Job Description
JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way.
Our people at JLL and JLL Technologies are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.
Job Title: Senior Data Center Manager, Critical Environment Operations
Location: Remote, USA with up to 50% travel
Introduction
Join a global leader at the forefront of shaping the future of real estate for a better world. Our Critical Environment Management practice is the trusted partner to the world's most innovative companies, ensuring the resilience and performance of the data centers that form the backbone of the digital economy. This is not a typical site management role; it is a strategic linchpin position for a seasoned expert ready to define operational excellence across our most vital client portfolios.
The Opportunity
As a Senior Data Center Manager, you will operate as a high-impact subject matter expert and trusted advisor. Your mandate is to provide programmatic leadership, strategic oversight, and mentorship to teams managing complex data center ecosystems. This role moves beyond day-to-day, hands-on delivery; your focus will be on elevating operational standards, guiding strategy, and ensuring unparalleled service quality across a portfolio of enterprise, colocation, and, most critically, hyperscale environments.
You will be the essential bridge between executive-level client strategy and on-the-ground technical execution. Your deep engineering knowledge will earn you credibility in the server room, while your polished communication will build confidence in the boardroom. You are the expert we deploy to solve the toughest challenges, guide our largest transitions, and mentor the next generation of critical environment leaders.
What You'll Achieve (Key Responsibilities)
Serve as the ultimate subject matter expert for hyperscale and complex data center operations, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and decisive guidance to on-site leadership teams across a national portfolio. Act as a trusted advisor to C-suite stakeholders, both internally and with our clients, translating complex technical challenges and engineering concepts into clear business implications, risks, and strategic recommendations. Navigate the complexities of new client engagements with diplomatic skill and sensitivity, while fostering a culture that builds and retains high-performing technical teams in a fiercely competitive talent market. Masterfully orchestrate program management across a diverse portfolio, balancing conflicting priorities and stakeholder demands to ensure seamless service delivery, from technical due diligence to full operational maturity. Drive a culture of 100% uptime and operational excellence by influencing and guiding teams, not through direct command, but through expert consultation, the implementation of best-in-class programs, and rigorous quality assurance.
What You'll Bring (Required Qualifications)
A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in critical environment and data center facility operations, with a significant and demonstrable track record in hyperscale data center environments. Demonstrable mastery of critical MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) infrastructure, rooted in a strong engineering background (e.g., a degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent deep technical experience) that forms the bedrock of your credibility. Proven experience in a program leadership, regional oversight, or senior advisory capacity, where you were responsible for operational strategy across multiple sites or a large, complex portfolio. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the proven ability to command a room of executives and simultaneously earn the respect of technical engineering teams. Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% to client and company sites as required to drive program success.
Ideal Candidate Profile (Preferred Qualifications)
Advanced industry certifications (e.g., CDCP®, CDCS®, DCEP). Direct experience leading complex portfolio transitions and large-scale technical due diligence projects. Strong financial acumen, with experience managing operational budgets and articulating the financial impact of technical decisions. Deep understanding of the full data center lifecycle, from greenfield development and commissioning to the complexities of mature, business-as-usual operations.
This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
Estimated compensation for this position:
181,250.00 – 265,000.00 USD per year
This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.
Location:
Remote –Chicago, IL, Sacramento, CA, Washington, DC
If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!
Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:
JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:
401(k) plan with matching company contributions
Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay
At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.
JLL Privacy Notice
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.
For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please view our Candidate Privacy Statement.
For additional details please see our career site pages for each country.
For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.
Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at [email protected]. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.
Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.
Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.
Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
California Residents only
If you are a California resident as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) please view our Supplemental Privacy Statement which describes your rights and disclosures about your personal information. If you are viewing this on a mobile device you may want to view the CCPA version on a larger device.
Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.
Our people at JLL and JLL Technologies are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward.
Job Title: Senior Data Center Manager, Critical Environment Operations
Location: Remote, USA with up to 50% travel
Introduction
Join a global leader at the forefront of shaping the future of real estate for a better world. Our Critical Environment Management practice is the trusted partner to the world's most innovative companies, ensuring the resilience and performance of the data centers that form the backbone of the digital economy. This is not a typical site management role; it is a strategic linchpin position for a seasoned expert ready to define operational excellence across our most vital client portfolios.
The Opportunity
As a Senior Data Center Manager, you will operate as a high-impact subject matter expert and trusted advisor. Your mandate is to provide programmatic leadership, strategic oversight, and mentorship to teams managing complex data center ecosystems. This role moves beyond day-to-day, hands-on delivery; your focus will be on elevating operational standards, guiding strategy, and ensuring unparalleled service quality across a portfolio of enterprise, colocation, and, most critically, hyperscale environments.
You will be the essential bridge between executive-level client strategy and on-the-ground technical execution. Your deep engineering knowledge will earn you credibility in the server room, while your polished communication will build confidence in the boardroom. You are the expert we deploy to solve the toughest challenges, guide our largest transitions, and mentor the next generation of critical environment leaders.
What You'll Achieve (Key Responsibilities)
Serve as the ultimate subject matter expert for hyperscale and complex data center operations, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and decisive guidance to on-site leadership teams across a national portfolio. Act as a trusted advisor to C-suite stakeholders, both internally and with our clients, translating complex technical challenges and engineering concepts into clear business implications, risks, and strategic recommendations. Navigate the complexities of new client engagements with diplomatic skill and sensitivity, while fostering a culture that builds and retains high-performing technical teams in a fiercely competitive talent market. Masterfully orchestrate program management across a diverse portfolio, balancing conflicting priorities and stakeholder demands to ensure seamless service delivery, from technical due diligence to full operational maturity. Drive a culture of 100% uptime and operational excellence by influencing and guiding teams, not through direct command, but through expert consultation, the implementation of best-in-class programs, and rigorous quality assurance.
What You'll Bring (Required Qualifications)
A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in critical environment and data center facility operations, with a significant and demonstrable track record in hyperscale data center environments. Demonstrable mastery of critical MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) infrastructure, rooted in a strong engineering background (e.g., a degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or equivalent deep technical experience) that forms the bedrock of your credibility. Proven experience in a program leadership, regional oversight, or senior advisory capacity, where you were responsible for operational strategy across multiple sites or a large, complex portfolio. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the proven ability to command a room of executives and simultaneously earn the respect of technical engineering teams. Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% to client and company sites as required to drive program success.
Ideal Candidate Profile (Preferred Qualifications)
Advanced industry certifications (e.g., CDCP®, CDCS®, DCEP). Direct experience leading complex portfolio transitions and large-scale technical due diligence projects. Strong financial acumen, with experience managing operational budgets and articulating the financial impact of technical decisions. Deep understanding of the full data center lifecycle, from greenfield development and commissioning to the complexities of mature, business-as-usual operations.
This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
Estimated compensation for this position:
181,250.00 – 265,000.00 USD per year
This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations.
Location:
Remote –Chicago, IL, Sacramento, CA, Washington, DC
If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!
Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth:
JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include:
401(k) plan with matching company contributions
Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care
Paid parental leave at 100% of salary
Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay
At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing.
JLL Privacy Notice
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL’s recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.
For more information about how JLL processes your personal data, please view our Candidate Privacy Statement.
For additional details please see our career site pages for each country.
For candidates in the United States, please see a full copy of our Equal Employment Opportunity policy here.
Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at [email protected]. This email is only to request an accommodation. Please direct any other general recruiting inquiries to our Contact Us page > I want to work for JLL.
Pursuant to the Arizona Civil Rights Act, criminal convictions are not an absolute bar to employment.
Pursuant to Illinois Law, applicants are not obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest.
Pursuant to Columbia, SC ordinance, this position is subject to a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.
California Residents only
If you are a California resident as defined in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) please view our Supplemental Privacy Statement which describes your rights and disclosures about your personal information. If you are viewing this on a mobile device you may want to view the CCPA version on a larger device.
Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, JLL will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Accepting applications on an ongoing basis until candidate identified.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Director, Data Center Operations Colo/Hyperscale- post position is now open for candidates interested in the IT Engineer & Developer Jobs sector. This role in Chicago offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in IT Engineer & Developer Jobs is a plus.
