Data Center Launch & Operations Readiness Manager

For years,  Stream Data Centers has been a trusted partner in providing world-class data center solutions. With a focus on sustainable, secure, and reliable infrastructure, Stream empowers businesses to scale their digital operations while prioritizing environmental and social responsibility.

Stream Data Centers continues to set new standards for innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability in the data center industry, having provided premium data center services since 1999. Now, with 90% of its inventory leased to Fortune 100 customers, the company has acquired, developed and managed more than 27 data center projects nationally, while leadership has remained consistent for over two decades.

From site selection to data center construction and operations, Stream develops wholesale colocation capacity and build-to-suit facilities for hyperscale and enterprise users in major markets across the United States. Additionally, Stream sources and develops low-risk land sites for optimum data center development and provides energy procurement services with a focus on reducing market risk and providing low-cost renewable energy options.

The Data Center Launch & Operational Readiness Manager ensures that every new data center launch meets the highest standards of quality, reliability, and operational readiness. This role supports new operations teams, drives standardization, and champions continuous improvement across all launch phases. The Launch Program Manager acts as a connector—aligning people, process, and technology—to ensure operational discipline, readiness, and sustainable process excellence across the enterprise.

Overview:
As a Data Center Launch & Quality Manager at a leading data center provider, you will be responsible for ensuring that every new data center launch meets the highest standards of quality, reliability, and operational readiness. You will support new operations teams, drive standardization, and champion continuous improvement across all launch phases

Key Responsibilities

1. Site Launch Execution

• Ensure the adherence to the end-to-end launch process for new data centers—from construction completion through operational handoff.

• Work with site leadership to develop and execute detailed launch schedules, checklists, and readiness plans.

• Partner with the local operations leadership to develop and expand the team, ensuring candidate selection aligns with Stream’s defined standards and requirements.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure full alignment between tenant operations and Stream operations ahead of site launch.

2. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Facilitate launch readiness meetings, risk reviews, and issue resolution sessions across all required functions.

• Ensure smooth transition from build phase to building handoff.

• Ensure all stakeholders participate in and complete assigned deliverables in alignment with handoff process.

• Collaborate with external departments to ensure all supporting operational programs are properly implemented, validated, and operational prior to launch.

3. Operational Readiness

• Ensure that all operational processes, documentation, and tools are in place before go-live.

• Partner with site operations and Availability Engineering to confirm preventive maintenance programs are established.

• Drive readiness by partnering with site operations to ensure all personnel are trained, qualified, and prepared ahead of launch.

• Collaborate with Account Managers and D&C to ensure all equipment needed to adhere to SLAs are implemented, and Operations is ready to execute.

• Facilitate conversations with all relevant stakeholders for any deviations from design/commissioning/playbooks/procedures/etc. prior to Ready-For-Service (RFS) dates to ensure alignment for Day 2 initiatives

• Coordinate Day 2 initiatives with D&C to ensure an efficient handoff of activities for Operations oversight.

4. Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all site activities comply with corporate standards, local regulations, and safety protocols.

• Collaborate with Environmental, Health, & Safety (EHS) Team to ensure all EHS safety protocols are in place.

• Coordinate post-launch audits to ensure full compliance and identify improvement areas.

• Drive alignment between operations and construction teams to achieve all SLA targets before turnover.

5. Performance, Continuous Improvement & Reporting

• Track project milestones and quality metrics throughout the launch.

• Provide regular executive updates and post-launch reports summarizing outcomes, risks, and lessons learned.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Operations, or related field (preferred)

• 5+ years of experience in quality management, data center operations, logistics, or tech infrastructure environments

• Strong knowledge of quality systems, audits, and compliance standards (ISO, ITIL, Six Sigma)

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive operational excellence

• Exceptional analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills

• Experience managing diverse teams without formal authority

• Project management experience, including scope, schedule, budget, and risk management

• Familiarity with maintenance management systems (CMMS), asset management, and building launch/startup processes

• Excellent computer skills (SharePoint, Excel, Word, work trackers)

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, etc. are a plus

• Experience working within an enterprise PMO.

• Familiarity with:

• Tier standards (Uptime Institute concepts)

• Change management in 24x7 operations

• EHS and physical security requirements

• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Planview AdaptiveWork, Smartsheet, MS Project, or similar platforms).

Core Competencies & Behaviors

• Project Management: PM best practices, creation and maintenance of all project artifacts and relative budgets.

• Operational Discipline: Maintains structured, repeatable governance for all launches.

• Analytical Thinking: Uses data to assess risk, impact, and performance trends.

• Facilitation & Influence: Builds consensus among technical and operational leaders.

• Process Orientation: Maps, optimizes, and standardizes workflows for efficiency.

• Communication: Clearly conveys complex launch details to varied audiences.

• Integrity: Upholds transparency and accountability in all actions.

• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Actively identifies and implements better ways of working.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Work From Home
• Wellness Resources

Stream is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, military status, or any other reason prohibited by law. Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.