Critical Operations Manager

Critical Operations Manager, Nordics

Location: Site-based at a STACK data centre Tomter, Østfold

JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking a Critical Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations for a STACK data centre in Tomter, ensuring safe, reliable and compliant delivery of critical services. This role provides operational leadership for Critical Operations Engineers and shift teams, supporting uninterrupted service delivery and adherence to service-level requirements.

The role requires strong technical leadership across electrical, mechanical and building services infrastructure in a critical environment. You will oversee operational discipline, maintenance governance, incident response, vendor coordination, documentation quality and continuous improvement, working closely with site leadership, engineering teams, clients and service partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership & Service Assurance

• Oversee daily operations of data centre buildings and critical infrastructure, ensuring service continuity, safety and compliance.
• Set and maintain strong operational discipline across monitoring, alarm response, shift handovers, plant rounds and site governance routines.
• Ensure operational activities protect resilience, availability and client service commitments at all times.
• Drive consistent standards across the site in alignment with STACK EMEA operating processes and expectations.

Team Leadership 

• Lead, coach and develop the Critical Operations team, providing delegation, performance input and day-to-day management support.
• Maintain effective shift schedules, handovers and coverage plans to support 24x7 operational requirements and working-time compliance.
• Ensure training, competency development and scenario drills are completed, evidenced and kept current.
• Support team growth and resilience planning as the campus develops and operational requirements evolve.

Monitoring, Incident Response & Reliability

• Ensure continuous site monitoring through BMS, EPMS, SCADA and other approved tools, with timely alarm response and escalation.
• Lead local response to operational incidents and extraordinary events, supporting teams through escalation, communications and recovery.
• Ensure incident reporting, technical timelines, root cause analysis and corrective actions are completed with clear ownership and evidence.
• Identify operational risks, recurring alarms, defects and degraded resilience, ensuring they are recorded, mitigated and tracked to closure.

Maintenance, Change & Vendor Coordination

• Plan, organise and govern routine activities, preventive maintenance and corrective works for critical and non-critical infrastructure systems.
• Ensure maintenance is completed on time and to standard, with accurate records, follow-up actions and quality checks.
• Ensure works affecting live services are properly planned, approved, safely executed and documented through control-of-work and change processes.
• Coordinate vendors and service partners for maintenance, repair and emergency support, ensuring safety, documentation and service expectations are met.
• Escalate recurring supplier performance issues and support contract, scope and service reviews where required.

Documentation, Audit Readiness & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate operational documentation, including procedures, service reports, maintenance records, certificates and logs.
• Produce client- and audit-ready reporting for incidents, service performance, risks and improvement actions as required.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and efficiency initiatives without compromising safety, compliance or resilience.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, standardisation and operational excellence across the site.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Technical & Industry Expertise

• Strong knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems in data centres or comparable critical, industrial or high-availability environments.
• Proven experience leading technical teams in a critical environment, including coaching, delegation and development.
• Experience managing operational incidents, post-incident reviews, root cause analysis and corrective action plans.
• Strong understanding of control of work, change management, safe systems of work and audit-ready operational processes.
• Experience managing vendors and service partners, including performance reviews, scope control and service delivery expectations.
• Working knowledge of monitoring and operational platforms such as BMS, SCADA, EPMS or DCIM, plus CMMS or ERP workflows.

Professional Capabilities

• Calm, responsive decision-making under pressure, with a strong focus on safety, reliability and client service.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills across clients, vendors and internal stakeholders.
• High attention to detail, strong organisation and the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to embrace change, implement new processes and maintain consistent operational discipline.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Degree, HND, HNC or equivalent in Electrical, Mechanical, Building Services or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Recognised electrical, mechanical or building services qualification aligned to applicable national regulations is desirable.
• Safety qualification aligned to local requirements and industry best practice is desirable.
• Authorised Person or switching authorisations, including LV and/or HV, are desirable where applicable and subject to formal site authorisation.
• Ability to pass appropriate background screening or security vetting in line with local requirements.
• Fluent English is required.

About STACK Infrastructure

STACK is a proven, trusted partner for the world’s most innovative companies, designing, developing, and operating sustainable global digital infrastructure. Backed by an unmatched record of reliable delivery and development expertise, STACK brings speed, scale, certainty, and responsibility to the demands of a rapidly evolving digital infrastructure landscape.

All applications will be treated confidentially. A background check is a part of our hiring process, to be conducted after accepting a possible offer.

For more information about STACK, please visit: www.stackinfra.com