Site Start-Up Manager

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.
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• 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%)