Data Center Operations Manager

Own the vision, growth strategy, and full P&L performance for the data center vertical across all applicable company trades, including Fire Sprinkler Construction, Fire Alarm, Special Hazards, Fire Protection Consulting, and Underground Fire Protection

Assess the data center market landscape, identify emerging opportunities, and position the company competitively for new project pursuits in Texas and target markets outside the state

Partner with Market Development, Sales, and Estimating to develop and refine pricing programs tailored to data center project requirements, including early-engagement pre-construction and design-assist services

Serve as the company's internal subject matter expert on data center fire protection systems, construction protocols, and owner/GC/CM/commissioning agent relationship management

Collaborate with the individual trade line-of-business managers to align resources, workflows, and execution strategies for data center project delivery

Manage, modify, and oversee all operations, personnel, and processes within the data center vertical across every trade performed

Ensure proper execution of fire sprinkler, pre-action, fire alarm, special hazards (clean agent, VESDA, FM-200, NOVEC, CO₂, etc.), underground, and consulting scopes on data center projects

Oversee job setup, contracts, change orders, purchase orders, subcontractor management, and accounting processes in alignment with company SOPs across all trades

Monitor and actively manage project budgets vs. actuals; review job costing details with the team to identify and act on improvement opportunities

Maximize labor production and efficiency across trades while maintaining the exacting quality standards required in mission-critical environments

Ensure all projects maintain proper update status — materials, equipment rentals, subcontractors, intercompany jobs, etc.

Oversee change order management across all trades to protect margin and ensure timely billing and revenue recognition

Own the data center vertical P&L, with full accountability for revenue, gross margin, and profitability across all trades operating within the segment

Prepare and adhere to the segment operations budget; conduct periodic resource analysis with the Director of Sprinkler Construction

Monitor and report on key metrics including revenue, gross margin, productivity, and people performance; communicate findings to senior leadership regularly

Ensure timely daily/weekly billing, confirm payment terms on open jobs, and track project profitability throughout the project lifecycle

Ensure multiple bids for material purchasing optimization across trades, where appropriate

Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing, cross-trade team with the technical expertise required for data center construction

Conduct periodic performance reviews, effectively communicating expectations and development opportunities

Champion training at all levels — including pre-action system installation, clean agent suppression, fire alarm in mission-critical environments, and data center-specific safety and commissioning protocols

Reduce turnover and foster a culture of ownership, teamwork, and continuous improvement across all trade disciplines within the segment

Own safety for the data center vertical team; ensure full adherence to safety and risk assessment policies, procedures, and training compliance across all field employees in every trade

Ensure work is executed in compliance with NFPA standards (13, 72, 750, 2001, and others as applicable), FM Global data sheet requirements, and owner/AHJ specifications

Oversee audits and work instruction improvement processes to ensure integrity and relevance in the data center environment

Propose and implement technology and process improvements to increase productivity and profitability on data center projects

Leverage BIM/coordination tools, prefabrication strategies, and digital project management platforms appropriate to mission-critical, multi-trade construction workflows

Onboard newer technology as appropriate to stay competitive in the data center market

High School diploma or GED required

Higher education degree or equivalent work experience preferred

Deep familiarity with NFPA 13, NFPA 72, NFPA 750, NFPA 2001, and FM Global data sheets relevant to data center fire protection

Working knowledge of data center construction phases, critical environment protocols (hot aisle/cold aisle, raised floor, MEP coordination), and commissioning processes

10+ years leading, managing, and developing teams in fire protection construction

Deep, hands-on experience in the data center vertical is required — candidates must bring established knowledge of mission-critical construction environments, data center owner/operator expectations, and the fire and life safety systems that serve them

Experience working directly with data center owners, hyperscale developers, colocation operators, or their general contractors required

Special hazards suppression system experience (clean agent, pre-action, VESDA, FM-200, NOVEC, CO₂) required

Fire sprinkler and pre-action system design and/or field experience strongly preferred

Fire alarm design and/or field experience preferred

Multi-trade or cross-discipline operations experience preferred; candidates with single-trade backgrounds who demonstrate the leadership capability and desire to grow into cross-trade accountability are encouraged to apply

Demonstrated P&L ownership or financial management experience preferred

Fire sprinkler, fire alarm, or special hazards sales or business development experience a plus

Believe In, Live, and Support Our Mission Statement and Core Values Daily

Continually setting the standard of excellence in fire and life safety

Safety First

Integrity

Customer Focused

Humility

Ownership

Teamwork

Communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external customers, including data center owners, hyperscale clients, construction managers, and commissioning agents

Understand and follow HR and safety initiatives and processes

Ensure regular operational meetings within the data center segment team across all trade disciplines

Support and ensure team adherence to all company SOPs across every trade operating within the segment

Ensure inventory control measures are in place, with particular attention to long-lead special hazards materials and pre-action components

Ensure proper management and accountability for subcontractors, including review and approval of all subcontractor invoices prior to payment

Maintain quality control across all aspects of multi-trade operations

Ensure customer satisfaction and respond to customer satisfaction survey feedback

Travel regularly to project sites and client locations throughout Texas and to remote areas in other states where data center work is being pursued or performed; travel frequency will vary based on project activity and business development needs

Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Sprinkler Construction or executive management