Data Center Technical Lead

As a Data Center Lead, you will spend more than 50% of your time working hands-on alongside Data Center Technicians (IC1 and IC2) to support installations, troubleshooting, and maintenance of servers, networking equipment, and cabling. The remaining time will be dedicated to onsite team management, operational oversight, and administrative duties.

This role requires advanced technical knowledge, strong leadership skills, and the ability to ensure operational excellence while fostering a high-performing team environment.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Foster an environment of responsibility and empowerment by leading by example, providing guidance, and promoting a constructive and efficient team atmosphere.
• Ensure compliance and quality of all data center services, enforcing adherence to client policies, procedures, timelines, and service changes.
• Provide technical direction and ensure technicians are trained on protocols for setup, deployment, troubleshooting, and post-implementation quality assurance.
• Ensure all data center activities adhere to industry best practices and operational standards
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics on servers and networking equipment; repair hardware components such as hard drives, RAM, motherboards, and cabling.
• Manage ticket workflows, monitor progress, and ensure timely resolution of issues per the SLA requirements.
• Oversee inventory management, ensuring accurate pulling, tracking, and updating of inventory systems.
• Lead and participate in special projects, including equipment moves and racking, ensuring proper execution and safety compliance.
• Act as the primary escalation point for technical and operational issues, resolving complex problems and coordinating solutions.
• Conduct quality assessments, provide constructive feedback, and coach technicians to achieve high performance.
• Hold daily or weekly safety meetings, enforce PPE usage, and ensure adherence to all safety protocols (electrical hazards, lift operation, ladder usage, etc.).
• Manage staff scheduling, workload distribution, and adjust priorities based on changing operational needs.
• Approve timecards accurately and on time for error-free billing.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings, annual performance reviews, and apply disciplinary processes when necessary.
• Provide explanations for operational performance results and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and service quality.
• Screen and schedule temporary labor resources for short-term projects; collaborate with recruiting to interview and recommend hires for permanent positions.
• Own onboarding and training for all new hires and manage team morale initiatives.
• Collaborate with other Data Center Leads across regions to share best practices and drive consistency.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by management to support operational excellence.

What You Will Need to Succeed

• College diploma/degree or minimum 2 years of leadership experience in a technical environment.
• A Real ID or other federally accepted identification for U.S. travel.
• Complete all deliverables assigned by leadership within established timelines, ensuring accuracy and quality.
• Foster and oversee new projects and procedural improvements that support company growth and operational efficiency.
• Conduct regular meetings with the local client to address upcoming changes, resolve questions, and maintain strong communication.
• Provide on-call support during weekend shifts as required to ensure continuity of operations.
• Create and maintain cross-functional relationships with the client and other vendors to promote collaboration, efficiency, and a positive service environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with computer hardware diagnostics and repair.
• Ability to recommend improvements in operational management systems, processes, and best practices.
• Experience managing resource budgets, forecasts, and monitoring KPIs.
• Ability to increase quality of customer service and operational efficiency.
• Ability and willingness to travel to other supported data center locations as needed for operational support, projects, and training.
• Comfortable communicating face-to-face and via virtual video calls.
• High level of written and oral fluency in English.
• Ability to learn new software quickly and adapt to changing technologies.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize effectively, and work independently.
• Ability to safely lift, push, pull, and move at least 50 pounds.
• Comfortable wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods.
• Capable of walking long distances throughout the day.
• Willingness to work in environments that may include hot aisles and indoor areas reaching 90+ degrees Fahrenheit during certain times of the year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Familiarity with inventory management systems and data center operational workflows.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop technical teams.
• Extensive data center experience and exposure, with a strong commitment to following and enforcing industry best practices for operations, safety, and compliance.

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