Vice President, Operational Excellence, NA

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world's well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Operational Excellence Department

The Operational Excellence department serves as a strategic engine driving transformation, consistency, and performance across our data center operations. This team ensures operational scalability, efficiency, and resilience for the current and future growth of our business. The department maintains a forward-looking strategy that aligns with operational initiatives, business goals, and customer expectations. In partnership with the COO and senior leadership, we identify and prioritize high-impact programs that enhance service delivery, streamline execution, and build long-term competitive advantage. By implementing KPIs, SOPs, and training programs, we ensure consistent, repeatable operations to scale. We champion continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, and emerging technologies like AI and predictive analytics.

Position Overview

This role can be based at any of our Vantage locations in the United States.

If you want to be part of a rapidly growing, innovative-driven company at the forefront of the digital infrastructure revolution and lead transformative initiatives that shape the future of hyperscale operations, this is that position. In this role, you will work with a world-class team committed to excellence, sustainability, and customer success. The Vice President of Operational Excellence will lead the strategic development and execution of enterprise-wide initiatives to drive operational efficiency, standardization, and continuous improvement across our global hyperscale data center portfolio. Reporting directly to the COO, this executive will be responsible for embedding a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability across all operational functions, including facility operations, maintenance, engineering, and customer experience.

Essential Job Functions

Strategic Leadership:

• Define and execute the global Operational Excellence strategy aligned with corporate goals and customer expectations.

• Partner with the COO and executive leadership to identify and prioritize high-impact initiatives that enhance operational performance, scalability, and reliability.

• Lead cross-functional transformation programs to optimize processes, reduce waste, and improve service delivery.

Operational Performance & Standardization:

• Develop and implement global standards, KPIs, and best practices for data center operations, maintenance, and incident management.

• Drive consistency and repeatability across all sites through process harmonization and automation.

• Oversee the development and deployment of operational playbooks, SOPs, and training programs.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation:

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.

• Identify and implement advanced technologies (e.g., AI/ML, digital twins, predictive analytics) to enhance operational efficiency and uptime across the Design, Engineering and Site Operations functions.

• Establish feedback loops and performance dashboards to monitor progress and drive accountability working closely with internal stakeholders,

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Ensure operational risk mitigation strategies are in place, including business continuity, disaster recovery, and compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.

• Collaborate with security, compliance, and engineering teams to uphold the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and reliability.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Build and lead a high-performing Operational Excellence team with global reach.

• Mentor and develop talent across the organization to foster a mindset of innovation, ownership, and excellence.

• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership and team development.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field (Master's or MBA preferred).Accredited engineering credentials (Chartered/Professional Engineer) are a plus.

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in operational excellence, preferably within hyperscale data centers, construction, energy, cloud infrastructure, or mission-critical environments.

• Proven track record of leading large-scale transformation initiatives across global operations.

• Understanding of data center operations, infrastructure lifecycle, and uptime-critical environments.

• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma (Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred), and other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.

• Experience with digital transformation, automation, and operational analytics tools.

• Travel required is expected to be up to 10-20%, but is flexible and negotiable

Physical Demands and Special 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Details

• Salary Range: $275,000-285,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations)

• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.

• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other's strengths and respecting each other's weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.

We'll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon-we're excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!