Operational Readiness Lead

Forever On! From the start in 2008, T5 has been focused on supporting enterprise and hyperscale customers with customized data center solutions. Today, we remain dedicated to an unrivaled level of quality that extends across the lifecycle of the core data center ranging from customized turnkey development, facilities management and data center operations to customized construction needs worldwide!

The world’s biggest companies trust T5 with their data center operations.

At T5, our success is fueled by our team. With over 400 engineers, technicians and professional staff, we’re proud to foster an inclusive culture of excellence and progression that’s dedicated to serving our customers.

• Commitment to Diversity & Military Veterans
• Battle-Tested Leadership Experience
• 100% Data Center Focused
• Owner-Operator Mindset

The Operational Readiness Lead position supports T5’s Data Center Operations by setting standards at sites that are newly under T5 Operations. This role is to lead the T5 BRIDGE program which transitions existing sites being operated by other providers into operations by T5 and standing up new operations from greenfield builds. This position will on-board these sites by working closely with all T5 and customer teams to ensure a seamless transition to operations with a goal of 100% compliance with all T5 standards, policies, and lease expectations. Reporting directly to the Director, Technical Operations, this role acts as a subject matter expert (SME) for all areas relating to mobilization and transition initiatives that directly impact customer satisfaction, operational readiness, and strategic success.  

This position partners closely with cross-functional stakeholders—including Compliance, Construction, Procurement, Human Resources, EHS, and IT—providing technical insight and operational guidance during transitions, assessments, and strategic initiatives. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Site Transition and Mobilization Lead - Primary 

• Lead onboarding of new data center sites to ensure seamless transition from construction to operations with 100% compliance to internal standards, policies, and lease obligations. 
• Serve as the central point of contact coordinating all aspects of the transition and mobilization process, including risk identification, mitigation planning, and stakeholder alignment. 
• Conduct due diligence and operational readiness assessments, documenting findings and action plans. 
• Develop and manage mobilization budgets, schedules, program documentation, and reporting metrics; ensure lessons learned are captured and applied to future projects. 
• Coordinate the transfer and turnover of documentation between Construction, Development, and Operations teams. 
• Drive implementation of INTERNAL’s Playbook at new sites, establishing or evaluating operational programs such as: 
  • Training 
  • Safety (EHS) 
  • Maintenance and reliability management 
  • Document and inventory management 
  • Accounting 
  • Communication protocols 
• Assist with vendor procurement as necessary to support site maintenance program standup for new data center sites. 
• Act as primary point of contact for customers and site leadership during mobilization activities. 
• Provide oversight and support for mobilization efforts led by other account directors or equivalent roles. 
• Contribute to business development efforts by ensuring readiness and quality of mobilization plans. 
• Act as a central point of contact leading the setup of all necessary parts of Operations programs in bringing new data centers online. 
• Drive customer satisfaction during transition and mobilizations through alignment of standards, scope of work requirements, and customer expectations. 
• Determine actionable items to address Quality Control review results 
• Maintain current in knowledge and requirements for data center infrastructure maintenance and operations. 
• All other duties consistent with your role as you may be assigned. 

Technical Operations Responsibilities - Secondary 

• Conduct operational risk assessments and propose mitigation strategies based on observed trends and industry best practices. 
• Assist in development, revision, and implementation of policies and programs associated with technical operations with a focus on those affecting transition and mobilization activities. 
• Identify inefficiencies in operations and support services, proposing and implementing scalable process improvements. 
• Participate in pilot programs and test new processes, systems, or policies before enterprise rollout. 
• Provide on-the-ground mentorship and technical coaching for site operations personnel to strengthen preventative, corrective, and emergency response capabilities. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Associate’s degree or equivalent technical experience required; Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mission-critical data center operations, with a strong understanding of operational infrastructure systems and practices. 
• Demonstrated experience in project coordination and operational program support, Project Management Professional certification or equivalent preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND COMPETENCIES 

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills required for interacting with internal employees and leaders, and external contractors and customers. 
• Exceptional analytical and decision-making skills required for understanding and evaluating complex problems. 
• Able to prioritize work based on business and customer demands. 
• Able to work within all levels of the organization. 
• Able to participate and engage in C-level discussions and conversations pertinent to facility operations. 
• Able to correlate, understand, and communicate with all data center audiences including, but not limited to, construction, development, engineering, EHS, human resources, procurement, legal, compliance, technical operations, customers, data hall tenants, IT, and data hall service groups. 
• Able to read and understand complex drawings, systems, contractual documents, and other documents pertinent to data center operations. 
• Practical experience working with safety regulations and standards, including OSHA, NFPA 70E, and related NFPA guidelines. 
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 50%, including: 
• Coast-to-coast domestic travel 
• Occasional international assignments 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. These physical tasks may be required on an emergency basis, meaning performed by the CFT alone, without notice, and on an immediate basis to meet urgent facility operations requirements and standards at a site where frequently no other personnel are available.

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, and balance
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl using both arms and legs
• Ability to reach, grasp, push, pull, handle, feel, and type with both hands and arms
• Ability to smell, talk and hear
• Ability to see at close and distance ranges and the ability to see and correctly distinguish color
• Ability to lift equipment in small spaces without mechanical assistance, weighing up to 100 pounds
• Ability to work inside and outside 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

T5 Data Centers is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.