Head of Data Centre

About the Company

Our client is a well-established regional leader in engineering and infrastructure solutions with operations across the GCC. The organization delivers innovative, technology-enabled services that support major industrial, commercial, and energy projects, helping clients enhance operational performance, sustainability, and long-term business growth. Due to continued expansion, they are seeking high-caliber professionals to join their team and contribute to the delivery of strategic projects across the region. Job Purpose:As the Country Manager you will be responsible for developing and maintaining a close and healthy client relationship and managing a team comprising over 300 multi disciplined FM services personnel.Your duties will include overview management and service level delivery to a high level for a significant portfolio of data centres within KSA, encompassing primarily grey space as well as IT services, DCIM etc. in the white space.You will also take responsibility for budget management, future contract planning, growth and innovation. You will need excellent communication skills and be experienced in managing client expectations within high-performance DC operational environments, in an extremely pressurised working environment.

Key Responsibilities

Act as single point of contact for the contract with the client, providing close support and communication to the client for all matters of performance and contract obligations.Management of a team of managers and engineers to provide a high quality / tier 1 24/7 service.Provides the team with technical support and advice on complex critical issues. Acts as SME and inputs into team members' training requirements.Reviews specialist contractual reports and activities and internal reporting - Vendor reports, internal reports, KPI’s.Leads the sites in the maintenance and up keeping of all Data center infrastructure according to Up-time standards and all relevant ISO’s as well as KSA technical requirements. Makes recommendations based on knowledge and experience. Advises upon implementation of engineering global standards.Ensure a quality service provision from ‘in house’ and Vendor supplied services via audit checking, advice and guidance.Liaises with other internal support department managers on behalf of the contract.Actively communicates and coordinates activities during DC incidents where SLA breach is under threat.Assists with root cause analysis, incident resolution and makes recommendations for eliminating potential future problems.Holds contract performance reviews with customers, and regular reporting to C-Suite with dashboards for key metrics.Holds negotiations and contract performance reviews with OEM’s and subcontractors.Acts as team lead within major incident activities and ensures correct escalation to all stakeholders.Manages operational budgets.Engage in improvement projects, often requiring reaching out to a variety of support teams and drive them from conception to completion.Understanding confidentiality of Mission Critical business and ensuring personnel adhere to these requirements.Motivate and promote a culture of clear and honest communication to earn customer’s Trust and deliver results.Oversee risk management and risk mitigations within the critical services environment.Provide annual appraisals for direct reports.Ensure the high quality of RCA reports.Ensure the high quality of monthly client performance reporting.Provide innovation/ideas to improve operating efficiencies, energy saving, safety of operations.Manage budgets, P&L responsibility for assigned areaFully engage and get involved with training of staff as well as wider data centre functions, as we develop e.g. introduction of liquid cooling maintenance.SKILLS REQUIRED:15+ years of experience in Facilities Management5+ years in a managerial / multi-site role on hyperscale DC’sStrong knowledge of hard services (M&E, HVAC, electrical systems)Experience in soft services (cleaning, security, landscaping) preferredStrong leadership, clear and concise communication, and stakeholder management skillsExperience working in KSA or GCC region is a requirementPersonal SkillsExcellent spoken English.Client relationship managementFinancial acumen & Operational excellenceHSE compliance focus.Working Knowledge of PC systems, and CAFM Mobile AppsExcellent organizational skills and initiative to learn and take on new responsibilities.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.Good problem-solving skills and ability to meet demanding time constraints.Excels with ambiguous situations as a chance to show leadership.Strong team player with the ability to influence/develop/maintain relationships with internal/external contacts.Articulate, friendly, and diplomatic with the ability to negotiateQUALIFICATIONS:Proven experience in managing teams, including conducting performance appraisals, day-to-day team coordination, and setting objectivesDegree in Engineering, or a related disciplineProfessional certifications such as IFMA, BIFM, CFM, or equivalent & HSE Certifications are a plus. Previous experience of complete management of a team, i.e., giving appraisals, day to day organization & setting objectives.Membership of IEE, IMechE or CIBSE would be preferred (or GCC equivalent).Mission Critical Engineering experience at least 5Yrs (Tier III or IV) accredited is needed with MEP bias.CDCP / CDCMP / ATD will be required.