Operations Manager (Data Center)
Operations Manager, APAC (Data Center)
Location: Singapore
Position Overview
The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a portfolio of mission-critical data center facilities across the Asia-Pacific region. This role ensures the reliable operation, maintenance, and performance of critical infrastructure systems while maintaining the highest standards of safety, operational excellence, and customer service.
This role will lead facility operations teams, drive infrastructure reliability initiatives, and support the implementation of operational best practices across multiple data center locations.
The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, project delivery, and vendor management teams to ensure facilities operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all operational, regulatory, and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Operations Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and oversee facility operations teams responsible for the maintenance and operation of critical and non-critical infrastructure systems.
- Ensure preventive and corrective maintenance activities are executed in accordance with established operational standards and procedures.
- Develop, mentor, and support operations personnel through training, coaching, and technical guidance.
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure seamless operations within a 24/7 mission-critical environment.
- Data Center Operations & Infrastructure Reliability
- Maintain optimal operating performance of all critical facility infrastructure to support uninterrupted service delivery.
- Implement and enforce Sequences of Operation (SOO), Methods of Procedure (MOP), and operational governance frameworks.
- Monitor facility performance and respond promptly to operational incidents, alarms, and system abnormalities.
- Coordinate planned maintenance activities while minimizing operational risk and customer impact.
- Support the achievement of service level agreements (SLAs) and operational performance targets.
- Engineering & Operational Readiness
- Partner with engineering and project teams during the design, construction, and commissioning phases of new facilities and expansions.
- Participate in commissioning processes, including Integrated System Testing (IST), to ensure operational readiness.
- Identify opportunities for infrastructure optimization and continuous improvement.
- Ensure operational documentation, procedures, and asset records are complete prior to facility handover.
- Operational Efficiency & Financial Management
- Support budget planning and management activities relating to facility operations.
- Assist in monitoring operational expenditures and identifying opportunities for cost optimization.
- Drive process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, asset utilization, and reliability.
- Support long-term maintenance planning and lifecycle management initiatives.
- Incident Management, Compliance & Safety
- Lead operational response activities during critical incidents, outages, and infrastructure failures.
- Oversee incident reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements.
- Promote and maintain a strong safety culture across all operational teams and contractors.
- Ensure adherence to established operational risk management processes.
- Vendor & Contractor Management
- Manage maintenance contractors, service providers, and key equipment vendors supporting critical infrastructure systems.
- Ensure external parties comply with operational procedures, safety standards, and service requirements.
- Build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to support operational objectives.
- Monitor vendor performance and service delivery quality.
Requirements
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Facilities Engineering, or a related discipline.
Experience
- Minimum 7-12 years of experience within data center operations, critical facilities, or mission-critical infrastructure environments.
- Experience supporting hyperscale data centers or hyperscale cloud customers is highly preferred.
- Proven experience managing electrical, mechanical, and building infrastructure systems within critical facilities.
- Demonstrated experience leading operations teams across multiple sites or regional portfolios.
- Experience managing both CAPEX and OPEX budgets within infrastructure-intensive environments.
- Hands-on experience with commissioning activities, Integrated System Testing (IST), and operational readiness programs.
- Strong understanding of mission-critical M&E infrastructure, including:
- High-voltage electrical systems
- UPS systems
- Generators
- Power distribution systems
- Cooling infrastructure (ACMV/CRAC)
- Fire detection and suppression systems
- Building Management Systems (BMS)
- Experience supporting construction, installation, testing, commissioning, and defect management activities.
- Proven ability to manage contractors, consultants, and service providers within operationally sensitive environments.
Language
- Strong English communication skills required.
- Mandarin language capability is preferred to support engagement with stakeholders and partners across North Asia, including Taiwan.
Certifications
Professional certifications are advantageous, including:
- Certified Facility Manager (CFM)
- Data Center Operations Certifications
- Critical Facilities Management Certifications
- Relevant Engineering or Infrastructure-related certifications
Core Competencies
Operational Leadership
Ability to effectively lead and develop operations teams within a mission-critical environment while maintaining high standards of performance and accountability.
Technical Problem Solving
Strong analytical capability to identify root causes, troubleshoot infrastructure issues, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Operational Discipline
Commitment to following established procedures, maintenance standards, and operational governance frameworks with precision and consistency.
Stakeholder Management & Collaboration
Ability to work effectively with engineering teams, project stakeholders, customers, contractors, and vendors to achieve operational objectives and maintain service reliability.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit an application along with an updated CV of yours detailing your relevant experience to this job ad.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Recruitment Consultant: Ken Tan
EA Registration No: R22111317
EA License No: 16S8194
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