Director of Data Center Operations

Hunton Services , a division of Hunton Group , is seeking a Director of Data Center Operations to lead the transition of a large-scale, mission-critical data center from commissioning through hypercare and into steady-state operations. This role serves as the operational leader responsible for stabilizing critical infrastructure, building scalable processes, and establishing a high-performing 24/7 operations team. The Director will play a key role in transforming a newly built environment into a structured, reliable, and repeatable operation. This is not a traditional facilities or maintenance role-this position sits at the intersection of construction, commissioning, and full operations, requiring a leader who can successfully operate in that transition space. Come work for an industry leader recognized both locally and nationally as one of the Top Places to Work !

Responsibilities:

Hypercare & System Stabilization Lead system stabilization efforts following commissioning, ensuring reliable and consistent operations Drive alarm rationalization, redundancy validation, and KPI baseline development Partner with commissioning teams to support transition into operational ownership Build and lead a 24/7 operations organization, including supervisors and technical staff Establish structure, accountability, and operational discipline across shift teams Develop operating rhythms, escalation protocols, and performance expectations Develop and implement preventative maintenance (PM) programs and standard operating procedures (SOPs) Oversee daily system monitoring, logs, and early-stage maintenance activities Ensure long-term asset reliability and operational readiness Provide leadership across central plant systems (HVAC, chilled water) and supporting infrastructure Maintain awareness of electrical systems, power distribution, and redundancy (N+1, 2N concepts) Ensure coordination between mechanical and electrical systems in a mission-critical environment Establish KPIs, dashboards, and reporting processes to drive operational transparency Monitor system performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement Transition operations from reactive to structured, data-driven performance management Serve as the primary operational interface with the client Support the transition from project-based support to full operational ownership Collaborate with internal leadership to align operations with long-term business goals

Required Qualifications :

8+ years of experience in data center operations, mission-critical facilities, or industrial/central plant environments. Proven experience leading 24/7 operations teams in high-availability environments. Background supporting commissioning, startup, or system stabilization environments. Strong knowledge of HVAC / chilled water / central plant systems, electrical infrastructure, and redundancy concepts. Experience developing Preventative maintenance programs SOPs and operational procedures KPI tracking and reporting systems

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in data center or critical facilities environments Exposure to

BMS / CMMS

systems, alarm management, and system monitoring tools Experience working in hypercare or post-construction stabilization environments Familiarity with redundancy design (N+1, 2N) and uptime-critical systems Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field (or equivalent experience) Why This Role is Unique This position is not limited to maintenance or operations alone-it is a bridge role responsible for guiding a facility from construction commissioning hypercare steady-state operations. The Director will have the opportunity to build the operational foundation from the ground up, directly impacting the long-term success and reliability of a large-scale data center.