Posted 6 months ago

Data Center Site Start-Up Manager [Texas]

HoustonRemoteFull-time

AI Summary

Leads mobilization, operational readiness, and cross-functional coordination for new data center site start-ups and acquisitions; ensures timely, compliant go-live and handover to operations.

About this role

Serverfarm is a leading developer and operator of data centers with over 750+ locations and key customer relationships in 45 countries. We're revolutionizing how data centers operate across North America, Western Europe, and Israel, serving the world's leading technology and hyperscale companies. With Manulife Investment Management's acquisition in 2023 and our award-winning InCommand platform we're positioned for explosive growth as AI adoption and cloud migration drive unprecedented demand for data center capacity.

A career at Serverfarm means being at the forefront of digital infrastructure innovation, where your work directly impacts how the world's data is managed and secured. As we target 4x growth over the next four years, you'll have unprecedented opportunities to take on new challenges, develop cutting-edge skills, and grow your career across our expanding global operations.

Join our team of innovators and help shape the future of sustainable data centers while building a career without boundaries.

Serverfarm is seeking an experienced Data Center Mobilization Manager to lead the mobilization of new data center operations, either through greenfield site start-ups or the transition of acquired data centers into the Serverfarm operating model. The ideal candidate will be a Program Manager with experience in data center MEP Operations startup.

The role acts on behalf of the business to ensure operational readiness, risk control, and seamless handover into Business-as-Usual operations. Working cross-functionally with Development, Finance, Procurement, People, Product, and third-party service providers, the Mobilization Manager will coordinate, track, and assure all mobilization activities and deliverables through to formal acceptance and handover to the site operational delivery team.

Key Accountabilities

Mobilization Strategy & Governance

Lead the mobilization strategy for new data center deployments and acquisitions.

Agree Acceptance Criteria for each subsystem and area with Operations Engineering / Development.

Establish mobilization plans, governance structures, and milestones.

Track progress against program timelines and ensure readiness for go-live and handover.

Cross-Functional Coordination

Function as the central mobilization interface across Development, Finance, Procurement, People, Product, and Operations

Coordinate internal teams and third-party partners to ensure all mobilization deliverables are aligned and complete.

Ensure mobilization activities support Serverfarm’ s commercial, operational, and customer objectives.

Operational Readiness & Assurance

Ensure all critical infrastructure is delivered, commissioned, and transitioned in line with Serverfarm design standards, availability targets, and redundancy philosophies.

Confirm readiness for 24/7 mission-critical operations in alignment with contracted customer obligations as part of handover to site operations.

Define and assure the target operational model in line with Serverfarm standards.

Ensure staffing models, training, and competency requirements are met prior to handover.

Review and approve operational documentation including SOPs, MOPs, and EOPs

Lead readiness reviews and formal go-live approvals.

Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards including NEC, NFPA, IEEE, CSA (Canada), and local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.

Confirm electrical switching procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and emergency operating procedures are in place and validated.

Ensure cooling designs support current and future IT loads, redundancy requirements, and operational efficiency targets.

Review commissioning results, seasonal testing strategies, and mechanical failure response procedures.

Supplier & Transition Management

Define and mobilize suppliers required to meet warranties and Service Level Agreements.

Function as the primary point of governance with incoming and outgoing suppliers

Ensure contract obligations, KPIs, SLAs, and mobilization requirements are met.

Support acquisition transitions, including staff transfer oversight where applicable.

Assets, Systems & Data Integration

Oversee validation of asset registers, O&M documentation, warranties, and maintenance strategies.

Ensure MQTT telemetry data is available on time to operational systems.

Ensure BMS, EPMS, CMMS, & reporting tools are configured to Serverfarm standards.

Support lifecycle planning and fulfilment of critical spare obligations.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Establish and enforce Serverfarm HSE standards across all contractors, FM providers, and vendors during mobilization.

Ensure compliance with all applicable OSHA (US), provincial/state safety regulations (Canada), NFPA, NEC, CSA, and local AHJ requirements.

Ensure clear HSE governance, roles, responsibilities, and escalation routes are defined and communicated.

Review and approve risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work.

Support audits, regulatory compliance, and assurance reviews.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

Ensure site emergency plans are developed, tested, and aligned with local emergency services.

Support emergency drills, tabletop exercises, and failure scenario simulations.

Validate emergency communications, evacuation procedures, and muster arrangements.

Training, Competency & Safety Culture

Ensure safety training and certification requirements are defined and met prior to go-live.

Promote a strong safety-first culture across all mobilization activities.

Encourage proactive hazard identification and continuous safety improvement.

Environmental & Sustainability Compliance

Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to fuel storage, refrigerants, spill prevention, waste management, and emissions.

Oversee spill response planning and environmental incident readiness.

Support alignment with Serverfarm sustainability and ESG commitments.

Handover to Operations

Lead the structured handover from mobilization into steady-state site operations.

Confirm performance reporting, governance, and escalation frameworks are embedded.

Support early-life operational stabilization and lessons-learned reviews.

Required Skills

Essential

Proven experience in data center site start-ups, mobilization, or operational transitions.

Strong understanding of mission-critical data center operations and risk management.

Experience operating in a client-side or owner-operator role.

Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination skills.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex transitions without service disruption.

Strong Program Management experience

Desirable

Experience supporting data center acquisitions and integrations.

Knowledge of FM service models and supplier governance

Familiarity with DCIM, CMMS, and operational reporting platforms.

Personal Attributes

Highly organized with strong attention to detail.

Calm and decisive in live, high-risk environments.

Confident, challenging suppliers and driving accountability.

Collaborative, pragmatic, and delivery focused.

Travel

Role involves significant travel (approximately 70%)

Skills

BMSCMMSCSAData Center MEP OperationsData Center Site Start-upsDCIMEPMSFM Service ModelsIEEELOTONECNFPAOSHAProgram/project ManagementSupplier And Vendor Management