Operations Leader- Data Center

Are you inspired by challenging the status quo? Do you thrive in collaborative environments that drive results? If so, Gates could be for you.

Gates is a leading manufacturer of application-specific fluid power and power transmission solutions. We push the boundaries of material science to engineer solutions that continually exceed customer expectations.

Let's simplify it, think belts and hoses. Found in motorcycles, conveyor belts, cars, tractors, blenders, vacuum cleaners, bicycles, & 3D printers just to name a few. Because why not do it all?

Position Summary

Gates is seeking a highly capable Operations Leader to drive end-to-end operational excellence across mission-critical data center environments. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient performance of all site operations, including infrastructure, cooling systems, maintenance, and service delivery, while meeting uptime and customer expectations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide full site leadership and accountability for data center operations, including facilities, maintenance, engineering, and vendor management.
• Ensure reliable, continuous operation of critical infrastructure including power, cooling, and fluid systems supporting data center environments.
• Drive uptime performance through proactive maintenance programs, incident response leadership, and root cause problem solving.
• Own site-level performance metrics across safety, reliability, cost, and service delivery.
• Develop and manage operating budgets, forecasts, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives leveraging Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance operational efficiency.
• Implement and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), emergency protocols, and maintenance schedules.
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, commercial, and product teams to align operations with customer and business needs.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and safety requirements.
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing operations team, including hiring, training, and performance management.

Keys to Success

• Keeps self-control in hard situations.
• Strong Communication skills
• Problem Solving and decision making.
• Costumer focus (internal and external)
• Negotiation skills
• Creativity, proactivity, and teamwork.
• Problem Solving process.
• Exceptional attention to internal and external customer requests
• Negotiation skills

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Requirements And Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in operations leadership within assemblies, critical infrastructure, or manufacturing environments.
• Strong leadership, financial, and operational management capabilities.
• Experience with data center cooling systems, power distribution, and critical infrastructure.
• Experience managing processes engineering and testing equipment.
• Experience operating in or supporting Class 10,000 (ISO 7) cleanroom environments, including adherence to contamination control protocols, gowning procedures, and environmental quality standards for mission-critical operations.
• Knowledge of fluid systems, hoses, or thermal management technologies.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement certification or experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

WHY GATES?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law.