Vice President of Commissioning

Position Overview:

Fleet Data Centers is seeking a highly accomplished and visionary Vice President of Commissioning to lead and oversee all commissioning activities for our rapidly expanding portfolio of hyperscale data centers. This critical leadership role is responsible for ensuring the flawless operational readiness performance and reliability of our mission-critical facilities from initial design review through integrated systems testing and final handover to operations.

The successful candidate will be a seasoned expert in data center infrastructure with a deep understanding of complex mechanical electrical plumbing (MEP) building management systems (BMS) electrical power monitoring systems (EPMS) security fire protection systems etc.

Additionally data center campus infrastructure such as water treatment plants administration and logistics buildings will be understood from a commissioning perspective. They will possess exceptional leadership strategic planning and communication skills to manage large multidisciplinary teams collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders and drive continuous improvement across all commissioning processes. Engineering and operational execution are table stakes for this role.

The ideal candidate also has General Manager experience with P&L responsibilities in electrical services ensuring new or upgraded electrical infrastructure seamlessly transitions from project completion to successful operation by Fleet and/or its customers. This role demands sharp financial acumen and an innovator mindset to deliver continuously improving speed (lead time) quality and efficiency.

Beyond verifying infrastructure systems are technically sound and compliant they are directly accountable for the commissioning teams performance from the outset of commissioning. This involves influencing design and procurement to optimize future operational costs and ready for service acceleration with a constant focus on minimizing delays and rework and controlling expenditures during the critical handover phase.

Job Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will have experience and practical expertise in the following:

Strategic Leadership & Vision:

• Define develop and implement the overall commissioning strategy standards and strategic priorities for all hyperscale data center campus projects globally or regionally.

• Responsible for tangible performance outcomes for all commissioning activities setting the vision and ensuring alignment with corporate goals for safety quality schedule and budget.

• Apply industry knowledge to benefit customers from continuous engagement on industry trends emerging technologies (e.g. liquid cooling AI infrastructure) and best practices in data center commissioning to drive innovation and maintain operational leadership.

• Develop implement maintain and constantly improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) quality control checklists scripts and safety best practices across the entire commissioning lifecycle.

Commissioning Operations & Execution:

• Oversee and coordinate all phases of commissioning (Level 1-5 including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) Pre-Functional Testing (PFT) Functional Performance Testing (FPT) and Integrated Systems Testing (IST)) for complex MEP systems BMS EPMS and all critical infrastructure campus wide. Level 0 including early involvement with design and planning will also be a priority.

• Provide ownership and technical oversight of commissioning plans scripts protocols testing procedures and final documentation for all critical systems (e.g. substations UPS generators switchgear chillers CRAC/CRAH units fire suppression security systems).

• Ensure all systems meet design intent quality standards performance criteria and regulatory compliance (e.g. ASHRAE NFPA IEEE IEC).

• Define build and manage internal commissioning teams hire and manage third-party commissioning agents and interface with general contractors vendors and end-users. Collaborate closely with pre-construction design engineering construction and operations teams to ensure seamless integration and successful transition from construction to steady-state operations.

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks manage change orders and resolve complex technical issues throughout the commissioning process.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Recruit mentor coach and develop a high-performing and cost-effective team of commissioning managers engineers and field personnel across multiple geographies.

• Foster a culture of accountability continuous improvement safety and professional growth within the commissioning team.

• Conduct performance reviews provide constructive feedback and identify training and upskilling opportunities to enhance team capabilities.

Stakeholder Management & Communication:

• Serve as the executive point of contact for commissioning scope in major projects building and maintaining trusted relationships with clients construction partners consultants and mission-critical facility owners and operators.

• Effectively communicate project progress challenges and solutions to senior leadership cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.

• Lead and facilitate regular meetings ensuring clear directives and consistent communication across all project phases.

Financial & Performance Management:

• Manage commissioning budgets forecasts and resource allocation to ensure cost-efficient project delivery.

• Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and reporting systems to track performance across quality timeliness cost control client satisfaction and business risk.

• Drive operational excellence to meet corporate targets and deliver projects on time and within budget.

Education Professional Certification and Licenses:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Architectural Engineering or a related field. Advanced degree and/or Professional Engineering (PE) license preferred.

Experience:

• 15 years of progressive experience in commissioning with at least 8-10 years in a senior leadership role within the mission-critical sector specifically focused on hyperscale data centers.

• Business leadership at the General Manager level and P&L experience preferred.

• Proven track record of successfully commissioning large-scale complex hyperscale data center projects for top-tier clients.

• Deep expertise in data center critical infrastructure systems (substations electrical distribution UPS generators HVAC cooling fire suppression BMS/DCIM EPMS).

• Thorough understanding of the data center commissioning process (Levels 1-5) and relevant industry standards (e.g. ASHRAE Guidelines Uptime Institute NFPA IEEE IEC).

• Strong knowledge of construction delivery methods (e.g. Design-Build IPD) and how commissioning integrates across these phases.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams in high-pressure high-stakes project environments.

• Exceptional organizational project management and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication negotiation and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders both internally and externally.

• Proficiency in project management software commissioning management platforms and data analysis tools.

• Relevant certifications (e.g. CxA PE LEED AP PMP) are highly desirable.

Required Traits and Skills:

Integrity and Ethical Standards: Build trust ensure fairness and foster long-term transparent relationships with suppliers.

Effective Communication: The ability to clearly convey expectations and requirements to suppliers and negotiation parties while understanding their needs and concerns. Comfortable delivering written and verbal presentations to
internal leadership teams.

Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Ability to understand the emotions cultural nuances and motivations of others while effectively managing ones own emotions during high-pressure negotiations.

Strategic Thinking: Recognize how supplier relationships and negotiations align with the broader organizational goals while aiming for outcomes that benefit both parties.

Critical Thinking Skills: Finding innovative solutions and being flexible in addressing unexpected challenges.

Analytical Ability: Make data-driven decisions assess cost structures and identify potential risks ensuring informed and strategic outcomes.

Influence and Persuasion: Able to effectively advocate for their position build consensus and secure favorable agreements without compromising relationships.

Operational Paranoia: Anticipate risks identify vulnerabilities and proactively implement mechanisms to prevent and minimize disruptions and safeguard safety security availability and scale.

Relationship Management: Cultivate trust collaboration and long-term partnerships while building a broad network that provides valuable benchmarking industry insights and alternative sourcing options.

Location and Travel and Schedule:

• Work location is flexible to remote

• Willingness and ability to travel globally (up to 50%) to project sites as needed.

Expected Salary Range: $240000 - $300000 Bonus

Fleet Data Centers Employment

Fleet Data Centers employees enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits including 100% employer-covered medical dental and vision insurance a 401K program standard paid holidays and unlimited PTO.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the organizations ongoing needs.

Fleet Data Centers is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age race color religion sex national origin sexual orientation gender identity disability or veteran status. If you need assistance applying for any of our open positions please contact us at.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.