Role Overview
The Data Centre Commissioning Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing the end-to-end commissioning process across the client's EMEA data center projects. Acting on behalf of the client, this role ensures that all mission-critical infrastructure, electrical, mechanical, controls, and ICT systems, are thoroughly tested, verified, and delivered to operational excellence before handover.

The successful candidate will have proven technical engineering and commissioning experience in large-scale (hyperscale or colocation) data centers, with deep knowledge of electrical and mechanical infrastructure, control systems, and data center operations.

Key Responsibilities
Commissioning Strategy & Planning

• Develop and execute the client's commissioning standards and strategic plans across multiple projects.
• Define the commissioning scope, schedule, and methodology during design development.
• Collaborate with design and construction teams to ensure designs are "commissioning-ready" incorporating testability, safe isolation, and system reliability.
• Prepare and manage commissioning documentation, including commissioning plans, pre-functional checklists, integrated test procedures, turnover packages, and final validation reports.

Execution Management

• Oversee the commissioning process for all major building systems:
• Electrical Infrastructure: Utility interface, MV/LV switchgear, generators, UPS systems, load banks, and power distribution systems.
• Mechanical Infrastructure: Chillers, CRAHs/CRACs, cooling towers, pumps, and associated control valves.
• Building Controls and Monitoring Systems: SCADA, BMS, EPMS, and integration to DCIM.
• Security and ICT Systems: Access control, CCTV, networking, and structured cabling interfaces.
• Monitor and control commissioning activities to ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational performance expectations.
• Witness and validate Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), Site Acceptance Tests (SATs), and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) on behalf of the client.
• Maintain accurate test documentation and ensure all commissioning deliverables meet the client's specifications and regulatory standards.

Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as the client's commissioning representative during coordination meetings with design consultants, contractors, and third-party commissioning agents.
• Review contractor commissioning plans, test scripts, and results prior to execution.
• Oversee the resolution of punch lists, deficiencies, and non-conformances.
• Ensure seamless knowledge transfer between construction teams and operations teams post-commissioning.
• Manage stakeholder expectations, providing clear reporting and progress updates to the client's technical leadership.

Client Representation & Governance

• Uphold the client's standards and interests throughout the commissioning process.
• Validate and sign off all commissioning milestones and handover documentation to verify readiness for operational acceptance.
• Enforce commissioning governance through compliance audits and procedural adherence.
• Serve as a technical liaison between the client and third-party commissioning firms to maintain consistency and quality across all sites.

Operational Readiness

• Ensure systems are commissioned for reliability, redundancy, and maintainability per the client's and industry standards (Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, NFPA, IEC).
• Support MEP and operations teams in performance tuning and energy optimization during handover.
• Coordinate training and turnover documentation for the operations team, ensuring facility readiness at Day?1 operation.
• Verify the integration and functionality of alarm, monitoring, and controls systems across facility disciplines.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze lessons learned and feedback from completed projects to refine commissioning processes.
• Drive standardization and continuous improvement across the client's data center commissioning programs in EMEA.
• Evaluate emerging commissioning technologies, tools, and analytics software to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 10+ years' technical experience in commissioning or construction management within mission-critical facilities (hyperscale data centers highly preferred).
• Deep expertise in:
• Electrical and mechanical systems design, installation, and integrated testing.
• Commissioning of control systems such as SCADA, BMS, and EPMS.
• Understanding redundancy principles (N+1, 2N) and critical path sequencing.
• Familiarity with DCIM integration and operational acceptance planning.
• Thorough understanding of commissioning fundamentals, methodologies, and documentation standards.
• Proven ability to manage complex multi-vendor environments and conflicting priorities.
• Strong command of safety management, statutory compliance, and quality assurance procedures.
• High proficiency in interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and one-line diagrams.
• Outstanding project management, coordination, and stakeholder communication skills.

Person Specification

• Technically experienced and detail-oriented with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Strong leader with the ability to manage complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communicator with an ability to interface confidently across all organizational levels.
• Customer-focused, ensuring the client's commissioning requirements are met on time and to specification.
• Passionate about operational excellence and continuous improvement.