Summary
AVAR is hiring a Data Center Facility Manager for its on-site team in Abu Dhabi. The role leads 24/7 facility operations, including maintenance, team performance, vendor management, budgets, operational readiness, and responses to critical incidents. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, at least seven years of engineering experience, and at least five years in large-scale facilities or data centers. The successful candidate will bring expertise in data center electrical infrastructure, people leadership, compliance, and operational procedures.
The posting
As published on avarglobal.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Role Overview
As a Data Center Facility Manager, you will play a pivotal role in managing the 24/7 facility operations of our advanced data center. As part of our team in Abu Dhabi, you'll work in an ONSITE environment, ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient functioning of all facility systems and services. You will oversee all aspects of facility planning, maintenance, team performance, vendor management, customer service, compliance, training, and operational readiness, guaranteeing continuous data center availability and strict adherence to security, health, safety, and environmental standards.
Responsibilities
- Manage and lead a team of data center facility engineers and technicians, ensuring optimal performance and operational coverage.
- Oversee daily facility operations, including queue management, 24/7 shift rotations, hardware logistics, and operational activities.
- Develop and implement training programs, coaching initiatives, and certification requirements to maintain technical proficiency.
- Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement across the facility.
- Optimize workflows, processes, and operational throughput for all facets of data center facility activities.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and establish development plans for all facility staff.
- Foster effective working relationships with operations teams and internal stakeholders.
- Prepare, monitor, and manage the facility budget, ensuring delivery within approved financial limits.
- Manage vendor relationships and evaluate vendor performance, service quality, compliance, and delivery.
- Lead responses to large-scale events and facility outages, acting as the designated call leader during critical incidents.
- Oversee facility planning, preventive and corrective maintenance, technical documentation, and records management.
- Coordinate with system managers, technical teams, and vendors for maintenance, repair, and operation of complex systems.
- Supervise regular testing and readiness of primary and backup facility equipment.
- Review, develop, and implement maintenance procedures and ensure compliance with facility standards and procedures.
- Ensure full compliance with all data center facility rules, regulations, procedures, and standards related to security, privacy, health, safety, and the environment.
Must have requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent engineering discipline.
- Minimum 7 years of engineering experience, with at least 5 years in large-scale facilities or data center environments.
- Extensive experience in design, operation, maintenance, and commissioning of data center electrical distribution infrastructure.
- Advanced technical expertise with high-voltage connections, substations, backup generators, switchgear, UPS, and control systems.
- Proven leadership in large, technically complex environments with ability to manage critical operational situations under limited supervision.
- Strong communication skills—verbal and written—for managing sensitive and time-critical operational matters.
- Proven people leadership, including team development, coaching, and performance management.
- Experience with staff training program implementation and performance review processes.
- Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.
- Ability to plan and coordinate 24/7 shift arrangements and operational activities.
- Strong understanding of policies, compliance, SOPs, EOPs, and MOPs for data center operations.
- Knowledge of vendor management and technical supervision.
- Proven track record in budget preparation, monitoring, and management within facilities operations.
- Thorough knowledge of relevant regulations, health and safety requirements, and environmental standards.
Nice to have requirements
- Professional certifications in data center operations or facility management.
- Advanced knowledge of environmental and sustainability best practices for modern data centers.
- Experience preparing operational and executive reports for senior leadership.
- Knowledge of mechanical, low-current, and fire suppression systems specific to data centers.
- Experience with the latest building management and monitoring systems.
- Strong ability to drive process automation and continuous operational improvement initiatives.