Job Title: Head of Datacenter OperationsContract Inside IR35Location:UK-based, preferably in the NorthHybrid role (majority of time to be spent on-site in the North West of England)The RoleThis role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a cutting-edge data centre project that prioritizes sustainability and compliance with international standards. If you have a passion for innovative design and a commitment to environmental responsibility, then this is a role that will allow you to apply that experience and really make a difference to the UK's data infrastructure. You will be creating a Legacy and setting a new benchmark for how data infrastructure should be built and managed.Position OverviewThe Director of Data Centre Operations will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of data centre operations, ensuring the highest standards of performance, sustainability, security, and compliance. This role encompasses power operations, security, cabling, data centre management systems, cooling, environmental factors, customer project installation and management, physical site security (both external and internal), customer-facing IT systems, and takes leadership on adherence to industry standards such as ISO27001, ISO14002, Cyber Essentials, and PCI DSS.The role is responsible for setting the strategic direction and development of our operational environment. The role holder will lead all internal and customer facing initiatives that promote automation of data centre management tasks and will implement best practice including but not limited to utilisation of AI in the operations stack.This role is critical to the success of our business, ensuring that we provide reliable, secure, and efficient services to our customers. The role shapes our customer experience and is pivotal in ensuring operational excellence and referencability of clients.Dimensions of the roleOverall responsibility of a team of 20-25 engineering, operations and systems people. 3-4 direct reports.Budget responsibility: Capex £2-5m, Opex of £8-10mBoard Member reporting to the CEO.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership - lead and develop a team of data centre operations and systems professionals. Mentor and develop team membersRecruitment - recruit a team of experienced data centre operations and systems personnel that will assist in establishing it market credibility and support building a reputation for service in the marketplace both with competitors and clientsESG - responsible for ensuring that the companies data centre comply with and operate to all environmental standards and guidance from UK government, EU regulations or domain service areas ie ASHRAE for cooling. Ensure that there is a strategic programme to keep at the leading edge of capability in this area.Power Operations: Manage and optimize power usage, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and efficiency. Manage cost of power and report to board on utilisation and optimisation activitiesSecurity: Oversee physical and cyber security measures to protect data centre assets and customer data.Cabling: Ensure proper installation and maintenance of cabling infrastructure.Data Centre Management Systems: Implement and manage systems for monitoring and controlling data centre operations.Cooling: Maintain optimal cooling systems to ensure efficient operation and prevent overheating.Environmental Factors: Monitor and manage environmental conditions to ensure compliance with regulations and optimal performance. Ensure there is a programme of continuous improvement in this domain,Customer Project Installation and Management: Oversee the installation and management of customer projects, ensuring timely and successful completion.Physical Site Security: Ensure robust security measures & processes for both external and internal areas of the data centre.Customer-Facing IT Systems: Manage and optimize IT systems that interface with customers.Standards Compliance: Ensure compliance with industry standards such as ISO27001, ISO14002, Cyber Essentials, and PCI DSS. Monitor and create programmes to address emerging standards or for new target marketsMandatory ExperienceData Centre Management: Extensive experience in managing data centre operations, including power, cooling, and security.Security: Proven track record in implementing and managing physical and cyber security measures.Standards Compliance: In-depth knowledge and experience with compliance standards such as ISO27001, ISO14002, Cyber Essentials, and PCI DSS.Project Management: Strong project management skills, with experience in overseeing customer project installations and management.Technical Expertise: Proficiency in data centre management systems, cabling, and customer-facing IT systems.Leadership: Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a diverse team.Desirable ExperienceEnvironmental Management: Experience in managing environmental factors within a data centre.Advanced Certifications: Additional certifications in data centre management, security, or related fields.Innovation and Improvement: Experience in driving innovation and continuous improvement within data centre operations.Customer Relations: Strong customer service skills with experience in managing customer relationships and expectations.Financial Acumen: Experience in budgeting and financial management related to data centre operations.Key CompetenciesAnalytical Thinking: Ability to analyse complex data and make informed decisions.Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address and resolve issues promptly.Collaboration: experience in leading cross functional teams around strategic projects. Demonstrable engagement as part of a senior leadership team shaping strategy and culture of a business.Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders.Attention to Detail: High level of attention to detail to ensure accuracy and compliance.Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing technologies and industry trends.