Senior Manager - Mechanical Operations

Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced Senior Manager Mechanical Operations with strong Data Center experience to lead mechanical operations and maintenance of critical infrastructure. The role will be responsible for ensuring high availability, reliability, safety, and efficiency of all mechanical systems supporting Data Center operations.

The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in HVAC, Chillers, Cooling Towers, CRAC/CRAH units, Pumps, BMS, STP/WTP, Fire Fighting systems and other critical mechanical systems, along with hands-on experience in operating and maintaining mission-critical facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Mechanical Operations & Maintenance

• Lead end-to-end mechanical operations and maintenance of Data Center facilities.

• Ensure 24x7 availability and reliability of critical mechanical infrastructure.

• Manage operation and maintenance of:

• Chillers and chilled water systems

• Cooling Towers

• CRAC/CRAH units

• AHUs, FCUs and ventilation systems

• Chilled water and condenser water pumps

• Heat exchangers

• Precision cooling systems

• Fire protection and firefighting systems

• STP, WTP and associated utility systems

• BMS and monitoring systems

• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.

• Monitor equipment performance, efficiency, alarms and operational parameters.

• Ensure timely identification and resolution of equipment abnormalities and failures.

Data Center Critical Operations:

• Maintain high levels of Data Center uptime, availability and operational resilience.
• Implement and maintain operational procedures for critical mechanical systems.
• Lead planned maintenance, shutdowns, change management and emergency response activities.
• Participate in and lead MOP/SOP/EOP preparation, review and execution.
• Conduct periodic testing of mechanical systems and emergency operating procedures.
• Ensure redundancy and resilience of critical systems in line with Data Center design philosophy.
• Support commissioning, integrated systems testing (IST) and handover of new Data Center facilities.

Energy & Efficiency Management :

• Drive initiatives to improve PUE, cooling efficiency and overall energy performance.
• Monitor chiller, cooling tower and HVAC efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for energy conservation and operational optimization.
• Analyze trends and equipment performance data to improve system efficiency and reliability.

Team Management:

• Lead and manage a team of engineers, technicians and facility operators.
• Plan manpower deployment and shift operations for 24x7 Data Center facilities.
• Conduct technical training and competency development programs.
• Set performance objectives and monitor team performance.

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with Data Center operational standards, statutory requirements, HSE policies and industry best practices.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and identify potential single points of failure.
• Ensure proper implementation of LOTO, PTW and safe work practices.
• Participate in incident investigations, RCA and CAPA.
• Maintain operational documentation, asset registers, maintenance records and audit reports.
• Support internal, customer and third-party audits.

Key Performance Indicators :

• Data Center uptime and availability
• Mechanical system availability and reliability
• Preventive maintenance compliance
• Breakdown response and resolution time
• Chiller and cooling system efficiency
• PUE / energy efficiency improvement
• SLA compliance
• MOP/SOP/EOP compliance
• Safety and statutory compliance
• Vendor performance
• Incident and RCA closure
• Team productivity and competency development

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in any stream
• Additional qualifications in Facilities Management, Energy Management or Data Center Operations will be an advantage.
• 15–20 years of relevant experience, with significant experience in Data Center / Mission Critical / Critical Infrastructure operations.
• Strong hands-on experience in HVAC and critical cooling systems.
• Experience managing large-scale Data Center facilities and 24x7 operations.
• Strong knowledge of BMS, CMMS and critical facility monitoring systems.
• Experience in MOP, SOP, EOP, RCA, change management and emergency response.
• Strong vendor and team management capabilities.

Preferred Experience :

• Experience in hyperscale / colocation Data Centers.
• Exposure to Tier III / Tier IV Data Center environments.
• Experience with large-capacity chillers, cooling towers and chilled water systems.
• Experience in commissioning, IST and operational readiness.
• Knowledge of ASHRAE guidelines and Data Center cooling best practices.
• Exposure to ISO, Uptime Institute or equivalent Data Center operational standards.
• Experience managing critical incidents and emergency situations.