Vice President of Data Center Operations

The Role: Vice President, Data Center Operations

The Vice President of Data Center Operations is accountable for operational performance, reliability, and compliance across assigned Switch campuses.

You lead critical systems operations in a 24/7 mission-critical environment and are responsible for maintaining continuous uptime, regulatory compliance, and operational discipline.

This role sets operational standards, develops leaders, manages budgets, and ensures infrastructure performance meets Switch expectations and client requirements. You report to the SVP of Data Center Operations.

What You’ll Do

• Lead critical systems operations across assigned campuses or Prime locations
• Establish and enforce operational standards to maintain continuous uptime
• Oversee monitoring, maintenance, and lifecycle management of electrical and mechanical infrastructure
• Drive long- and short-term operational planning, including cost control and capital planning input
• Develop department structure, roles, succession planning, and technical training programs
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, safety standards, and industry audits
• Oversee commissioning, reporting, and operational readiness processes
• Partner with Construction and Engineering to support campus expansion and infrastructure upgrades
• Maintain executive-level reporting on operational performance, risk exposure, and resource planning
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients, vendors, contractors, and regulatory stakeholders
• Lead vendor management strategy, performance reviews, and contract oversight
• Ensure adherence to safety requirements and OSHA standards across multi-megawatt facilities
• Support business development efforts as needed to reinforce operational credibility
• Respond to major incidents and provide executive leadership during critical events

What We’re Looking For

• Executive-level operational judgment in high-availability environments
• Ability to lead large, multi-disciplinary teams across regions
• Clear and direct communicator with experience reporting to senior leadership
• Strong risk management mindset with disciplined decision-making under pressure
• Ability to balance uptime, safety, cost control, and long-term infrastructure strategy
• Leader who builds accountability, ownership, and technical excellence within teams
• Comfortable operating in a 24/7 environment with emergency response expectations

What You’ll Bring

Required:

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in critical facilities, data center operations, or similar high-availability infrastructure environments
• 5+ years of senior leadership experience overseeing multi-site or large-scale operations
• Strong background in electrical and mechanical systems used in mission-critical environments
• Experience managing operational budgets and capital planning inputs
• Deep understanding of safety standards and regulatory compliance in multi-megawatt facilities
• Ability to interpret blueprints, schematics, electrical drawings, and infrastructure documentation

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Electronic Engineering, or related field
• Relevant industry certifications
• Experience with DCIM, BMS, and facility monitoring systems
• Experience supporting large-scale construction or expansion programs

Operational Requirements:

• 24/7 availability for emergency response
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required
• Ability to work near live electrical and mechanical systems
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform site walk-throughs, ladder climbing, and equipment inspections