Data Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

About Coresite-

At CoreSite, we empower a more connected future through high-performance data centers and interconnection solutions. Recognized as a trusted partner in digital transformation, our strategically located facilities and innovative services enable businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
Our culture is defined by operational excellence and a relentless drive for innovation. We foster a collaborative environment where every team member is valued, wins are celebrated as a team, and ownership is part of our DNA. At CoreSite, we’re not just building state-of-the-art infrastructure—we’re creating a community of forward-thinkers committed to solving complex challenges and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

At CoreSite not only are we Committed to Excellence, but we also Build Connections, Own It, Do the Right Thing, Have Fun, and Win as a Team. Join us and be part of a team that is shaping the future of digital infrastructure while nurturing your professional growth and success.

Manager - Data Center Operations Role:
We are currently hiring for the 2nd Shift 2pm - 10:30pm Monday - Friday

The Manager - Data Center Operations must possess an expert level of knowledge and will be responsible for the operational integrity and regulatory compliance of the data center electrical, mechanical, fire life safety systems, and communications infrastructure.
Mechanical responsibilities will include chilled water systems and components, HVAC systems such as roof top units, CRAC/CRAH units, and humidification systems.
Electrical responsibilities will include electrical/critical power distribution from the Utility/Generator main switchgear through the UPS systems out to the customer load.
Fire Life Safety responsibilities will include wet sprinkler systems and pre-action sprinkler systems as well as their associated detection devices.

Communications Infrastructure responsibilities will include IDF / MDF / MMR management, structured cabling and supporting infrastructure ownership, and customer space management.
The Manager - Data Center Operations is responsible for vendor management inclusive of daily work as well as service contracts. Project management experience is required as the manager will be responsible for managing all aspect of projects from conception to completion. The employee will also be accountable for commissioning activities within the data center. The position requires expert ability in MOP writing.

This position will also be directly responsible operational efficiency and energy management within the data center. The manager will be expected to develop and implement operational strategies aimed at improving data center efficiencies without increasing uptime risk to the customer. A Data Center Manager is also responsible for ensuring the facility adheres to all compliance and audit requirements as well as company and industry standards.

The Manager - Data Center Operations will be a training instructor and assist the Data Center Senior Manager in ensuring all technicians are qualified within the data center. The Data Center Manager will ensure technicians are aware of all code and standards revisions.
The Manager - Data Center Operations will assist the Data Center Senior Manager and Market director in developing financial OPEX and CAPEX budgets and forecasts. The manager will model proposed project ROI. Responsibility for procurement fulfillment including developing scopes, obtaining proposals, creating purchasing requisitions and ensuring invoices are paid rests with the technician.
The Manager - Data Center Operations is a people manager who will serve the role of shift manager. The individual must possess strong management and interpersonal skills. The Manager - Data Center Operations is responsible for evaluations and coaching of his or her direct reports. The manager is to work closely with the Senior Manager - Data Center Operations to ensure all staff is trained and qualified. Regular team and individual meetings are required.

Duties:
Data center subject matter expert for electrical, mechanical, and fire life safety systems.
Operate, monitor, maintain, and respond to abnormal conditions in facilities systems. Areas include: Electrical, Mechanical, Building Monitoring, and Control.
Tracking and trending site efficiencies and energy consumption.
Ensure data center operates at maximum operational efficiency, including analyzing existing operating conditions, recommending new technologies, and improving overall efficiency and cost reduction. Ideal candidate will have a demonstrated technical ability and innovative thinking cross functionally, including integrated systems and IT
People manager responsible for assigning shifts, works, approving time off, etc.
Training and mentoring of junior staff.
Work with technicians and vendors to ensure preventive and predicative maintenance schedules are met and maintenance is completed on time.
Work with, and provides guidance, to the site Data Center Operations Manager to determine maintenance requirements for mechanical and electrical systems.
Manage vendor relationships and service contracts.
Manage vendor procurement and billing process.
Site budgeting and forecasting both CapEx and OpEx.
Create highly detailed technical procedures for maintenance events, emergency situations, standard site evolutions, etc.
Expert technical review of procedures
Expert technical review of company standards and policies
Manage site audits both internal and external
Adherence to compliance standards
Manage systems to avoid unplanned, customer-impacting outages
Manage the data floor and back of house mechanical loading capacity thereby ensuring that the cooling system is operating at its highest efficiency
Provide applied mechanical and integrated control expertise for the entire data center
Navigate and utilize a CMMS system.
Ensures that processes are completed in a timely manner pertaining to Service Level Agreements (SLA) and data is uploaded to the OSS accordingly.
Provide day-to-day exceptional customer service and support.
On-call availability may be required to respond to emergency situations at the data center
Adhere to and promote CoreSite’s Principles of Operational Excellence
Promote and demonstrate the behaviors consistent with CoreSite’s culture and 8 Guiding Principles
Special projects as assigned
Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Interaction with Others-
This position is required to interact with Coresite personnel, vendors, partners, contractors and clients.

Work Attributes-
Knowledge
Expert understanding of the electrical and mechanical systems used in a data center environment, including, but not limited to the following: electrical distribution and layout, Transformers, PLC’s, Generators, Switchgear, UPS systems, STS’, ATS’ PDU’s, Chilled Water Systems, CRAC/CRAH’s, Pre-Action Sprinkler Systems
Expert knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, NFPA 72, NFPA 25, and compliance issues as well as building codes in regard to fire life safety
Expert knowledge of fiber optics / cabling infrastructure and industry best practices.
Expert knowledge in industrial safety best practices (i.e. lockout/tag out, arc flash protection, OSHA and state regulations)
Expert knowledge and experienced with data trending / tracking and analysis and ability to rapidly learn and use PC based, integrated critical monitoring systems
Expert knowledge of energy efficiency best practices.
Proficient in Electrical, Mechanical, Protection, and controls systems commissioning.

Skills-
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience installing, maintaining, and/or troubleshooting large commercial and industrial systems including:
Chilled Water Systems
Large Centrifugal Chillers
Cooling Towers
Heat Exchangers
Water Treatment Systems
VFD’s and Pumps
HVAC equipment
CRAC/CRAH’s
Humidification Systems
BMS and PLC Controls
Emergency Standby Diesel Generator Systems
Fuel/Oil systems,
480/277 and 208/120 electrical generation and distribution
Static UPS Systems
Double Interlock Pre-Action Systems
Experienced people manager
Proven leadership skills.
Experienced vendor management skills including service contract management.
Experienced project management skills, including budgeting, time tracking, schedule creation, scope development, contract management
Proven skills in facility budgeting and forecasting.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)

Abilities-

Ability to communicate effectively with customers and internal staff.
Ability to coordinate, supervise and communicate with contractors who perform maintenance or upgrade work on these systems.
Ability to learn quickly and address issues as they arise during normal working hours or after hours.
Ability to operate in and promote a rigorous process-driven team environment
Ability to logically analyze and solve problems
Ability to effectively multi-task multiple projects
Operate Hand and Machine Tools (hammer, drill, saw, etc.)
Operate electrical tools such as a multi-meter or infrared camera

Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent time in rate.
7 or more years in a mechanical/electrical position within critical facilities (preference given to a data center, hospital, or power plant experience)
3-5 years’ experience in administering and managing facility preventative maintenance programs and budgets.
3-5 years’ experience in vendor and project management
3-5 years’ experience in technical procedure and policy writing.
3-5 years’ experience in people management
Be able to pass an extensive background check, including criminal history, personal references, employment and education verifications, and Department of Motor Vehicle and credit check.

Physical Demands and special requirements-

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to stand 1/3 – 2/3 of the time
Ability to walk 1/3 – 2/3 of the time
Ability to sit 1/3 – 2/3 of the time
Ability to climb and balance 1/3 – 2/3 of the time
Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl 1/3 – 2/3 of the time
Ability to reach with hands & arms 1/3 – 2/3 of the time
Ability to smell, talk & hear
Ability to use hands to type, handle & feel
Ability to reach with hands and arms
Ability to see at close and distance ranges and the ability to see color
Must be comfortable working in a high stress, fast paced environment with shifting priorities
Must be willing to work outside normal business hours, including weekends, late nights, holidays, and on-call support
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds 1/3 of the time

Compensation:
Compensation for this role includes a base salary between $125,000 and $135,000 annually. This role is also eligible for an annual bonus and equity, based upon individual and company performance.

Benefits-

Not only does CoreSite have a fun, team-focused work environment, but we also offer great benefits to all employees regularly scheduled to work more than 20 hours a week!
First-day medical insurance through Cigna with generous premium cost coverage
Dental insurance through Delta Dental
Vision insurance through VSP
Telemedicine through MDLive for Cigna
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA) plans
Health saving account (HSA) plans for employees participating in the High Deductible Health Plan
Life, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance fully paid by the company
Voluntary coverage benefits for supplemental life, critical illness, accident, and hospital insurance
First-day eligibility for 401(k) savings plan through Fidelity, which includes an attractive matching company contribution with a 5% company match
Discretionary annual bonus and equity incentive plan
Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) with a 15% discount
16 days of paid time off (PTO), 11 paid company holidays, and additional floating holidays
Additional paid time off for school events, elder care, volunteering, bereavement, jury duty, voting, parental leave, and disability leave
Free parking or a company contribution toward a public transit pass

Additional Perks-

Wellness Reimbursement Program: Yearly stipend of $500 for employees and $300 for dependents, up to $800 total for the family
Wellness Incentive Program: Participate in various wellbeing activities to earn up to $450 per year in cash incentives
Technology Stipend: $100 monthly stipend
Educational Reimbursement Program: Work-related learning and development with reimbursement on qualifying degree programs, up to $5,250 per year
Giving Back: Charitable donation matches up to $5,000 per year and nominate organizations for Company Foundation grants
Financial Management: Access to financial coaching, digital tools, and services to manage and pay student loan debt quicker
Pet Insurance: Keep your furry friends healthy and happy
Family Planning: Benefits and services related to fertility, pregnancy, menopause, adoption and surrogacy
Employee Assistance Program: 24x7 service to support family, work, money, health, legal and life challenges
Counseling and Caregiving Programs: Including access to mental health services, licensed counselors, and caregiving tools including membership for finding care
Referral Bonus: Receive a $3,000 cash bonus if referred candidate is hired and meets eligibility requirements
Discounts: Discounts, cash back offers, and perks on thousands of brands
LinkedIn Learning Membership: Support your development when accessing LinkedIn’s online library of courses and videos

General Statements -
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Please note that all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and, where permitted by law, a 5-panel drug test conducted after the offer letter is signed, which will screen for THC, opiates, PCP, cocaine, and amphetamines. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Applicant Privacy Notice: CoreSite is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information submitted by applicants. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) requires us to provide you information about our personal information handling practices. As a result, we’re providing this Privacy Notice that describes how we collect, use, share, and update personal information from individuals who wish to be considered for employment with CoreSite. To read the Applicant Privacy Notice, please go to https://www.coresite.com/applicant-privacy-notice.
Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this job posting on external sites is prohibited without prior written consent from CoreSite.
We are not responsible for any postings or offers not originating from our official channels or approved partners.