Director, Data Center Facilities & Operations

nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, designed to meet the growing demand for AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud deployments. As a rapidly expanding provider, we offer scalable colocation hubs and best-in-class energy solutions across Europe. Our innovative and sustainable approach to digital infrastructure ensures reliability, efficiency, and future-ready solutions for our clients. nLighten’s current footprint is 34 data centers in 7 European countries, with the ambition to grow to 100 sites during the next 3-4 years.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and commercially sharp Head of Facility to own the technical and operational integrity of our physical infrastructure across all 34 sites. This is a new Director-level role within the Operations organisation, leading the central Facility function across Critical Environment Engineering, Ops Excellence & Academy, and Vendor & Contract Management.

The ideal candidate combines deep engineering credibility in critical environments with the leadership and commercial rigour to build a function from the ground up.

M&E Standards and Technical Governance

• Define and enforce M&E engineering standards across all 34 sites, covering UPS, generators, cooling, LV distribution, and BMS.
• Own the change request process for all M&E-related works across the portfolio.
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for critical environment incidents and drive corrective actions through to completion.
• Conduct site technical assessments and publish maturity findings and improvement plans.

PPM and Maintenance Governance

• Own the Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) programme across all sites and vendors.
• Review, challenge, and approve maintenance scopes before work is instructed, preventing unnecessary cost and scope creep.
• Work with Regional Directors to ensure maintenance plans are executed on time and to standard.

Vendor and Contract Governance

• Oversee all R&M and cleaning contracts across 7 countries.
• Ensure vendors are qualified, onboarded, and performing to contractual and HSE standards.
• Support contract renewals, tenders, and consolidation initiatives led by the Vendor & Contract Manager.

PUE and Energy Performance

• Lead the PUE improvement programme across the portfolio.
• Work with Regional Directors and site teams to identify and implement efficiency improvements.
• Monitor energy performance data via the DCIM platform and Intelligence Hub.

Ops Excellence and Academy

• Oversee the Operations Playbook and site maturity assessments across all sites.
• Ensure the Operations Academy delivers consistent, role-based training across all regions.
• Drive standardisation of operational processes across the three legacy estates.
• Build and lead the Facility function: recruit, onboard, and develop three sub-function leads.
• Set clear objectives, KPIs, and performance expectations for each team member.
• Act as the primary technical interface between Operations and the CTO function.
• Travel frequently across our 7 countries and 34 sites as required.

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years in data centers or other mission-critical environments, with at least 3 years in a senior management role.
• Proven experience managing a multi-site facilities or operations function across multiple geographies.
• Track record of managing outsourced M&E maintenance programmes and vendor relationships.
• Experience building or restructuring operational teams from a low base.
• Strong working knowledge of data center critical systems: power, cooling, UPS, generators, LV distribution.
• Comfortable reading and reviewing technical documentation, MOPs, and maintenance scopes.
• Familiarity with DCIM platforms, asset management, and PUE monitoring tools.
• Strong commercial acumen, able to challenge vendor pricing, scope, and performance with confidence.
• Clear, structured communicator, able to present technical and financial information to senior stakeholders.
• Organised and process-driven, with a high standard for documentation and follow-through.
• Collaborative leadership style, able to influence across functions and geographies without direct authority over all stakeholders.
• Fluency in English is required; French or German at professional working level is a strong advantage.

Why Join Us?

• Build and lead a brand-new central function in a fast-growing, pan-European data center platform.
• Own the technical and operational integrity of 34 sites across 7 countries, with a clear path to 100.
• Shape the standards, playbooks, and vendor landscape that our next phase of growth will be built on.
• Contribute to the expansion of Europe’s next generation of edge data centers.

All selected candidates will undergo a background check to ensure a safe workplace, protect company assets, and comply with regulations.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

nLighten is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Even if you do not meet every requirement listed, we welcome your application. We particularly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

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