Director Site Operations

Overview

Title
:
Site Director, Data Center Operations
Location
:
Harwood, ND
Department
:
Operations
Reports to
:
Vice President of Operations
Status
:
Full-time, exempt

About Applied Digital:

At Applied Digital, we are the epicenter of AI innovation, crafting cutting-edge data center solutions tailored for the demands of high-performance computing. Designed from the ground up to support AI and machine learning workloads, our infrastructure is the backbone of tomorrow’s technological advancements, including AI-driven video and generative platforms.

We are:

• Forward-Thinkers
  :
  With a keen eye on current market trends and future innovations, we adapt swiftly and lead technological evolution.
• Resilient
  :
  We navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger, delivering robust and reliable solutions for industry pioneers.
• Innovative Designers
  :
  Leveraging the latest technologies, we create visionary solutions that redefine industry standards.

At Applied Digital, we are committed to solving intricate problems, advancing business initiatives, maximizing operational efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint. We are a team of resilient, forward-thinking innovators driving the AI revolution.

The Director of Site Operations will lead the overall operations of one or more Applied Digital Data Center campuses, ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient performance of all mechanical and electrical systems, building infrastructure, and data module operations. This position oversees a team of Critical Facility Engineers (CFEs) and/or Manager-level personnel in a 24/7 mission-critical environment.

The role requires close collaboration with Reliability Engineering, Design Engineering, Construction, and other internal teams to maintain uptime, optimize facility performance, and deliver superior service to our customers. While this position is not a “Chief Engineer” role, a strong understanding of electrical and mechanical building systems is essential to effectively direct maintenance and operations.

• Lead site operations and engineering functions to ensure safe, effective, and reliable facility performance.
• Manage and develop teams of CFEs and/or Managers across all shifts within a 24/7 operational environment.
• Achieve and maintain facility availability and capacity targets across assigned campuses.
• Foster a team-oriented environment that promotes accountability, engagement, and professional growth.
• Ensure completion and quality of preventive and corrective maintenance through use of the Critical Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Develop and review maintenance procedures, including MOPs and SOPs, ensuring adherence to Applied Digital standards and mission-critical safety protocols.
• Schedule, coordinate, and oversee vendor maintenance and break/fix activities, ensuring all work follows approved procedures.
• Evaluate and improve system performance through cost-effective operational enhancements.
• Lead incident and event management efforts, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Oversee employee training and certification programs for mechanical, electrical, and operational competencies.
• Prepare and manage operational and capital budgets for assigned facilities.
• Ensure proper planning, implementation, and closeout of projects within the Data Center facilities.
• Develop scopes of work, solicit bids, and manage contracted services.
• Uphold world-class customer satisfaction by responding promptly and effectively to operational or service-related issues.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish and achieve departmental KPIs and performance metrics.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years of experience in Data Center operations, engineering, or maintenance supervision.
• 10+ years of direct management experience with proven leadership and people development skills.
• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical building systems and their operational dependencies.
• Proficiency with CMMS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Demonstrated…