis. Exceptional problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to perform root-cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions under pressure. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of interacting effectively with team members, vendors, clients, and management. A commitment to maintaining 100% uptime and operational excellence in a critical environment. Ability to interpret technical documents, schematics, and system readings accurately. Relevant technical certifications or vocational training are highly desirable.