Manager, Critical Operations

At Rowan Digital Infrastructure, we are transforming data center delivery for speed and scale. Our mission is to deliver best-in-class data center solutions to hyperscale customers who share our commitment to sustainability, and to do so with an unwavering focus on efficiency, quality, and flexibility. Our data center solutions are tailored to our customers’ needs and delivered by our exceptional end-to-end team. Rowan is assembling a strategic portfolio of data center sites in Tier 1 markets across the United States at various stages of development, and we’re looking for incredible and passionate people to help us advance our company and our commitment to building a more sustainable future.

Rowan is backed by Quinbrook, a leading investor in the energy transition, and Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager.

Ready to join us in transforming the future of data centers and sustainability? Apply now to explore exciting career opportunities at Rowan Digital Infrastructure and be a part of our mission to revolutionize data center delivery.

Role Summary

As a Manager, Critical Operations, you will be responsible for the property's overall condition and operational integrity, ensuring the reliability, maintenance, and compliance of all landlord-owned infrastructure. This includes substations, electrical distribution systems, roofing, stormwater management, exterior lighting, roadways, and all infrastructure extending to the facility's exterior. You will oversee maintenance programs, vendor management, and risk mitigation strategies, ensuring the infrastructure remains operationally sound, compliant with regulatory standards, and aligned with tenant needs.

This role requires strong technical expertise in critical infrastructure management, a proactive approach to asset maintenance, and the ability to coordinate with vendors, internal teams, and regulatory agencies. You will play a key role in minimizing disruptions, optimizing infrastructure performance, and maintaining the safety and efficiency of all landlord-maintained assets.

Travel: Ability to travel up to (20%) for company gatherings

Location: Frederick, MD

Compensation: $126K -$150K (Offers Bonus)

Essential Responsibilities

Governance and Compliance Management

Ensure regulatory and safety compliance You will oversee maintenance activities and vendor operations to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA, environmental laws, and building codes. You will maintain documentation of inspections, permits, and compliance reports to ensure audit readiness

Manage contract adherence You will verify that vendor contracts align with company policies and regulatory requirements. This includes tracking service level agreements (SLAs), monitoring contract performance, and documenting deviations or corrective actions

Support internal and external audits You will participate in scheduled compliance reviews and audits, ensuring that operational and safety standards are consistently met. Any identified risks or non-compliance issues will be escalated for resolution in collaboration with senior leadership

Maintenance & Technical Operations

Develop and implement maintenance programs You will execute a structured maintenance program, integrating preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance strategies to enhance asset longevity and operational reliability

Oversee critical infrastructure performance You will manage the operation and maintenance of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and structural systems on the exteriors of the buildings. This includes conducting condition assessments, troubleshooting performance issues, and coordinating necessary repairs or upgrades

Utilize maintenance tracking systems You will leverage a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track work orders, manage service requests, and analyze maintenance trends. This ensures efficient operations and data-driven decision-making

Vendor & Financial Management

Oversee vendor relationships and performance You will coordinate vendor selection, ensuring contractors meet technical qualifications, safety standards, and performance expectations. You will track vendor work quality, enforce service agreements, and provide performance feedback

Manage operational budgets You will monitor maintenance and operational budgets, ensuring expenses align with financial planning objectives. You will identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining infrastructure integrity and service quality

Support capital expenditure planning You will contribute to the planning and execution of capital projects by assessing infrastructure conditions, reviewing vendor proposals, and coordinating project timelines and deliverables

Risk Management & Emergency Preparedness

Conduct proactive risk assessments You will regularly assess infrastructure vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies to prevent disruptions in critical environments. You will analyze maintenance data, vendor reports, and past incidents to identify trends that require attention

Implement emergency response protocols You will ensure all emergency response procedures align with business continuity and safety requirements. This includes coordinating drills, scenario planning, and on-site incident management

Serve as an on-site emergency lead You will act as the first point of contact for infrastructure-related emergencies, ensuring swift coordination with internal teams, emergency responders, and regulatory agencies

Stakeholder & Tenant Relationship Management

Serve as the primary tenant liaison You will communicate with tenants regarding maintenance activities, service disruptions, and infrastructure updates, ensuring clear expectations and minimal operational impact

Conduct regular tenant engagement meetings You will schedule routine check-ins with tenants to gather feedback, address concerns, and proactively manage infrastructure dependencies

Ensure transparency in service delivery You will provide timely updates on service requests, project timelines, and escalation pathways, ensuring tenants remain informed and confident in operational processes

Stakeholder Collaboration & Communication

Coordinate with internal and external teams You will work closely with procurement, legal, security, and sustainability teams to align operational priorities with business objectives

Ensure clear and proactive communication You will establish structured communication channels, ensuring all stakeholders remain informed about ongoing activities, planned maintenance, and potential service impacts

Support leadership in strategic initiatives You will provide data driven insights and operational updates to senior leadership, contributing to infrastructure planning and organizational improvements

Education, Skills, and Experience

Minimum of 7 years of experience in facilities operations, critical environments, or industrial infrastructure management

At least 3 years in a leadership role overseeing maintenance teams or vendor operations

Strong technical knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and structural systems in critical environments

Experience managing vendor contracts, budgets, and compliance processes

Proficiency in CMMS platforms and data driven maintenance tracking

Knowledge of regulatory standards, risk management, and emergency response protocols

Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and tenant relationships

Fueled by Excellence & Collaboration

At Rowan, we are a distributed team united by a common mission to transform data center delivery. Across our two offices, we offer a hybrid work environment supported by teamwork, technology, and in-office gathering time to help you be successful. We are headquartered in downtown Denver, Colorado and have an office in Seattle, Washington. Our team of talented and passionate individuals is spread out across the U.S.

Here to support you

At Rowan, we want to make sure you can do great work. We offer competitive benefits focused on helping you be and achieve your best.

Hybrid working environment

Team building and educational opportunities

Generous benefits package including robust health benefits and a 401(k)-company contribution

Unlimited PTO

RTD ECO pass or parking reimbursement

Competitive compensation, bonus, and an incentive plan

Equal Opportunity Employer

Rowan Digital is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all aspects of our workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.