Director Site Operations - Fargo - Applied Digital

Description

Title: Site Director, Data Center Operations

Location: Harwood, ND

Department: Operations

Reports to: Vice President of Operations

Status: Full-time, exempt

About Applied Digital:

At Applied Digital, we are the epicenter of AI innovation, crafting cutting-edge data center solutions tailored for the demands of high-performance computing. Designed from the ground up to support AI and machine learning workloads, our infrastructure is the backbone of tomorrow's technological advancements, including AI-driven video and generative platforms.

We are:

• Forward-Thinkers: With a keen eye on current market trends and future innovations, we adapt swiftly and lead technological evolution.
• Resilient: We navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger, delivering robust and reliable solutions for industry pioneers.
• Innovative Designers: Leveraging the latest technologies, we create visionary solutions that redefine industry standards.

At Applied Digital, we are committed to solving intricate problems, advancing business initiatives, maximizing operational efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint. We are a team of resilient, forward-thinking innovators driving the AI revolution.

Position Overview:

The Director of Site Operations will lead the overall operations of one or more Applied Digital Data Center campuses, ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient performance of all mechanical and electrical systems, building infrastructure, and data module operations. This position oversees a team of Critical Facility Engineers (CFEs) and/or Manager-level personnel in a 24/7 mission-critical environment.

The role requires close collaboration with Reliability Engineering, Design Engineering, Construction, and other internal teams to maintain uptime, optimize facility performance, and deliver superior service to our customers. While this position is not a "Chief Engineer" role, a strong understanding of electrical and mechanical building systems is essential to effectively direct maintenance and operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead site operations and engineering functions to ensure safe, effective, and reliable facility performance.
• Manage and develop teams of CFEs and/or Managers across all shifts within a 24/7 operational environment.
• Achieve and maintain facility availability and capacity targets across assigned campuses.
• Foster a team-oriented environment that promotes accountability, engagement, and professional growth.
• Ensure completion and quality of preventive and corrective maintenance through use of the Critical Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Develop and review maintenance procedures, including MOPs and SOPs, ensuring adherence to Applied Digital standards and mission-critical safety protocols.
• Schedule, coordinate, and oversee vendor maintenance and break/fix activities, ensuring all work follows approved procedures.
• Evaluate and improve system performance through cost-effective operational enhancements.
• Lead incident and event management efforts, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Oversee employee training and certification programs for mechanical, electrical, and operational competencies.
• Prepare and manage operational and capital budgets for assigned facilities.
• Ensure proper planning, implementation, and closeout of projects within the Data Center facilities.
• Develop scopes of work, solicit bids, and manage contracted services.
• Uphold world-class customer satisfaction by responding promptly and effectively to operational or service-related issues.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to establish and achieve departmental KPIs and performance metrics.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years of experience in Data Center operations, engineering, or maintenance supervision.
• 10+ years of direct management experience with proven leadership and people development skills.
• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical building systems and their operational dependencies.
• Proficiency with CMMS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and Building Automation Systems (BAS).
• Demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional customer service in a mission-critical environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred:

• Experience managing large-scale Data Center campuses or multi-site operations.
• Background in mission-critical maintenance programs or hyperscale environments.
• Knowledge of EPA, OSHA, and other applicable regulatory compliance standards.
• Experience developing or improving MOPs/SOPs in a mission-critical context.
• Familiarity with operational excellence frameworks and continuous improvement methodologies.

Physical Requirements:

Able to remain in a seated position for an extended period and to lift and carry up to 15 lbs. (office manuals, case notebooks, case files, case materials, standard boxes, report binders, etc.) as needed.

Please note that Applied Digital is currently unable to sponsor new applicants for employment authorization or provide immigration-related support for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, visa categories such as H-1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1, O-1, and any Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) or other work authorizations that require employer sponsorship.

Working Conditions Based on Location:

Remote: The Company agrees that Employee may work from home provided employee is in good standing, has a continuous secured internet connection, necessary equipment, and is accessible by MS Teams, phone, fax, and email during business hours. (See Telework policy.)

Office Environment: Business office hours, with work hours necessary to satisfactorily perform job functions. Some overtime may be required to accomplish timely work demands and meet the company's professional commitments. Overtime hours worked are paid to nonexempt employees at one and a half times their hourly pay rate.

Site Location: We are a 24-hour facility. Work hours (shifts) are assigned as necessary to satisfactorily perform job functions, ensure compliance, and support efficient company operations. Some positions require work at irregular hours (nights/weekends), overtime, alternating shifts, and working in challenging conditions (heat/cold, hazardous environments, loud worksites). Overtime hours worked are paid to nonexempt employees at one and a half times their hourly pay rate.

Note:

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the company may deem appropriate.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents acknowledge that they possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.