Data Centre Deployment Lead/Manager

Contract: Senior Datacentre Deployment Lead/Manager
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: To end of 2026
Location: Amsterdam with some EU Travel when required during deployments
Rate: €515-550 a day B2B assignment. Travel expensed
Reference: 20220

Contract Assignment
The Lead DC Field Manager is a senior, hands-on leadership role responsible for the operational delivery, governance, and quality assurance of data centre field services across multiple sites. This position owns the day-to-day execution of on-site activities, leads distributed field teams and partner resources, and acts as the primary operational interface between customers, project management, and technical delivery functions.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Act as the on-site and regional operational lead across assigned data centre locations
• Manage, coach, and oversee field technicians, subcontractors, and partner resources
• Ensure consistent delivery standards, safety compliance, and quality outcomes across all sites
• Provide senior-level escalation support for complex technical or operational issues

Delivery & Execution

• Oversee site surveys, installation activities, migrations, and break/fix operations
• Review and validate site readiness, remediation actions, and implementation plans
• Ensure correct staging, configuration, and deployment of infrastructure in line with design documentation
• Own post-installation validation, QA sign-off, and as-built documentation

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with Project Managers to plan, resource, and execute concurrent workstreams
• Coordinate schedules, access, and sequencing across multiple active sites
• Serve as the operational point of contact for customers during on-site delivery
• Provide clear reporting on progress, risks, and issues to internal and external stakeholders

Process, Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Define and improve field delivery processes, tooling, and documentation
• Establish quality control standards and field best practices
• Train and mentor field engineers on technical standards, customer engagement, and safety
• Ensure adherence to change control, incident management, and escalation procedures

Technical Oversight
Provide technical oversight for:

• Physical infrastructure installations (racking, stacking, cabling). Cisco technology
• Network and compute hardware deployments
• Console access and remote engineering enablement
• OS upgrades and firmware updates
• DOA testing and hardware validation
• Ensure correct interpretation and execution of slotting matrices, cabling diagrams, and layouts

Required Experience & Skills
Leadership & Delivery

• Proven experience leading field-based teams within data centre or critical infrastructure environments
• Strong decision-making ability in fast-paced, operationally complex settings
• Experience managing multiple sites, workstreams, and competing priorities
• Confident communicator with both technical teams and senior customer stakeholders

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of data centre operations and infrastructure
• Knowledge of structured cabling, fibre types, and optic standards
• Experience with network and compute hardware from major vendors (eg Cisco, Juniper)
• Familiarity with command-line interfaces and common networking protocols
• Experience coordinating OS upgrades and hardware life cycle activities

Operational Competencies

• Comfortable working with incomplete or ambiguous information
• Strong organisational, planning, and time management skills
• Ability to assess risk, apply judgement, and maintain delivery momentum
• Experience working under pressure while maintaining quality and safety standards

Qualifications (or Equivalent Experience)

• Relevant degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Data centre experience is essential
• Industry certifications or equivalent knowledge (eg Network+, CCNA-level, BICSI)
• Minimum 5+ years' progressive experience in data centre, field services, or infrastructure delivery roles

Networking People (UK) is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.