Data Center Operations And Design Manager

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Data Center Operations & Design Manager (AI Infrastructure & Operations) to lead the delivery, optimisation and commercial engagement for large-scale AI compute environments across the UAE and wider region. The role combines technical design leadership with client-facing selling responsibilities and requires excellent communication and problem-solving capabilities. The successful candidate will ensure robust, scalable and compliant data centre solutions that meet performance, availability and cost targets for AI workloads.

Key responsibilities – operations, design & client engagement

• Lead the design, deployment and operational readiness of AI infrastructure including power, cooling, rack and pod layouts, network topology, and physical security for high-density compute environments.
• Provide technical sales support and commercial input to bids, proposals and quotations for AI data centre projects; translate customer requirements into practicable, costed solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, procurement, facilities, network and cloud teams) to develop integrated designs and delivery plans that align with project timelines and budget.
• Author and review technical submittals, specification documents, single-line diagrams, P&IDs, capacity plans and handover documentation required for project approvals and construction.
• Conduct site surveys, risk assessments and readiness reviews; recommend mitigation measures to ensure continuity, resilience and safety for critical infrastructure.
• Define operational procedures, maintenance regimes and monitoring strategies for AI-specific workloads, including capacity forecasting, power management and thermal optimisation.
• Deliver clear technical presentations and solution demonstrations to clients, consultants and internal stakeholders to influence decision making and secure project approvals.
• Manage third-party vendors and contractors, ensuring work meets specification, quality standards and statutory/regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by analysing incidents, performance data and lessons learned to improve reliability and reduce total cost of ownership.

Essential technical knowledge – AI infrastructure & data centre systems

• Deep understanding of data centre electrical and mechanical systems including UPS, generators, PDUs, cooling (in-row, rear-door, chillers), and high-density cooling solutions suitable for GPU/AI racks.
• Familiarity with network architectures for AI workloads (high-throughput, low-latency fabrics), cabling, and rack/pod layout best practice.
• Experience with capacity planning, power and thermal modelling tools, and interpreting vendor test/certification data for compute and cooling equipment.
• Knowledge of industry standards and codes relevant to data centres (e.g. IEC, BS, local building regulations, fire protection and health & safety requirements).
• Competence in producing technical drawings, specifications, and documentation for procurement and construction phases.

Selling and communication skills – technical commercial leadership

• Proven ability to present complex technical solutions in a clear, persuasive manner to clients, consultants and senior stakeholders.
• Experience preparing commercial proposals, responding to RFIs/RFPs and negotiating scope and commercial terms to win projects.
• Strong stakeholder management skills to build trust-based relationships and collaborate effectively across technical and commercial teams.
• Ability to tailor messaging for technical and non-technical audiences while maintaining credibility and technical accuracy.

Problem solving and analytical capabilities – delivering reliable AI infrastructure

• Apply structured problem-solving to diagnose operational issues, identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Evaluate trade-offs between performance, resilience and cost when developing design options for AI deployments.
• Prioritise and manage multiple concurrent projects, making data-driven decisions under pressure to meet critical deadlines.
• Champion a continuous improvement mindset by capturing lessons learned and translating them into tangible process and design improvements.

Personal qualities and values

• Proactive, accountable and results-oriented with a practical, hands-on approach to delivery.
• Detail-focused and highly organised, maintaining quality and compliance in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative team player who fosters inclusion, knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Committed to upholding the highest health, safety and sustainability standards in all activities.

Essential qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Telecommunications, Data Centre Engineering or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in data centre design, operations or infrastructure delivery, with demonstrable exposure to high-density AI/GPU environments preferred.
• Proven track record in technical sales or pre-sales support for complex infrastructure projects, including preparing proposals and delivering presentations to clients.
• Strong knowledge of local UAE regulations and building codes is advantageous.
• High proficiency with MS Office, CAD/BIM tools and capacity/modelling software; experience with monitoring and DCIM platforms is desirable.
• Valid UAE driving licence preferred and ability to travel to project sites as required.