Data Center Operations Manager at cologix

About Our Company: Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Cologix is a leading North America network-neutral interconnection and hyperscale edge data center company. Our platform gives customers access to 45+ digital edge and Scalelogix℠ hyperscale edge data centers in 13 markets across the United States and Canada along with a carrier-dense ecosystem of 710+ networks, 360+ cloud providers, 35+ onramps and seven Internet exchanges. We provide our nearly 2,000 customers with direct access to our local operations teams, resulting in strong partnerships enabled by exceptional operational support and unparalleled customer service. Backed by one of the largest North American infrastructure funds, Cologix's experienced leadership team, certified staff and commitment to ESG initiatives help form a culture that values our people, our environment and our clients. About the Position Cologix is seeking a Data Center Operations Manager to lead 24x7 operations across our Columbus data center facilities. This role is responsible for the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of mission-critical environments while building and leading a high-performing, accountable operations team. The Data Center Operations Manager ensures disciplined execution of operational standards, structured change management, strong interconnection governance, and reliable site readiness across electrical, mechanical, and telecommunications domains. This leader partners closely with Infrastructure, Engineering, IT, Security, and cross-functional teams to deliver industry-leading uptime and customer experience. Success in this role requires strong technical acumen, operational rigor, and the ability to lead and develop non-exempt personnel across multiple shifts in a 24x7 environment. What You Do Daily: • Lead all aspects of 24x7 data center operations across assigned facilities. • Develop and manage shift schedules to ensure consistent coverage and operational continuity. • Establish clear performance expectations and drive accountability across shifts. • Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance evaluations, and development planning. • Foster a culture of professionalism, ownership, documentation discipline, and structured shift turnover. • Evaluate staffing models, overtime utilization, and contractor support to ensure operational effectiveness. Mission-Critical Operations & Infrastructure Stewardship • Ensure reliable daily operation of mission-critical electrical, mechanical, and supporting infrastructure systems. • Partner with Infrastructure and Engineering teams to coordinate repair and recurring maintenance activities, ensuring safe execution and minimal operational or customer impact. • Participate in structured change management processes and provide operational approval for site-impacting maintenance activities. • Ensure strict adherence to site-specific MOPs, SOPs, and EOPs. • Maintain accurate and up-to-date site documentation including capacity tracking, power distribution records, cabinet layouts, and related operational documentation. • Maintain real-time awareness of space, power, and cooling capacity and actively contribute to capacity planning discussions and decisions. Customer & Interconnection Operations • Plan and coordinate new customer installations including cage designs, cabinet assignments, and power provisioning. • Oversee execution of customer installations, expansions, moves, adds, and decommissions. • Ensure disciplined execution and documentation of customer work orders within the ticketing system. • Maintain accountability for Meet-Me Room (MMR) operations and governance of fiber and copper cross-connect workflows. • Ensure restoration coordination, labeling accuracy, and documentation integrity in a multi-tenant, carrier-neutral environment. • Promote structured cabling standards and best practices aligned with TIA/BICSI guidance. • Oversee remote hands services, incident response support, and participation in IT and Security-related activities as operational partners. • Participate in customer tours and support pre-sales operational and technical discussions. Change Management, Incident Response & Operational Governance • Reinforce structured change management practices to ensure safe, organized, and well-documented site activity. • Lead operational coordination during incidents impacting safety, uptime, customer service, or site readiness. • Ensure clear escalation, accurate communication, and disciplined follow-through. • Participate in operational reviews and manage to defined performance metrics. • Analyze operational data to identify trends, mitigate risk, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Safety & Compliance • Champion a safety-first culture aligned with OSHA and company safety standards. • Coordinate vendor activities including maintenance contractors and service providers to ensure compliance with site procedures. • Ensure operational readiness during weather events and off-hours conditions. • Participate in site audits and operational reviews to reinforce compliance and governance standards. • Maintain high standards of cleanliness and professional site presentation. What Makes You a Good Fit (Qualifications): • 5+ years of experience in data center, colocation, telecommunications, or mission-critical facility operations. • 2+ years leading technical teams in a 24x7 environment. • Demonstrated experience leading operations in mission-critical facilities with complex electrical and mechanical infrastructure, including generators, ATS, UPS systems, switchgear, power distribution, chillers, and cooling systems. • Experience operating within multi-tenant or carrier-neutral data center environments. • Working knowledge of structured cabling systems, fiber/copper cross-connect workflows, and interconnection services. • Ability to read and interpret single-line diagrams and technical documentation. • Experience with change management, incident response, and structured operational processes. • Proven ability to lead non-exempt technical teams with consistency and professionalism. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Preferred • Experience in colocation and interconnection-focused facilities. • Familiarity with NFPA 70E and electrical safety best practices. • Familiarity with TIA-942 and/or BICSI structured cabling standards. • Experience contributing to capacity planning and operational performance metrics management. Leadership Profile • The successful candidate: • Demonstrates sound judgment in high-pressure situations. • Builds credibility and trust with frontline technicians and cross-functional partners. • Balances operational rigor with coaching and team development. • Communicates clearly and consistently across all levels of the organization. • Drives accountability while maintaining a professional and respectful work environment. • Understands that effective data center operations require stewardship of power, cooling, and connectivity — with disciplined execution across all three. What Success Looks Like • Strong operational execution with minimal repeat incidents. • High team engagement and clear shift accountability. • Consistent adherence to safety, procedural, and change management standards. • Accurate and disciplined execution of interconnection and customer installation activities. • Reliable site readiness across all facilities. • A team that takes ownership of the full site — power, cooling, and connectivity. ***Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or transfer sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT.*** NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization. Cologix is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.  If you need assistance in applying for any of our open positions, please contact us at [Upgrade to PRO to see contact] or call 720-940-2551.  The California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) creates privacy rights relating to the collection, sale, disclosure, and deletion of consumers’ personal information. The CCPA requires businesses to provide consumers, including job applicants and employees, with information about their rights, including a description of the categories of personal information to be collected and the purpose for which the information will be used. For additional information regarding your rights, including a description of the categories of personal information to be collected and the purpose for which the information will be used, please see [Upgrade to PRO to see link] Cologix’ data centers are ISO 27001:2022 and ISO 14001:2015 certified. These certifications demonstrate Cologix’s commitment to both information security and environmental stewardship. At Cologix, protecting information assets and minimizing environmental impacts are everyone’s responsibility. Cologix employees are responsible for: • Understanding and following Cologix’s information security, cybersecurity, privacy, and environmental management policies, procedures, and standards. • Ensuring conformance with the requirements of both the Information Security Management System (ISMS) and the Environmental Management System (EMS). • Remaining vigilant and reporting any information security or environmental incidents, vulnerabilities, risks, or non-conformities to the appropriate teams. • Actively participating in Cologix’s efforts to maintain and improve information security and environmental performance.