Data Center Operations Lead

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.  

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong.  Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.

Shaping the future of real estate for a better world!

At JLL, we see a Brighter Way forward for our clients, our people, our planet, and our communities. With over 200 years of real estate experience, we are, and always have been, in continual pursuit of brighter ways of working.

We bring to life see a Brighter Way in all that we do by seeking better, smarter, more innovative ways of working. We approach our work in a warmer, more optimistic, and inclusive way.

JLL is a global leader in helping clients envision where people live, work, play, shop, and eat.

Benefits:

• 18 weeks paid parental leave for Primary Carer after 6 months of service
• Private Health Insurance Discounts
• Gym & Wellbeing Discounts
• Employee assistance program
• Health & Beauty Discounts
• Novated Lease for EV Cars
• ‘You Days’ – 2 extra leave days!
• Ongoing training & development
• Enjoy complimentary coffee at the JLL Head office.

What this job involves:

The Data Centers / Critical Environment Operations Lead, Australia acts as the pivotal subject matter expert for DC / critical environment / white space operations. This role is responsible for operational excellence and financial performance in our ongoing DC engagements and acting as an SME for data center / critical facilities / white space operations in our DC / DC Account Management platform across the region.

This individual will oversee multiple JLL teams, across multiple accounts, to deliver world-class, resilient, and efficient operations for our clients' most critical assets. The role is focused on driving growth, ensuring 100% uptime, managing risk, and fostering innovation in sustainability and technology within the critical environment space. He / she manages technical experts and provides direction to ensure best-in-class critical environment building operation through various forums and manuals.

Ensures accounts maintain building systems safety, compliance, and uptime.

Focuses on safety, leadership, people management, compliance, human experience, efficiency, and delivery of work as agreed in the master service agreement(s) with the client(s).

Main Duties:

Operational Excellence & Risk Management

• Establish, maintain and enforce the highest standards for operational delivery across all client sites, with a primary focus on safety, resiliency, and 100% uptime.
• Oversee the implementation of JLL and Client global best practices, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Methods of Procedure (MOPs).
• Ensure JLL teams deliver to the regional risk management framework, including incident management, root cause analysis (RCA), and business continuity planning (BCP).
• Ensure all operations comply with local and international regulations, industry standards (e.g., Uptime Institute), and client-specific requirements.

Client relationship and support

• Serve as a key contact: Act as liaison between the JLL DC platform, DC Account Directors, and JLL’s clients to ensure smooth communication and a strong relationship.
• Build long-term relationships: Foster trust, respect, and value by building and maintaining strong professional relationships with key clients.
• Understand client needs: Proactively identify and understand both the short and long-term needs and goals of the client.
• Provide customer support: Address client queries, manage complaints, and provide support to ensure client satisfaction.
• Advocate for the client: Act as the client's advocate internally to ensure their needs are met and to improve the overall client experience. 

Business growth and strategy

• Drive revenue growth: Together with the Account Director, identify and act on opportunities for upselling and cross-selling to increase the value of existing accounts.
• Negotiate contracts: Manage and negotiate contract terms to achieve a balance between client satisfaction and company profitability.
• Give inputs to strategic plans: Co-create account plans and long-term strategies focused on client retention and growth.
• Monitor account performance: Track team / account performance against targets and provide data-driven insights and recommendations. 

Internal coordination and reporting

• Collaborate with internal teams: Work with departments like engineering, projects, sales, etc. to ensure client needs are met and solutions are delivered effectively.
• Report on account status: Compile and present reports on account health, progress, and performance to management and other stakeholders.
• Provide client feedback: Gather customer feedback to inform operational improvements, product development and sales strategies. 

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing regional team of subject matter experts, and critical facility / DC ops managers.
• Foster a culture of safety, continuous improvement, collaboration, and accountability.
• Champion talent development initiatives, including technical training programs, succession planning, and career pathing for critical environment professionals.
• Build a diverse and inclusive team that reflects our company values.

Innovation & Sustainability

• Drive the adoption of new technologies to enhance efficiency and reliability.
• Lead or give inputs to sustainability initiatives for clients, focusing on energy efficiency, Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) optimization, water conservation, and renewable energy integration.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and innovations, positioning our firm as a thought leader in the data center operations field.

Sound like you? This is what we’re looking for:

• Leadership & Soft Skills
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in critical facilities management, with at least 5 years specifically in data center operations.
• Proven track record in DC operations across the Asia Pacific region.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field is preferred.
• Expert-level knowledge of critical infrastructure, including UPS systems, generators, switchgear, chillers, and fire suppression systems.
• Strong understanding of data center design, commissioning, and white space / operational best practices.

• Industry certifications such as Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP),
• Deep understanding of APAC data center industry dynamics
• Data center or mission-critical facilities experience with understanding of Operational requirements, Technology infrastructure and Industry-specific challenges
• Previous experience managing geographically distributed teams or stakeholders across multiple time zones and cultural contexts

What you can expect from us:

As an organisation, we don’t just accept that we are a place of many different people, but we embrace it, we celebrate it, and we proactively support the needs that difference brings. JLL is committed to equal opportunity and building an inclusive workplace. 

This is why, for more than a decade, we continue to rank among the World’s Most Ethical Companies. We support applications from all underrepresented groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBT+, people with disability and people of all age, religions and race.

We are dedicated to offering veterans from all ranks and services a successful civilian career as they transition out of the military. We recognise and appreciate the skills acquired in their service careers as vital and transferable to our workforce.

Apply today, quoting job reference number LMREQ534883

Location:

On-site –Sydney, NSW

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements.  We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.

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Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.  If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process –  you may email us at [email protected]. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to ourContact Us page > I want to work for JLL.