Technical Program Manager (Operational Readiness) (Data Centers)

Technical Program Manager – Operational Readiness (Data Centers)Location: Afton, TexasSalary: $200,000 + BonusAbout the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Technical Program Manager (TPM) to lead operational readiness activities across data center development projects. The TPM will act as the site-level operational readiness lead, owning the workstream from early design coordination through commissioning, final punch-list completion, and operational turnover.The role will translate operational readiness standards, processes, and frameworks into effective site-level execution. Acting as the primary operations representative, the TPM will work closely with Construction, Engineering, EHS, PMO, Commissioning Agents, third-party data center operators, and tenants to ensure operational requirements are embedded early and carried through to a safe, complete, and accountable handover.The successful candidate will be comfortable managing multiple sites simultaneously and working across projects at different stages of development. In partnership with the Technical Operations Manager and Technical Operations Engineer, the TPM will assess operator readiness, drive outstanding actions through completion, and execute a structured transfer of operational ownership before moving on to the next project.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Readiness & Design CoordinationAct as the primary site-level operations stakeholder during design and pre-construction phases.Ensure operational requirements, maintainability, reliability, and operating standards are incorporated into project designs and deliverables.Partner with Engineering, Operations Reliability, and Construction teams to identify and resolve design issues that could affect operational performance, maintainability, or safety following turnover.Verify that the completed facility aligns with the intended operating model and identify discrepancies early enough to enable effective resolution.Maintain visibility of project schedules and proactively identify risks that could impact operational readiness or turnover milestones.Escalate significant readiness risks, dependencies, and decisions to senior operational leadership.Commissioning OversightRepresent Operations throughout the commissioning process.Ensure systems are commissioned in accordance with approved technical and operational standards.Coordinate Commissioning Agents, Engineering, Construction, and third-party data center operators to establish clear scope, sequencing, responsibilities, and acceptance criteria.Review and validate commissioning results against the technical and operational requirements established for turnover.Ensure deficiencies and outstanding commissioning activities are clearly documented, assigned, tracked, and resolved.Maintain commissioning records and documentation to support audit requirements and provide a reliable operational reference following handover.Operator Readiness & TurnoverWork closely with the Technical Operations Manager and Technical Operations Engineer to assess third-party operator readiness ahead of key turnover milestones.Validate operator readiness across procedures, staffing, training, qualifications, documentation, and site familiarisation.Ensure operational teams have the information, competencies, procedures, and site-specific knowledge required to assume responsibility at Ready for Service (RFS).Own the site punch-list process through final completion and formal acceptance.Ensure outstanding items are appropriately risk-assessed, assigned, tracked, and closed prior to turnover.Lead a structured and documented operational handover to the Technical Operations Manager.Confirm that ownership, responsibilities, documentation, open actions, and ongoing commitments are clearly transferred before disengaging from the site.Cross-Functional Program ManagementAct as the primary operational liaison across PMO, Construction, Engineering, EHS, Commissioning Agents, third-party operators, and tenants.Establish and maintain a clear view of operational readiness across all project workstreams.Track progress, risks, dependencies, decisions, and critical actions through to completion.Provide regular readiness reporting to senior operational leadership.Partner with PMO to ensure operational readiness milestones are incorporated into the master project schedule.Drive resolution of cross-functional dependencies that could affect project timelines, operational readiness, or turnover quality.Maintain accountability across multiple stakeholders while ensuring key actions are completed to the required standard.EHS & ComplianceEnsure EHS requirements are incorporated into commissioning and turnover activities in partnership with the EHS team.Verify that site conditions, operating practices, and life-safety systems meet applicable requirements prior to turnover.Ensure regulatory, compliance, and safety documentation is complete, accurate, and suitable for transfer to the operational team.Identify and escalate any safety, compliance, or operational risks that could prevent successful turnover.Tenant CoordinationWhere applicable, engage with tenants and their representatives throughout commissioning and turnover.Coordinate expectations around project timelines, access requirements, operational interfaces, and readiness activities.Act as the operational point of contact for tenant-facing questions and commitments during the pre-turnover phase.Coordinate with the Technical Operations Manager on any tenant matters that will continue following operational handover.What We're Looking For8+ years of experience in data center operations, commissioning, critical facilities, or technical program management.Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional programs within mission-critical environments.Strong technical understanding of electrical, mechanical, controls, and critical infrastructure systems commonly found within data centers.Demonstrated experience leading commissioning, operational readiness, and turnover activities within structured, milestone-driven projects.Experience managing multiple concurrent projects or sites while maintaining strong attention to detail and accountability.Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical matters for technical and non-technical audiences.Demonstrated ability to identify risks early, drive accountability, and deliver outcomes across multiple teams.Desirable ExperienceExperience working within hyperscale or large-scale data center environments.Familiarity with relevant OSHA, NFPA, NETA, IEC, and IEEE standards.Experience working within or alongside a formal PMO environment.Background in construction management, critical systems commissioning, facilities engineering, or operational readiness.Experience within military, utility, industrial, or other highly regulated and mission-critical operating environments.Experience working with third-party data center operators and tenant organisations.What We OfferCompetitive base salary and performance-related bonus.Comprehensive paid time off and company holidays.Company-supported health and wellbeing benefits.Employer retirement contributions.Generous parental leave.Access to coaching, counselling, and employee wellbeing programmes.A collaborative, high-performance working environment.Opportunities to work on large-scale, technically complex data center infrastructure projects.The opportunity to play a key role in the delivery and operationalisation of next-generation data center facilities.Equal OpportunityWe are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to age, race, colour, creed, religion, sex or gender, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or partnership status, caregiver status, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.